Tea Party Ideas

A revival of social traditions of the past has led to the growing popularity of tea parties. Some of the indications of this trend is the increase of tea sales in the U.S and appearance of tea rooms throughout the country. While Jane Austen's books give us a mental picture of what the Victorian tea parties must have been like, we may need to adapt them to modern setting. Contemporary tea party idea must be such that they don't need a house full of staff to set up. One can have an elegant tea party complete with a cozy ambiance, quiet conversation, and etiquette, without it being lavish, or time-consuming. Tea parties are the perfect, yet unique way to celebrate many occasions, such as a retirement party, bridal or baby shower, a book reading, a birthday celebration, or even just to catch up with good friends.

Hosting a Tea Party

If you are planning to host a tea party, these are a few details you may benefit from knowing. Traditionally tea parties are hosted between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m, and are meant to provide a light, between the meal snacks. While the British tradition is to serve tea with milk and sugar, now plain, flavored tea, coffee, or iced tea are also seen as acceptable. Tea party options include recipes of small sandwiches of smoked salmon, cream cheese and prosciutto, cucumber and butter, mozzarella and tomato or egg salad and watercress. No tea party is complete without English scones served with butter, clotted cream and strawberry jam. A serving of sweet foods such as sweet cakes, tarts, petit fours, and other pastries must also be included. While planning a tea party, know that a china tea set is a must. If you have one, set about preparing your menu. Send out the invitations that correspond with your theme, well in advance. Learn how to set the table for a tea party, and plan a pretty centerpiece. With these steps in place, you should host a well-organized tea party.

Tea Party Ideas

Tea Party For Adults
One of my favorite Mother's day party ideas is a mother daughter tea party. If you are looking for a way to appreciate a woman in her role as a mother, start with her daughter. Invite mothers and daughters for the party and inform each daughter to prepare a little something to say to honor her mom. If the party is a hit, you can make it a once a month affair, so as to bridge the gap between the generations. Each meeting can focus on a different aspect, such as fashion, relationships and health. Ladies tea parties can be along the same lines, sans the youngster. An interesting idea is to have one at work, during the tea break. If you are hosting it, you can carry the sandwiches, cookies, scones, or you can make it like a pot luck. Someone will need to carry the teapot and tea cups, though if it is too much of a hassle you can manage without it.

Children's Tea Party
For a tea party for kids, you may not want to bring out you best china, but explore other safer (lesser breakable) options. It is the perfect kind of party for a toddler, as the timing and duration is perfect for younger kids. Little girls will also love a tea party, where they all get to wear pretty dresses, hats, and play 'grown up'. Remember to send out teapot shaped invitations in keeping with the theme. Another idea that kids will like is an Alice in Wonderland tea party, replete with characters and costume.

These tea party ideas should spark your creativity, putting you in the position to come up with the most original ideas. If you still need help, I've found that watching Mansfield Park always helps.