Not that Red Hatters actually need an excuse to party, but there’s nothing like a tea to relax and spend some
quality time with friends. Besides, hosting a tea is a great reason to use the china that only sees the light of
day during the holidays or to show off your teacup collection. How about tea on the veranda? Don’t have a
veranda or is it the dead of winter? No problem! Transform your “tea space” into a tropical veranda. Have a
perfect porch? These tips will work there too.
The Invitation
In our hectic world, we so often rely on phone calls and email to make contact, but teas are about taking the
time to relax and reflect, so consider sending note cards or pre-printed invitations to announce your party.
Don’t forget to include the “dress code” for the tea party, and the need to wear summer gloves! Give your
invitees at least two weeks to respond, and make the deadline for RSVPs at least a week before your party.
The Menu
If this is to be an afternoon tea, choose a simple menu that includes something savory (like tea sandwiches),
something served warm (like scones or tea bread) and something sweet (like cake or cookies) for a start. If
you’re planning to serve a high tea, which would include main dishes, consider serving something grilled.
Since the tea will have a summer theme, think of using fresh fruit as one of your offerings. Hot tea and iced
tea could be offered, as could a fruit punch. Serve brandy in small snifters to those who want it, or use non-
alcoholic brandy flavoring in one of your dishes to stay with the theme.
The Decor
Silk potted palms are often available at big craft stores, but real ones can often be rented from local florists
who will usually deliver them and then pick them up. If your budget is tight, try using dollar store plates with
palm trees in them, or inexpensive palm tree fabric. If you’re the crafty sort, construct your own palms! Clear
Christmas lights draped in a palm, across a window or from a fireplace mantel will add to the ambiance. You
could also use candles to create the mood. Burn unscented candles so they won’t compete with the
tantalizing smells of the food. Fill all your vases with flowers—real or silk or a combination thereof. Save
some flowers for a centerpiece for the serving table or another prominent place. Consider a silk flower
arrangement in a red hat with lots of purple marabou and a fancy pair of summer gloves. (a caution to cat
owners—most cats cannot resist marabou, so keep an eye on the cat!) If you’re serving at table or serving
buffet-style, cover the surface with a white tablecloth, and then use red and purple fabric runners—if you
can find these colors in a tropical print, so much the better.
The China
If you have china that you hardly ever use because it’s too nice for everyday, this is the perfect occasion to
use it, especially the serving pieces. The same goes for the “good” silverware. Don’t have hidden caches of
fancy silverware and dishes? Larger greeting card shops and party shops usually carry very pretty paper
ware sets that include small plates, hot cups, matching napkins and tablecloths. There are often serving
pieces in the same pattern. If you can’t find the serving pieces, just pick up a pack of dinner-sized plates to
use instead.
The Entertainment
Savor each other’s company for a blissful hour or two.
If you need more assistance hosting a tea party, our book "Come To Tea!" is exactly what you’re looking for.
It’s a step-by-step guide to hosting a tea without losing your mind.
Copyright 2006, Teapot Press, All Rights Reserved