'The tea-party is a spa for the soul' -Alexander Stoddard (philosopher and author)
Teatimeentertaining was a tradition started by Anna, the Duchess of Bedford inthe 17th century and has over the years become a popular practice. Contraryto popular belief high tea was not a ceremony that was practiced by theelite but traditionally a full meal that the working middle class wouldhave as their evening supper accompanied with tea. It is typically the'low tea' that is normally held in the afternoon anywhere between 3-5p.m. While the ambience and surrounding of a modern day tea party maybe different, the basic structure remains more or less the same. Hereare some tips to host the perfect tea party: • Sendout your invitations at least a week in advance so guests can organizetheir calendars. Guests in turn should respond promptly. It would be agood idea to follow up with a phone call. • Invitelike-minded people to make it a fun and relaxed afternoon. You couldhave an intimate group of a few guests or larger groups depending onthe occasion. • Planyour menu, taking into consideration guests dietary requirements(vegetarian/non-vegetarian) and the availability of the different typesof teas, breads, cakes etc. If you are ordering-out be sure to placeyour order well in advance. • Yourmenu should have a choice of teas/coffees (hot and cold), finger foodslike delicate sandwiches, mini cakes and tarts, stuffed rolls etc. Fora slightly more elaborate spread you could include a fresh fruit salad,nuts, hot croissants and scones with clotted cream and jam. • Ensureyour china and silverware is polished and the table beautifully setwith pretty tea napkins and a centerpiece decorated with fresh flowersor the fruits of the season. • Attentionshould be paid to the ambience which would include lighting, softbackground music, correct temperature and ventilation of the room andcomfortable seating for every guest. • Whenthe tea is served, as a rule it should be poured out by the hostess orthe help. The guests may gather around the table where the buffet isset and help themselves to the food and bring it back to the set table.Someone should be put in charge to ensure that fresh tea or coffee isserved hot as and when required and the buffet table is periodicallyreplenished. • Asfar as attire is concerned one simple rule to follow is that you alwaysget dressed for a tea-party. However, whether you decide to go withcasual-chic, semi-formal or formal will depend on the type oftea-party. Always check the invitation to ensure you know exactly whichtype of tea-party you have been invited to. The dress code for a gardentea-party will be different from one that is held indoors. • Conversationshould be light, neutral and of general interest. Jokes and anecdotesare part and parcel of a party as long as it is free of personalattacks and within the limits of politeness, civility and good behavior. Finally a relaxed hostess is a successful one. Group Moderator for [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Connect your World with Us join Now - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dimpill_gang/join Affiliated group from dimpill_gang for Only Adult Mails - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fantazies/join Affiliated group from dimpill_gang for Only Health and Food Mails - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Health_and_Gourmet/join Meet people who discuss and share your passions. Go to http://in.promos.yahoo.com/groups/bestofyahoo/
