A Traditional English Tea Party
Usually reserved for the “upper crust” of society, the formal Afternoon Tea has served as great entertainment for kings and queens for nearly two centuries. Beginning with the proper environment, many people love the art of taking afternoon tea in a tea room, the formal lobby of an elegant, old hotel, or the formal gardens of someone’s home. Certainly, an environment different from any other you may have experienced would be the most appropriate place to host your traditional English Tea Party.
Some Tea Rooms boast specialty items on their menu, conducive to their particular region. Michigan Cherry Scones are a wonderful find in Tea Rooms around the State! You will also find many interesting “tea related” gift items in many of these tiny, but traditional places. Look for a Tea Room that sells the same scone mix they use from their selected menu items.
Most teas begin with a sherbet punch served in tall, stemmed champagne flutes. This color and presence sets the stage for a party separate from the rest. It also gives guests the opportunity to mix and mingle before they are seated for tea. If you are hosting your Tea Party in a formal garden, be sure to use garden colors for your tablecloths and napkins. Try to create place settings that “sparkle” and compliment the gardens and your surroundings. Your menu should be a selection of small sandwiches, scones and sweet, but ever so light, savories. Beautiful garden strawberries and fresh fruit should accompany your plate of English scones.
Music playing in the background or a harpist at the entrance of your tea room will set the stage for guests arriving and anticipating an afternoon to remember.