The mention of a garden tea party triggers many things in people’s minds. Do you think of certain scenes from Alice in Wonderland, blue-haired ladies, the British gentry, pinky fingers floating in air or Victorian décor? Since the old days, tea parties are elegant affairs held in the late afternoons. However, customs have changed over the years and a tea party can start as early as mid-day.
Originally intended to entertain business clients, biscuits or scones, savory, bite-size sandwiches, sweets and, of course, a good tea pot, are typical of tea parties. Unlike dinner parties, tea parties aren’t involving. Whether you’re planning a retirement, baby shower, birthday or bridal party, or just organizing a casual session with friends, you won’t go wrong with a tea party.
Here are the top four tips to hosting a successful garden tea party:
Top 4 Tips to Organizing a Successful Garden Tea Party
1. Decorate Your Garden for the Party
Use paper or bunting chains, freshly-picked flowers from your rose garden (if you have one) and candlelight to improve your garden décor for the party. Use small teapots or milk jugs to act as your flower vases, giving your party venue a perfect finishing touch. Dress your tea table in colorful tablecloths and fresh linen and napkins for a functional yet attractive look.
Alternatively, consider patterned paper plates and napkins to save you money and the time you’d spend washing linens after the party. Use different china teaware ranging from vintage to antique variations for a mismatching look. If you don’t often host tea parties, consider hiring your china so you don’t end up with things you won’t use again.
2. Develop a Contingency Plan for Wet Weather
Your garden party is bound to be affected by change in weather. Place gazebos at strategic locations in your garden so that your party continues even if it begins to rain.
3. Prepare Food Early
Prepare food early before your guests arrive. You can let plates of food be passed around the table or present your food in a buffet style for easy access. Tea time is an honored elegance and refinement tradition in many parts of the world. Add your best collection of silver, china and linens on the tea table to give it some grace and shine with a traditional touch.
Prepare your crustless, dainty and well-filled finger sandwiches; garlic and ham jam sandwiches; or traditional cheddar cheese, cucumber and tomato sandwiches in time. Fruit scones lashed with clotted cream and strawberry jam, a Victoria Sponge decorated at the top with whipped cream and tartlets are great treat ideas for your tea party.
4. Kick-off the Party with a Refreshing Beverage
Kick-off the party with a non-alcoholic beverage. Serve sparkling drinking water in jam jars together with a chilled cordial elderflower. Add color or flavor to the drinking water using fresh raspberries or any other small, brightly-colored fruits of your liking.
Serve loose leaf tea from https://www.tea-and-coffee.com/ from an easy-to-use teapot. The key here is to give your guests new, yet interesting ideas while ensuring they enjoy themselves at your garden tea party. Most importantly, keep your elbows off the table and remember your manners.
Contact Tea & Coffee today to order your loose leaf tea for your upcoming garden tea party.
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2. Develop a Contingency Plan for Wet Weather – This is the best tip… always need a plan B 🙂
Great ideas we have recently moved home and finally have a garden we can’t wait to use it in the summer, my 5 year old daughter would absolutely love a tea party xxx