Planning
an Afternoon Tea Party

An afternoon tea party makes the perfect occasion for almost any celebration, and it's possibly the easiest of all social occasions to organize and host! The key to success is all down to the planning!

It is believed that the tradition of afternoon tea was originated in England by Anna, 7th Duchess of Bedford. She was apparently rather fond of having her butler deliver tea with sweet and savory morsels to her sitting room at around 4pm. Soon she began inviting her friends to join her��.and so (rumor has it!) the great English tradition of the afternoon tea party began!

A lot of history has passed since, and the tradition of "taking tea" has changed almost beyond recognition! Here in England, just as in many other parts of the western world, the ritual of afternoon tea is now largely reserved for special occasions. It can be enjoyed in fashionable London hotels or elegant Manhattan tea houses and is especially perfect for either a formal or informal afternoon tea party at home with friends, family or business colleagues.

If you are considering hosting a tea party in your home, the following tips and guidelines may be helpful:

Planning
The Menu
How to Make Proper Tea
Afternoon Tea Etiquette

Planning

As with ALL social events, good planning is absolutely essential! An afternoon tea party is the perfect event for the hostess who may not be sufficiently confident or skilled in the kitchen to prepare a more complex menu.

Send out invitations several weeks ahead.

Do not invite more guests than you can comfortably cope with. I would personally never attempt to cater an afternoon tea for more than say a dozen guests unless I had some assistance.

If you are catering for more than say 50 guests, consider either hiring professional caterers or a personal chef.
Good timing is critical for the perfect afternoon tea party. Do as much preparation ahead of time as possible but don't be tempted to make the sandwiches more than an hour before serving.
Ensure that you have a plentiful supply of boiling water - hire in an electric tea urn if necessary.
Ensure that you have adequate stocks of good quality china, serving platters, tea pots, cutlery, furniture and tablecloths. Hire additional stock if necessary.
If you are planning an outdoor garden event, always be prepared for a change in weather.
If time and kitchen space are in short supply, don't be afraid to buy in a selection of fine quality cakes and pastries from you favorite bakery or online supplier.

The Menu

A typical afternoon tea party menu comprises a selection of dainty, bite-size sandwiches, scones with cream and jam, and a selection of traditional cakes and pastries. The following menu is such an example:

Afternoon Tea Party Menu

Chicken Mayonnaise & Pine Nut Sandwiches
Cucumber & Mint Sandwiches
Ham & Parmigiano Sandwiches
Smoked Salmon & Dill Cream Cheese Sandwiches
Dundee Cake or Madeira Cake
Mini Chocolate Eclairs
Victoria Sponge Sandwich
Selection of Fine Teas
Iced Tea (summertime)

The food can be served buffet style with guests helping themselves. If the party is being held in the garden, it is preferable to lay the food out indoors where it will be less affected by flies and heat.

Seating should be quite informal in small groups around neatly clothed tables arranged with a small canter flower arrangement. If you have some fine family china, napery or silverware, this is a perfect opportunity to show it off!

How to Make Proper Tea

Firstly, choose your tea/s. You really do not need more than 2 or perhaps 3 varieties and it is wise to stick with popular choices such as Darjeeling, Earl Grey, Assam or Lapsang Souchong. For such a party, I would always choose to use leaf tea rather than teabags��but that's very much a matter of personal choice.
Use a ceramic teapot in preference to metal as the latter can adversely affect the taste of the tea.
Bring a kettle of fresh cold water almost to the boil. Pour a little of the water into the teapot to warm it, and then discard the water.
Now add the tea to the pot - 1 teaspoon per cup, plus 1 extra spoon "for the pot".
Pour the near boiling water over the leaves and replace the teapot lid.
Leave the tea to brew for 3 to 5 minutes depending on how strong you like it.
Pour the tea through a tea strainer into a teacup which is sitting on a saucer. Don't overfill the cup. Offer fresh milk or lemon, and sugar cubes for sweetener.
If the tea becomes too strong, you can dilute it with more near boiling water.
Empty the teapot after about 15 minutes otherwise the tea will become "stewed".

You may also like to serve a refreshing jug of homemade Iced Tea as a refreshing alternative.

Afternoon Tea Etiquette

Although traditionally served at 4pm, an afternoon tea party can run any time between 3pm and 6pm and should last no more than 2 hours.

Afternoon tea is generally a casual social occasion so formal dress is not required. Smart-casual clothing is most acceptable.
Using both hands, always lift the teacup and the saucer at the same time and contrary to popular belief, it really is not necessary to position your little finger out at an angle!
Take small sips of tea and do not blow the top to cool it or slurp loudly!
Use the tea plates (approximately 7 inches/18cm diameter) provided for the placement of sandwiches and/or pastries. Do not overfill the plate.
Very small, bite-size pastries can be eaten without cutlery. Larger pastries should be eaten with a pastry or dessert fork. Sliced "dry" cakes such as fruit cake or Madeira cake can be eaten by breaking off a small piece one at a time with your fingers.
When leaving the party, always thank the hostess and remember to send a thank you note shortly afterwards.

But above all, do not become unnecessarily stressed about etiquette��..instead, relax and enjoy the occasion

For more dining etiquette tips CLICK HERE.

An afternoon tea party is suitable for many celebrations such as a bridal or baby shower, a retirement party, a birthday celebration or time just to catch up with good friends and relatives. It can be held at any time of the year, any day of the week and in almost any location. As long as you get your planning right, it is possibly the easiest of all social occasions to host!

Gourmet food........the EASY way!