Today, I want to talk about setting up a tea party. To be honest, I did not plan it well at first. You know, I just invited my friends over and served some tea.

But, I quickly realized that if I wanted to host a really nice tea party, I’d have to do more than that. So I decided to make it a bit more formal.

Preparing the invitations

First, I sent out invitations. I know, it sounds old-fashioned, but it really sets the tone. You can use fancy paper or just a nice email. Make sure you include the time, date, and location, and ask people to RSVP so you know how many guests are coming.

Choosing the Tea

Next, I selected the tea. This is probably the most important part, right? You want a good variety. I picked out some black tea, like Earl Grey, some green tea, and a few herbal options like chamomile and peppermint. If you’re feeling adventurous, maybe add a white tea or oolong. Just make sure you have enough for everyone, and don’t forget decaf options for those who are sensitive to caffeine.

Setting the Table

Then, I set the table. This is where you can get creative. I used a nice tablecloth and my best china. If you don’t have fancy china, no worries. Just use whatever you have that looks nice. I arranged the cups and saucers, teaspoons, and napkins neatly. And I added a little vase of fresh flowers to make it look pretty. It’s all about making your guests feel special.

Food

• Sandwiches: I made some simple cucumber sandwiches, some with cream cheese and chives, and a few with smoked salmon. Just remember to cut off the crusts.
• Scones: You can’t have a tea party without scones! I baked some from scratch, but store-bought is fine too. Serve them warm with clotted cream and jam.
• Cakes and Sweets: For the sweet stuff, I made some mini cupcakes, a few different cookies, and a fruit tart. You can go wild here, but remember, it’s all about bite-sized portions.

Arranging the Food

I used a three-tiered cake stand to display the food. Scones went on the top tier, sandwiches in the middle, and sweets on the bottom. It looks really impressive and makes it easy for guests to serve themselves. Don’t forget to put out some small plates and napkins.

The Day of the Party

On the day of the party, I made sure everything was ready an hour before guests were due to arrive. I brewed the tea, arranged the food, and put on some soft background music. When my friends arrived, I greeted them at the door and showed them to the table.

Serving the Tea

I poured the tea and passed around the food. We all chatted and enjoyed the treats. It was so much fun! And you know what? Everyone loved it. It felt really special, and a lot more put-together than my first attempt.

So, that’s how I set up a tea party. It might seem like a lot of work, but it’s really worth it. Your friends will appreciate the effort, and you’ll have a lovely time. Give it a try!