Hosting a Tea Party

Invitations to a tea party should be sent at least two weeks in advance of the party. If you have these types of parties monthly, you can just set a new date each time you meet. After you send the invitations, begin planning the menu. Keep in mind that the tea party should be a small luncheon. It is never done at dinner time and big meals are never on the menu. You will want to offer either soup or salad. Sandwiches cut in to four sections is recommended. You could make a few different kinds of sandwiches and let guests choose off of a tray. You may also want to have some small danish bites as well as some bite sized dessert pieces. You can make a whole tray of brownies, just make sure you cut them up smaller than you would as dessert for dinner.

Setting the Table

The table should be set with lunch plates, soup bowls or salad plates depending upon what you are serving, nice silverware, small nine inch napkins, water glasses, and tea cups. You will want to place your water glasses above the knife which should be on your right. Always make sure the blade of your knife is facing toward the plate by the way. Next, make sure your tea cup is to the right of your place setting. It should be directly next to it and not above it like the water glass. It is also recommended that you roll your napkin up and place it in a napkin holder (napkin ring). Finally, feel free to type up your menu and lay it over your lunch plate.

Service

Once your guests arrive and are seated, you will need someone to serve them. You can recruit a volunteer or pay someone to do this. If you have a group, you can take turns each month. The tea should be poured as soon as the guests are seated. Sugar and creamer (or milk) should be provided on the table. Within five to ten minutes the guests should be served their soup or salad. Wait until all guests have finished to clear the dishes and serve the main lunch. Again, wait until all of the guests have finished before clearing the table and serving the dessert bites. Be sure to ask once in between each course if any of the guests need anything. Also make sure the guests get refills of tea as needed.

Other Things to Consider

Tea parties should be fancy. This means you will want to get out your good table cloth and iron it. Make name tags for each place setting and add a small party favor to each plate. You will also want to get out a CD player and play some relaxing music on low. Candles help set the mood, but should not be scented as this may not mix well with the smells of the food. Finally, your centerpiece should be a lovely bouquet of flowers. Try to match the colors of the flowers to the color of your tablecloth or tea cups.