Tea Time is Not Just for Grandmothers Anymore

Tea time was always a pleasant way to spend the day with my grandmother when I was younger. To this day I still have afternoon tea with her, we still sit around her kitchen table and share cookies while drinking our tea. It is from my experiences with my grandmother that makes planning teaparties such fun for me, 's whether it be for my young daughters or planning a shower or mother/daughter tea for Mothers Day. Each experience brings joy and satisfaction as I watch ther participants share thoughts and secrets over that cup of tea.

It is because of those memories I feel that I should share my secrets of a great teaparty. First of all the tea party is not all about the tea, it is about the chance to sit and enjoy anothers company in a home like setting. But in order to get people talking you have to plan games that will get people relaxed and feel connected to the people around them. A tea party is a warm event used to bring women together for support and socializing so it is in the hostess's best interest to avoid long drawn-out games that require lots of steps and time to play.

Consider on how well the guests know each other when you plan the games for your tea party. I suggest a game that will encourage group interaction, so asks your guests to complete a task that encourages mingling. One thing I like to do to have all the ladies go around the table and share something that they enjoy, it can be a hobby, a chore, or even a sweet treat. Most of the the hostess should go first to break the ice.

Another way to break the ice is having a bit of a literary contest. The hostess provides a literary quote, and the person who can name the author gets a prize. Winners can pick from a basket or table filled with wrapped gifts. People love to win prizes and it ties in with the theme of the party. So the hostess can also raffle off table centerpieces to one lucky lady. Have a sticker placed under the tea cup or saucer. At a special time during the tea have the guests lift their cups or saucers to check for the hidden sticker. I did this for a tea party for my daughter's birthday party. So both the birthday guests and their mother was able to recieve a special gift.

Another way to have guests interact is to participate in a cookie-swap. All the guests bake their favorite goodie and bring along the recipe. The guests get to take home a sample of cookies and new recipes to try with the family. It is a win/win situation for all involved. This party idea is also good for a christmas tea party. We made cookies boxes to send to our soldiers stationed overseas.

So instead of the same old coffee clutch why don't you plan a tea party with your family and friends and see what comes out of it. My daughter's love their tea parties with their mother and their friends. And remember Tea is not always for two.