How to Throw a Formal Tea Party

At a formal tea party, tea and coffee are arrayed at opposite ends of the tea table, and friends of the host or hostess are asked to "pour out." At a formal party like this, usually 20 or more guests are invited.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Silver Tea Services

1. Send out written invitations. Ask two friends whether they will "do the honors" and pour the coffee and tea.

2. Set up a large table to accommodate all your serving items and refreshments.

3. Place a silver tray and tea service at one end of table. Besides the teapot, include a small pitcher for milk, a sugar bowl, a plate of lemons and a pitcher of hot water to dilute tea as needed. Add a tea strainer if your pot doesn't have an infuser basket. Arrange cups and saucers near the teapot.

4. Place a coffee service at the other end of the table. Include, besides the coffeepot, a pitcher for cream, a sugar bowl and a pitcher of hot water to dilute the coffee if necessary.

5. Place chairs at either end of the table, for the friends pouring out to sit in.

6. Place finger foods, mostly sweets, such as cookies, cakes, scones, muffins and tea sandwiches, on platters and cake stands in center of table, along with plates, napkins and cutlery.

7. Ask guests to help themselves to food, and then mingle about the room.

8. Those pouring out should ask guests their preferences - sugar, lemon, milk or cream - and serve tea and coffee accordingly. If a guest prefers weak tea or coffee, dilute with the hot water. Theoretically, the pourers should remain for the whole party, but in these less formal days, they might stop when all the guests have arrived and been served. Or you might ask other guests to spell them.

9. Replenish tea, coffee and refreshments as necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• At a formal party, women should wear dresses or plain suits, men a jacket and tie.
• Serve whole milk with tea, cream with coffee. Do not use teabags at a formal party. Prepare the tea in the kitchen using tea leaves.
• When standing at a tea party, hold the saucer in one hand and the cup in the other.
• Possible combinations for finger sandwiches include cucumber and cream cheese; sweet butter and thinly sliced radish; tuna or chicken salad; and sweet butter and watercress. To make finger sandwiches, first cut the crusts off bread, then spread fillings thinly over one slice, top with another slice and cut bread into fourths.

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