How to Help A Consultant Host A Tea Party

This is a brief overview on how Consultant's can host their own "Tea Parties" to help grow their customer base. You can also choose your "theme" from an endless listing of events ... such as, Mother/Daughter Tea Parties, Church Tea Parties, Children's Tea Parties, Mad Hatter Tea, Valentine's Day, Teddy & Me, Wedding Showers, Baby Showers, Teacher Appreciation Days, etc.

Things You'll Need

• Invitations
• List of People
• Loose Teas/Tea Strainers
• Teapots/Teacups/Plates
• Teaspoons/Measuring Spoon
• Scones/Mini Muffins
• Milk/Lemon Juice
• Sugar Cubes/Equal
• Table Cloth/Napkins
• Products for Sales
• Informational Brochures
• Business Cards/Date Book

Instructions

1. Gather a list of everyone you know from family members, friends, church, school, PTA, scouts, dance, gymnastics, sports clubs, and so on. Send out invitations to everyone and ask each person to bring a friend, depending on the size of the place you are hosting the party at. Sometimes your schools or churches will let you rent their rooms for small fee. You can also rent rooms in hotels if that's within your budget and charge a fee for attending the "tea party". Be sure to let everyone know whether or not they should "dress up" or come casual, depending on the type of tea party you are hosting.

   If you are just inviting everyone to a "tea tasting" and want to keep it simple, that's also fine. It doesn't
   have to be a formal sit down "tea party". The purpose is to have fun, let everyone mingle, and to teach them about the different types and flavors of teas and other products that you carry.

   Make sure to put an RSVP on the invitation and call the guest if you have not heard back from them by the RSVP date. We all know there will be some no-shows, so don't be disappointed if that happens. I always suggest to everyone to "over invite" to make up for the people that cancel at the last minute.

2. Now that you have your head count, it's time to plan for the party itself. Make sure you (or your hostess) has tea cups and saucers. You can purchase many different mix and match patterns at garage sales, goodwill and other thrift shops. I have also done Mommy and Me Tea Parties where everyone brought their own favorite tea cup. This works out well when you don't have too many cups of your own. Just make sure to have a few extra on hand for those that may forget to bring their own.

   Set the table/s with tablecloths and have some type of centerpiece. It can be the tiered tray with mini scones/muffins, flowers, or anything else you make like. Have the cups/saucers/teaspoons/napkins set up on the table at each seat and have some sort of favor/giveaway for each attendee. The favor should be a sample product from your line of teas along with a brochure from your company. Example: matchbook style with bag of loose tea stapled inside.

   I also suggest having a main buffet table with the food, teas and other accompaniments. Be sure to have portable warmers to keep the teas hot, and offer a variety of teas for your guests to try. You should serve a black, white, green, herbal and rooibos tea so that everyone can have a taste of the different types of teas you carry. Of course it's up to you. Just pick and choose whatever you and your host decide on. This goes for the different flavored scones and muffins also!

   Set up another table where you can show off and demonstrate your items. Arrange teas in baskets according to their type: Black/Green/White/etc. Have a few teapots out along with some accessories. Add a couple bags of scone and muffin mixes too.

   Once everyone has taken their tea and scones back to their seat, this is the time for you to talk about your products. Explain the difference in the types of teas, how easy it is to make loose tea, and don't forget to share some of the facts about the health benefits of drinking tea.

   Play a game or two with them and then discuss your hostess program. Let them know about any specials you are running and demo some of your items. Be sure to have a question/answer period and then let the guests help themselves to more tea and scones.

3. Have your date book setup off to the side of the buffet table where you can sit and talk to any customers that have questions.
   Let your guests know that they can order directly off your website and that your hostess will receive her credits through their sales. Make sure you set a cutoff date for the party. All they need to do is put "Amanda's" (or your hostesses name) in the comment section box during checkout (or whatever your customer's procedure is).

   Ask them if they would be willing to host a tea party for some of their friends and set a tentative date.
   Remember ... this party IS about your business, but make sure to enjoy yourself while you're at it. Have a cup of tea with your group, relax and most of all, have fun!

   Good Luck to all ... and have a TEA-riffic party!