How to Have a Formal Tea Party

A formal tea party is a very elegant celebration used for receptions, honoring a debutante, golden anniversaries or official functions. This article describes the basic elements for such an event.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Invitations
• Tea tray with: one tea pot full of brewed tea with an alcohol lamp underneath it, one pot of hot water, one pitcher of milk, one strainer set, one bowl for placing used tea leaves on, one plate with l
• tea cups, saucers, and teaspoons
• A coffee tray including: one pot of coffee, one pitcher of cream, one sugar bowl filled with loose or cubed sugar, one bowl of sugar-free sweetener packets.
• Coffee cups, saucers, and spoons
• A buffet table with a white or lace cloth.
• Table and chairs for guests
• Dainty food to go with the tea.
• Plates
• White 11 inch napkins
• Optional- a center-piece

1. You will need to send invitations to guests for a formal tea. Both handwritten and engraved invitations are appropriate.

2. Cover a table that is big enough for a buffet with a white or lace table cloth. You will want the table cloth to hang about 1 foot off of the table. Set your buffet table with the tea service at one end of the table and the coffee service at the other. You will need one person to sit station to serve. It is a good idea to ask for assistance from friends that are aqquainted with most of the guests. However, they should keep conversations short as they serve. One idea is to ask for assistance from four friends, so that they can take turns. It is generally considered an honor to be asked to pour the tea.

3. Place the food in the center of the table. Plates can be on the tea tray or on the table. Napkins are folded and placed next to the plates and if you need forks, put them on the other side of the napkins. Set the table in a fashion that is symmetrical and inviting to your guests. A center piece can be placed behind the food. Flowers that are in season can add a nice touch and help create a lovely ambiance.

4. Foods should be dainty. Sandwiches should have the crusts cut diagonally twice to make 4 tea sandwiches. Cucumber and dill, minced chicken, and ham salad are good choices. A selection of cookies, scones, tarts, and breads offer a nice variety to choose from.

5. Greet guests as they arrive. If there is a guest of honor, make sure that all of the guests are introduced. Mingle around and make sure that everyone is comfortable. After the party is finished, be sure to thank each guest for attending.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do not have enough tables and chairs, you can rent them
• Dress should be fitting for daytime. Day dresses or suits are appropriate.
• If you use silver settings, make sure they are polished well.

[Upon-Request]

on 6/15/2009 I've always wanted to host a formal tea party at home. 5*

[writedesign]

on 6/11/2009 We used to have lots of tea parties when we lived in England. I always loved the "biscuits" - the cookies! 5*