There are many occasions and settings for having tea from a simple afternoon brew steeped in Gramma’s Brown Betty, served with a plate to cookies, to an elaborate afternoon tea at the Plaza Hotel. Reasons for having a tea are as simple as giving comfort and sharing confidences, or playing back the day’s activities with your children, to uniting with childhood friends, planning events and conducting informal business. Tea parties make wonderful birthday parties, baby showers, and engagement showers. They are perfect for bringing together two, three, or four generations of family.

When planning and preparing for a tea party the best advice is to think small. Traditionally all food served at tea is bite-size and at the very most eaten in two or three bites. Most common food items for a tea (see below) are easy to make

or readily available in supermarkets or local bakeries. Naturally, you are welcome to follow your imagination and suit your fancy when developing the menu.

Specific tableware has been associated with having tea since the tradition began. Teapots should be of good quality porcelain or ironstone. The lid should be secure and not fall off when you pour. The spout shouldn’t drip and the pot should feel good in your hand. Tea cozies or padded covers will keep the tea in the pot warm. Most tea drinkers like to drink from a bone china tea cup or mug. In Colonial America, the ladies would arrive for tea carrying their own precious cup, saucer and spoon in a special little bag.

Antique malls are great places for picking up odd pots and cups, and decorative silverplate. You will need one 6 cup teapot for every three guests, along with sugar and creamers. Bowls with sugar cubes and tongs are a nice touch. Plates of 6 1/2 to 8 inches are perfect for your guests (also plentiful at antique malls) and 8 to 12 inch for serving, as well as 2 and 3 tier servers. Your presentation should be as pretty as possible, but the china doesn't need to match; indeed people seem to delight in mismatched tea sets. Use paper doilies to enhance the presentation and flowers, fresh or dried, to decorate the table.

Tea Traditions

Tea Menus

Tea Party Foods

Recipes

Having Fun with Sandwiches

Visiting Tea Rooms - Teaism

Chado