| If you are planning to host an afternoon tea, the | | | | décor with fresh linens, flowers, bone |
| array of tea party themes is endless. Just as in | | | | china tea cups, teapots, and accent plates, and |
| the mid 19th century in England, tea and tea | | | | most of all, love and quiet conversation. This will |
| parties have become all the rage in the U.S. High | | | | be a special day to remember for any mother. |
| tea originated from the practice of working | | | | Another popular idea is to host a cupcake tea |
| families eating their evening meal upon a high | | | | party. Each guest brings their favorite flavor and |
| table, rather than a low table. Low tea referred | | | | all of the guests share their recipes. Be sure to |
| more to an afternoon tea-time where tea was | | | | provide some savory treats to accent the |
| served on a lower table, such as a coffee table. | | | | sweets. Plan an "American Doll Tea" or "Dolly and |
| Regardless of the theme, it is most important to | | | | Me Tea". If the tea party is for children, have |
| set a gracious table. Food should be presented | | | | them bring a favorite doll to display. These are |
| buffet style and should be a generous mix of | | | | great conversation pieces, especially for children. |
| sweet and savory goodies. Tea parties are usually | | | | On a dreary afternoon, bring everyone to life with |
| scheduled between mid and late afternoon, so | | | | an indoor tea time "picnic". This can be thrown |
| heavy entrees are not necessary. | | | | together quickly with a shabby chic approach to |
| Tea party themes can be related to the | | | | elegance. Simply use mismatched tea ware, linens, |
| décor or to a special event such as a | | | | and a simple menu of grilled ham and cheese |
| child's birthday bridal shower or special retirement. | | | | sandwiches, eggs benedict, and fruit salad served |
| Tea party themes can also be planned for a | | | | in compotes. If possible, add a vase of fresh |
| holiday such as Christmas, Easter, or Mother's | | | | flowers to the table and your rainy day picnic tea |
| Day. For a memorable afternoon tea party, invite | | | | will turn the grayest of days into a day of smiles. |
| mothers and daughters and tell them to bring | | | | And so it goes with afternoon tea themes. |
| their favorite teacup and saucer. Inevitably, the | | | | Whatever theme you choose, the idea is to |
| conversation will turn to special memories of tea | | | | treasure the memories long after the tea is gone. |
| times they have shared in the past. Or, celebrate | | | | So keep your teapots and tea cups full of tea, |
| Mother's Day with a "Tea for Two" using your | | | | your trays full of delectable treats, and above all, |
| finest china and best quality tea such as English | | | | be a gracious hostess. |
| Breakfast of Earl Grey. Focus on soft, elegant | | | | |