How To Set The Table For A Tea Party

E'er since I become a part of the Daughters of American Revolution I have learned to accept an appreciation drinking tea. Why you enquire? The ladies of my local chapters are relatively big Tea drinkers. The first chapter meeting I helped style was a Valentines Tea. Everything turned out so cute. And then much so, that the ladies of the affiliate nominated my sister and I to be chairs of our 40th Anniversary. Naturally, we decided to exercise a cute Afternoon Tea anniversary at the St. Regis here in town. If you savour dressing up and visiting with friends over calorie-free bites and drinks, I promise you will love tea fourth dimension! Today I am having my sis over to my home and idea it would exist fun to share some " Tips for Tea Time".

What'due south the orgin of afternoon tea?
Afternoon tea was introduced in England by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, in the year 1840. The Duchess would become hungry effectually four o'clock (don't nosotros all?!?) in the afternoon. The evening meal in her household was served fashionably late at eight o'clock, thus leaving a long period of fourth dimension between lunch and dinner.

What time does Afternoon tea start?
This depends on where y'all are in the earth. Traditional afternoon tea starts at 4pm in the EU and is meant to hold yous over until dinner viii/9pm. Here in usa, we tend to eat earlier, so tea times here is anywhere from ii:00/iii:00pm.

What is the apparel code for afternoon tea?
Ladies, this is where you can take some fun and wearing apparel upward! Sundresses/Maxi dress, Cocktail Chic attire is appropriate. Besides, if you are planning a more than formal tea, might I suggest wearing derby hats. If you're the host, notify your invitee in the invitations so they tin can programme ahead.

What should I serve?
A good afternoon tea always includes a variety of teas and modest dishes. My become to tea menu includes tea sandwiches – (pimento cheese and cucumber sandwiches), pastries (scones), and dessert like a petit fours. Make information technology piece of cake on yourself and put everything on a tiered tray. For this coincidental effect, I picked upward everything from Central Market place.

How to set up the table?
This is the time to break out your pretty Communist china! Accept fun with this – I love to mix-match everything! From the plates to the flatware. Be creative! Likewise, add together some pretty florals. Today I did an array of Garden Roses in my blossom box by Tassels. In a higher place is a graphic that helps you with setting your table but glassware and silverware tin change based on what you make up one's mind to serve. For example, I served champagne so we only had out coupe glasses.

Fun fact- Most people think of a "Royal Tea" as the Queen must be dining however, etiquette states, 'Imperial Tea' is used to signify the addition of a glass of champagne to a traditional Afternoon Tea. Thank you to "Majestic Teas" my friends!

Foam or Jam Kickoff?
First off, if your not familiar with afternoon tea then let me explain. This is the 2d class, typically a scone with cream, butter and jam. This form helps ready the pallet for the 3rd form. In that location is an ongoing debate on cream before jam and vice versa only it all boils down to a matter of preference. The Devon (Devonshire) insist foam showtime then jam. While the Cornish believe to spread jam first then slather with clotted foam. Lesser line- Do whatever brings you lot JOY! Go for it!
How should I eat my Scones?
Just as whatsoever breadstuff served at the table, pause small-scale pieces off then add butter and jam and savour!

Pinkies upward??!?
Admittedly not. A misconception of Afternoon Tea tradition (aka HUGE false pas).

Milk or Tea First?
This is another wildly debated topic amid tea connoisseurs. Popularity withal rules that, If you put the tea in start then you allow the invitee to flavor their ain tea to their personal preference. They can arrange the amount of milk and sugar once the tea is poured.
Also, I like to serve dessert truffles on the table in a pocket-sized crystal bowl. My get to brand is Lindt . I'm currently obsessed with their Valentines edition- Strawberries and Cream White Chocolate Truffle, so decadent, oh My!

Where can I get devonshire/clotted foam?
If yous are in the Houston surface area, Bristish Isles, in rice village offers speciality British food and candies. I have likewise seen clotted cream at World Market.

Tin can I go somewhere to accept afternoon tea?
Yes! A lot of hotels will host weekly afternoon teas. On the weekends some of them will even have special cocktails like mimosa etc.. Below is a link to some of my favorite spots for afternoon tea in Houston:
Hotel Granduca Houston
St. Regis Houston

I encourage yous to start your journey with loving teas! A tea party doesn't take to be elaborate. Make it elementary and but have fun! I promise these tips and practicing helped.Every bit ever, I have found some beautiful pieces below that are great nuts to start your tea time journey!

Until next time,
Whitney Elaine

*Thank you lot to our inquiry sources, afternoon tea uk*

Source: http://www.whitneyelainedesigns.com/how-to-host-an-afternoon-tea-tips-for-tea-time/

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