Loveangel
Prime VIP
Tea Party Tips
Tea or coffee parties are enjoyable occasions. This is simply because there are no strict protocols to intimidate you. The main focus here is on companionship and relaxed conversations enjoyed amidst steaming cups of the hot beverage and some tasty tidbits. Whether one is the hostess or a guest, tea parties can be turned into memorable events with a few tips on finer points of etiquette. Send a proper invitation to the guests informing them the time and place. If you are planning a tea party with a theme inform the guests accordingly so that they know what to expect and dress up accordingly.
>Cups used for serving tea and coffee differ in size contrary to the belief of many people; coffee cups are normally half the size of tea cups. Same holds true for coffee saucers and coffee spoons. However the coffee pot is narrow and tall whereas the tea pot is broader and shorter. Never serve tea in a coffeepot or vice versa as genuine lover of tea/coffee would immediately tell if the flavours got mixed which is bound to happen no matter how much care is taken while cleaning.
>Unless it is a formal tea party, small paper napkins are acceptable in place of linen napkins. Good teahouses have servers placing cloth napkins on the lap of their guests.
>The ambience of the room should be pleasant. If candles are being lit during the day ensure that the curtains are drawn.
>Tea parties need not mean that the host or hostess has to be stuck in the kitchen throughout the time but should be mingling and entertaining the guests. It is best to have some special friends to assist in taking care of the guests.
>The tea “pourer” should move around to check if anybody needs a second helping of tea and refreshments. Offer cubed sugar, which dissolves faster in hot tea.
>Tea can be served straight from the teapot or tea bags can be provided. Place small dishes to keep the used tea bags.
>If hot water and tea bags are provided, let it remain in the cup for approximately five minutes and then remove to place it in the dish provided for it.
>Tea can be served with milk but not cream which can mask the real flavour of tea. Tea can be made either with milk or lemon but not both since lemon will curdle the milk. Lemon teas can have thin slices of lemon floating in the cup. Lemon wedges, if used, should come with a lemon fork to squeeze the lemon and a saucer or bowl to keep the discarded rind.
>If the guests have to be personally served on their table, the refreshments should come in courses with savouries coming in first followed by confectionery or sweets on attractive plates or trays.
>Be sure to blot the lipstick to prevent any ungainly sight of the stains on teacups and the linen.
>Refreshments can be eaten using one’s fingers. However, with items that have fillings that are likely to mess your fingers, it’s best to use a fork.
>If tea and snacks are served buffet style, never put dirty plates and cups back on the tea table.
Tea or coffee parties are enjoyable occasions. This is simply because there are no strict protocols to intimidate you. The main focus here is on companionship and relaxed conversations enjoyed amidst steaming cups of the hot beverage and some tasty tidbits. Whether one is the hostess or a guest, tea parties can be turned into memorable events with a few tips on finer points of etiquette. Send a proper invitation to the guests informing them the time and place. If you are planning a tea party with a theme inform the guests accordingly so that they know what to expect and dress up accordingly.
>Cups used for serving tea and coffee differ in size contrary to the belief of many people; coffee cups are normally half the size of tea cups. Same holds true for coffee saucers and coffee spoons. However the coffee pot is narrow and tall whereas the tea pot is broader and shorter. Never serve tea in a coffeepot or vice versa as genuine lover of tea/coffee would immediately tell if the flavours got mixed which is bound to happen no matter how much care is taken while cleaning.
>Unless it is a formal tea party, small paper napkins are acceptable in place of linen napkins. Good teahouses have servers placing cloth napkins on the lap of their guests.
>The ambience of the room should be pleasant. If candles are being lit during the day ensure that the curtains are drawn.
>Tea parties need not mean that the host or hostess has to be stuck in the kitchen throughout the time but should be mingling and entertaining the guests. It is best to have some special friends to assist in taking care of the guests.
>The tea “pourer” should move around to check if anybody needs a second helping of tea and refreshments. Offer cubed sugar, which dissolves faster in hot tea.
>Tea can be served straight from the teapot or tea bags can be provided. Place small dishes to keep the used tea bags.
>If hot water and tea bags are provided, let it remain in the cup for approximately five minutes and then remove to place it in the dish provided for it.
>Tea can be served with milk but not cream which can mask the real flavour of tea. Tea can be made either with milk or lemon but not both since lemon will curdle the milk. Lemon teas can have thin slices of lemon floating in the cup. Lemon wedges, if used, should come with a lemon fork to squeeze the lemon and a saucer or bowl to keep the discarded rind.
>If the guests have to be personally served on their table, the refreshments should come in courses with savouries coming in first followed by confectionery or sweets on attractive plates or trays.
>Be sure to blot the lipstick to prevent any ungainly sight of the stains on teacups and the linen.
>Refreshments can be eaten using one’s fingers. However, with items that have fillings that are likely to mess your fingers, it’s best to use a fork.
>If tea and snacks are served buffet style, never put dirty plates and cups back on the tea table.
