Nothing retains the luster of childhood more than a tea party. In the social infancy of our youth we set our tables, put out the perfect set of dishes – commonly small and plastic at that innocent time in our life – and invited all our friends; who if not imaginary were stuffed and furry. We took tea in the realm of fantasy where princes and princesses danced the night away at royal balls and fairies appointed the room with their magic dust.
Today’s tea party – while not so grandiose – still offers its own gift of whimsy. The adult version of this elegant ritual includes real china, fragrant tea, delicious sandwiches and pastries, and company of the human kind. Depending on the culture, the tea party takes many forms – a social ceremony, a reverent custom, a romantic offering, or a daily gathering.
Whatever its purpose, the tea party can be as extravagant or simple, formal or casual as you desire. In any case, tea party guests should always be made to feel special. A carefully chosen tablecloth, beautiful linens, or an heirloom teapot will go a long way towards making your tea party special.
While many use tea bags to brew their tea, loose tea can augment taste and presentation. The addition of strainers or loose tea balls can really make just having tea into a tea party.
Be sure to offer small tea spoons, sugar, milk, honey, and lemon. Additionally, some tea sandwiches or small pastries will really bring your tea party to the next level.
A tea party can be an opportunity to stop for a moment and revisit the simple things in life. That which brought us such joy as children can most certainly be recaptured amidst a beautiful table with delightful delicacies.
But no matter what the offerings – or the occasion – a tea party can be a wonderful way to gather with friends and share a unique experience; no matter what your age.
Archive for the ‘tea party’ Category
Tea Party Past And Present
The Missing Jesus & Tea Parties
The 728 seat Gaston Hall was completed nearly a decade after the building itself was completed is named for Georgetown University’s first student. Gaston has welcomed numerous heads of state, international leaders, and religious dignitaries, but until this week, no one had demanded that any of the rare murals, frescoes, and symbols of Jesus be left out, remove, or covered up.
The White House though asked Georgetown to cover a monogram symbolizing Jesus’ name in Gaston Hall, which Obama used for his speech, according to CNSNews.com. The gold “IHS” monogram inscribed on a pediment in the hall was covered over by a piece of black-painted plywood, and remained covered during Barack Obama’s speech.
I guess it’s proof once more that America is not a Christian nation as Obama said while in Europe last week. 
Julie Bataille from the university’s press office e-mailed me that the White House had asked that all university signage and symbols behind the stage in Gaston Hall be covered. “The White House wanted a simple backdrop of flags and pipe and drape for the speech, consistent with what they’ve done for other policy speeches,” she wrote. “Frankly, the pipe and drape wasn’t high enough by itself to fully cover the IHS and cross above the GU seal and it seemed most respectful to have them covered so as not to be seen out of context.”
Ah, now I understand. NOT!
It seems to me that the sensitivity that Obama showed to the Muslim community last week while in Turkey could be extended to Christian community here in America where he serves as president. But of course, Barack Obama is president and everything must be done to further the Democratic agenda. Hold you fire! Republicans do what’s to their advantage as well. Right now, the left is in charge so that’s the way it is.
As someone said, if six people show up wearing PINK attire, it gets national press coverage; however, when tens of thousands show up across the nation protesting and throwing Tea Parties, mainstream media largely ignores it. Fox though did cover it and as a result the FoxNews ratings went through the roof. Brent Bozell, president of the conservative Media Research Center, said the media coverage was “insulting,” reacting specifically to CNN reporter Susan Roesgen’s combative interviews with Illinois demonstrators in which she declared that the protests were “anti-CNN” and supported by FOX News.
Politics is politics and if you can’t stand the heat in the kitchen, eat outside.
Learn How To Host A Delightful Thanksgiving Tea-Party!
Have you ever wanted to host your own Thanksgiving Tea Party but don’t know how to go about doing it? Leftovers from your Thanksgiving festivities the night before will really make great additions in your own tea party menu list.
An afternoon or brunch tea event doesn’t need to be fancy or frilly but it can also just be just relaxed & comfortable. The mood will actually just depend on how you will set it up. So that’s where most of the hostess role comes into play.
Thanksgiving Brunch
A lot of people usually snack the whole day during Thanksgiving, and just when your turkeys finally done with its trimmings your guests are already full and now your efforts might not be appreciated by everyone. Does this sound a bit familiar?
This should be the year that you try another approach in setting those bowls with chips, nuts & some snack treats since everyone eats on the whole day. Use some trays of sandwiches perfect for tea, perhaps some tray full of fresh vegetables, or scones will do, then some beautiful pot containing delicious steaming tea which you have prepared and may be served as your brunch option or simply perhaps your advanced lunch to guests who stayed overnight and of course for everyone in your family who is looking to satisfy those hunger pangs.
Perhaps serve them some really good oolong tea which is great in aiding digestion then finally once Thanksgiving dinner has been prepared, everyone would be enjoying that great little feast since your guests’ hunger were satisfied beforehand and wouldn’t feel the need to just fill up on those dips, chips & nuts.
Shopping on a Thanksgiving Weekend
Planning on getting that shopping-spree together with family and friends during your Thanksgiving weekend just to cross off those heavy Christmas shopping list? Invite your family or friends to go back in your lovely house to be able to relax and enjoy a hot cup of great tea.
When shopping the whole day, tendency is you’d get too tired then you wouldn’t like to go back at home just to work on your meals for food, although you usually enjoy preparing things during a night prior to your shopping trips.
Set apart those turkeys leftover from last night and prepare a dressing just for that tea-party that may be thrown together within minutes. Prior to shopping day, make turkey salad/turkey cuts for sandwiches.
Once you’re back home after all that shopping the next day, begin heating your kettle with water in order to make your lovely tea while making some sandwiches just for friends and family with either turkey salad/turkey slices. Feel free to add extra layers of cranberry sauces & dressing to create that flavorful taste. Opting to use some leftover rolls from Thanksgiving dinner could be an alternative for bread as well.