To all
Homemakers
Sitting
here on my sunporch, I love the relaxed feeling I get. I enjoy the quiet and
peaceful serenity of my surroundings. As I take a little time out from all the
hurrying and scurrying I decide that it is time for an early summer tea party.
I am not going to plan a large party but something slow and fun with just a few
friends.
There is nothing better than having friends in
to exchange favorite recipes, family news, and inexpensive decorating ideas.
Hosting a Tea party is a great way to celebrate our friendships, teach our
children manners and create memories that we will treasure always.
To do this party I consider the budget,
how many I want to invite, my color scheme, and what type of food to serve. So, making a list might be the best way to accomplish
this task. Start with your guest list
and invitations. The invite may be formal or informal. How many people are you
asking to come? For this type of party usually a small number of guests is
best.
Next
decide on what cloth to put on the table. Using paper tablecloths
is acceptable but will add to your cost. Placemats can be used, as well; it
just depends on how formal you want your party to be. Choose a
centerpiece of flowers in a vase or Mason jar, draping pearls or beads around,
or use tea cups filled with flowers. Fill a teapot
with flowers for a main table or display but keep your arrangements small;
remember that you want to bring atmosphere to the party. Candles can be placed
in groups or singularly.
Choose
tea cup and saucers from a matched set or use sets that do not match. In fact,
the mix-matched tea cup sets always tell different stories and make the table
interesting. If you want to use plastic cups put them in cupcake wrappers.
Place cards with individual names can be cut out in the shape of flowers and
woven into the tings of the fork. Very simple, inexpensive, but pretty.
Keep
your menu light and filled with fun. It can be finger foods, desserts or both.
If you serve hot tea, buy specialty flavor tea bags.
Make sure they are individually wrapped packages, tied with a tag that says
"Tea with special friends improves life's aroma." Sweet Iced tea with
the luncheon is also suitable and coffee with the dessert is always
appropriate.
If you would like for your guest to wear hats and dress for the
tea let them know a head of time so that they will not feel embarrassed or
singled out. We Southern hostesses put our guest at ease making each on feel welcomed
and like the guest of honor. Circulate among your guest and enjoy each one
singularly. Have dinner music playing softly in the background. Play games that all can participate in. Small
prizes can be made or purchased if you want. Saying, “Good-bye, I am so glad
that you could come and I hope we get to do this again soon,” is always as
important as greeting our guest.
The idea is simply to set aside a few hours to take pleasure in
the company of family and friends. Shut off the cell phones and other devices
for a little while to appreciate the sweetness of a homemade afternoon made
from scratch, enhanced with the savory bits of food, chit chat, laughter, and
stress free leisure.
-Madelyn R. Shields
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