| |
|
| |
 |
| |
| An Old Fashioned Tea Party |
Arrange a low-key afternoon get-together with a pot of fine tea, a few sweets and an assortment of savory finger foods.
|
|
| Feeling a bit harried amid all the holiday hubbub? Are your after-work hours filling up fast with festivities? Who among us hasn't made the resolution, in the midst of a holiday dinner preparation free-for-all, that this year, once and for all, we're going to change our approach to the holidays?
This year, we vow, we're going to take the time to appreciate the season for its true meaning and celebrate sensibly with family and friends, not behave as if we were completing a holiday marathon. And yet, if you're like most people, when the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve, you realize December has gone by in a blur.
This year, remain resolute and start a new tradition. Gather a few friends for an afternoon tea party. With a few simple make-ahead nibbles and a comforting pot (or two) of steaming tea, you'll be all set to settle in for some hours of togetherness. The shopping can wait until tomorrow. After all, the stores are open late.
The Menu:
- Several types of tea (include one herbal tea)
- Tea sandwiches
- Scones and spreads
- Sweets
- Tea
- Tea service: Cream, milk, sugar, sugar substitute, lemon slices
Special Touches:
- Explore the dark recesses of your linen closet for the fancy embellished tablecloth you never have an occasion to use. This is the time.
- Serve several types of tea. Borrow pretty tea pots from friends or family.
- Use cloth napkins; basic white will do nicely. Line the scone baskets with napkins.
- Fresh flowers and greenery placed in pretty containers on the serving table and in your tea party room help set the mood.
- Make sure all guests will be seated near a place they can set tea cups and plates. Improvise small tables if need be.
- To ease serving, set teapots, silver and plates at both ends of the table with food in between. Guests help themselves. You'll refill platters and teapots as needed.
- A traditional tea features scones. Buy yours at the corner bakery or make some from scratch. You'll need a small fleet of small serving bowls to serve up the spreads: butter, jams, lemon curd (available in the jelly aisle of most supermarkets) and clotted cream (whipped cream will work just as well.)
- A tea party is the perfect occasion to serve a sweet from a recipe that's been handed down in your family.
- Make the dessert ahead of time with your kids: You'll get some help, your children will learn a little family history and you'll spend some quality time together.
|
|
|
