Hosting a High-Tea Party at Home – What You Need to Know
High tea is a classic social gathering for family and friends alike. Whether it’s a small afternoon gathering or a large evening event, hosting a high-tea party in the comfort of your own home can be an enjoyable experience for all involved.
But what do you need to know before getting started?
Preparing for the Event:
First things first, decide who will be invited and plan accordingly. Make sure that you have enough space to accommodate everyone, as well as any furniture necessary to serve food and drinks in style. Decide on a menu of appetizers and desserts, keeping in mind any dietary restrictions your guests may have. Consider adding savory items such as scones or finger sandwiches if desired. For beverages, a variety of teas such as black, green and herbal are ideal. If alcoholic drinks are to be served, make sure you have the necessary glasses and accessories on hand.
Decoration:
When it comes to decorating your space for a high-tea party, remember that less is more. Choose an elegant color palette of soft pastels or muted neutrals so that the focus remains on the food and conversation. Consider placing fresh flowers in small vases around the room to add a touch of nature. Tablecloths with lace trim or scalloped edges will give your tables an extra special touch. Tea trays should also be filled with delicate china cups and saucers, creamers and sugar bowls.
Entertainment:
Though the main event of a high-tea party is a conversation, it’s always nice to have some light entertainment. Consider having guests bring their favorite board game or playing cards as an icebreaker. Background music can also be played in order to set the ambiance. If you’re feeling more ambitious, you could even plan a trivia night or movie screening with refreshments for your guests.
Cleaning Up:
When your high-tea party has come to an end, make sure that all the dishes and glasses are washed and put away properly. Don’t forget about any leftovers that need to be refrigerated or disposed of. When everything is put back into place, you can sit back and enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done.
High-tea parties are a great way to gather together friends and family for an afternoon of relaxation and delicious treats. Hosting your own high-tea party at home can be a fun and rewarding experience – if you know what you’re doing!
Here’s what you need to know when planning your own high-tea party:
Food:
The food served at a high tea is typically light fare such as scones, cakes, sandwiches, pastries, cookies and tea bread. Make sure to have plenty of options available so that everyone has something they will enjoy. It is also important to consider dietary restrictions such as vegan or gluten-free guests. Have some dishes prepared ahead of time to save time and energy.
Drinks:
Of course, tea is the centerpiece of any high-tea party. Have a variety of teas available such as black, green, oolong, herbal and flavored. You can also offer coffee or hot cocoa for those who don’t enjoy tea. Have cold drinks on hand as well like sparkling water, fruit juices and sodas.
Table Settings:
The table should be set in a formal style with china plates, silver cutlery, teacups and saucers. Choose placemats or cloth napkins that coordinate with your tableware. Set out trays with sugar cubes and honey for guests to sweeten their drinks according to taste.
Decorations:
Add a touch of elegance to your high-tea party with decorations such as floral arrangements, candles and centerpieces. Make sure the lighting is soft and warm for a cozy atmosphere.
Entertainment:
Light background music can add to the ambiance of the occasion. Have some board games and puzzles on hand for guests to enjoy during their visit. This will encourage conversation among the group, making it a more memorable experience.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to hosting the perfect high-tea party at home! So get planning – and have fun!
Conclusion:
Hosting a high-tea party at home doesn’t have to be stressful. With just a little bit of preparation and thought, you can create an elegant gathering that your guests won’t soon forget. So don’t hesitate—start planning your next event today!