Time for Tea

It is cold outside, so why not throw a Tea Party to warm up a few of your good friends?   It's an easy way to catch up with some old chums during this chilly time of year.  Send out Sendomatic.com's Tea Party invitation to 5-6 of your buddies and start looking forward to a fun afternoon!

Break out your fancy china tea cups (or stop by your local Five and Dime and pick up a bargain, eclectic set) and spread out a classy table cloth.  Your tea and snacks will take up much of the table so decor isn't really necessary.

Be sure to have a few different teas for your guests to select from: Regular, Decaf, and Caffeine-free.  Remember...for best flavor, black teas need a bit longer brewing than herbal types. 

Tea sandwiches are a must for a Tea Party.  Plan on 4-6 pieces per guest.  My favorite tea sandwiches are the usual ones, egg salad and cucumber cream cheese.  I like to add fresh dill to my cucumber sandwiches for a special flavor.  I have also seen Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches served at a tea party and they were devoured!  Other sandwich types are Brie cheese and avocado and tuna salad.  I have not always remembered to do this, but it really makes a tasty sandwich when you spread a bit of room-temperature unsalted butter on the bread before adding the filling (to any flavor sandwich).  Be sure to use soft, fresh bread when making your sandwiches.  You can freeze the bread before you stuff the sandwiches so the bread doesn't tear or crumble.  After stuffing, don't forget to remove the crusts with a large knife, then cut the sandwich in smaller bite-sized treats.  Expect each guest to eat 4-6 sandwich pieces.

Make or pick up some sweet treats, such as scones or sweet rolls.  Be sure to cut them into bite size pieces for easy nibbling.  Some tea parties have chocolate truffles and cookies out as well, but I like to keep my parties simple for the hostess (me) and stick to a maximum of 6 different flavors to prepare.

Play some relaxing music and light some scented candles to bring on the Tea Party feel.  I bet you all will vow to have a tea party every month this year!