A traditional tea party menu calls for elegant sandwiches, scones, and savory sweets. Here are some options that you can choose from.
Also called afternoon tea, this British tradition calls for a late afternoon of tea, delectable snacks, and petit fours. The idea is to revel in a luxurious afternoon created by cozy ambiance, quiet conversation and scrumptious foods. Tea parties are usually commenced between 3-4 in the afternoons.
As the host, you should send out invitations that correspond with your theme in advance, so that your guests have a week to RSVP. Plan a floral centerpiece and bring out your best china tea set. Once you have your menu set, you should practice preparing the tea party menu recipes.
Menu Ideas for a Tea Party
Tea
To start with the basics, it is important to learn the correct technique of brewing a pot of tea. First rinse the teapot with hot water and add the tea leaves to it.
Boil the water in a pan, and pour it into the teapot. Allow it to brew for 3-4 minutes, and then serve it along with a jug of milk (not cream) and a pot of sugar cubes. You can also serve sliced lemons along with the tea. This is the traditional manner of serving tea but you can also serve flavored or iced tea and even coffee.
Sandwiches
Specifically called tea sandwiches, they are made of very thin slices of bread. You can use a rolling pin to flatten the slices.
Apart from the dainty cucumber sandwiches that one associates with high tea, other favorites are egg sandwiches, and ham with watercress, and cream cheese. Other options are smoked salmon, cream cheese, and mozzarella with tomato sandwiches.
Scones and Sweet Foods
No tea party is complete without English scones served with butter, clotted cream, and strawberry jam.
The scones should be round and served with softly whipped heavy cream or lemon yogurt, and a variety of jams such as raspberry, strawberry, apricot.
In addition to this one may include muffins, crumpets, cakes, cookies gingerbread, pastries, and fruit as part of the tea party food.
Sample Menu 1
♦ Cucumber sandwich with sesame seeds ♦ Egg salad on whole wheat sounds ♦ Chicken almond salad on raisin bread
Fancy celery sticks (celery stalks filled with peanut butter and raisins)
Fruit baskets
Fairy Cupcakes
Applesauce muffin
Apple pie
Strawberry-kiwi herbal tea
Apple juice
If you are planning a tea party for kids, it is advisable to keep your best china away and instead utilize safer (less breakable) options. Kids enjoy these parties and love to dress up and play 'grown up'. The food items can be prepared easily and taste delicious when combined with tea.