Jane Green's "Tempting Fate" Tea Party

If you've been tasked with hosting a party, consider an afternoon tea for your next birthday party, bridal shower, baby shower, Mother’s Day, or a girls get-together.  An afternoon tea consists of tea and a light meal between the hours of 3 and 5pm and is perfect for a group of 6 to 10 ladies.

Did you know there is a difference between an afternoon tea and a high tea?  An afternoon tea offers tea and light food to stave off hunger between lunch and dinner.  A high tea is usually served around dinner time and is considered a working person's meal with meat or a heavier main dish.

In the United States we often think of an afternoon tea as a pretty big deal.  In fact, if we were to go to a tea house or out for an afternoon tea, we would usually be looking at around $30 or more.  You don't need to spend that kind of money if you host your own.  Bring out your china or use a mix and match setting of china to add to the charm.  If you don't have a china set, ask each lady if they would please provide their own tea cup and saucer.

For your menu, serve sandwiches sliced as little soldiers or in triangular shapes with the crust removed, quick breads or muffins, pastries, and a selection of teas is all you need for the perfect tea party.

Menu

Scones - Plain and Gluten-Free Raisin
Pastries
Strawberry Preserves
Clotted Cream - Vegan "Clotted Cream"

Lemon Curd - Vegan
Tea Sandwiches - Tuna Salad, Egg Salad, Vegetarian, Cucumber
Tea - variety served with sugar, milk, or lemon

Notes:

• Tea is served with milk and never cream.  If a guest takes milk in her tea be sure to not offer her lemon - that is, unless she likes a curdled tea.
• The preserves, clotted cream, and lemon curd is served with the scones or quick breads. 
• I used two tea pots of hot water and offered a variety of herbal teas in bags.
• You can purchase everything for a tea but with a little preparation it's quite easy to make.
• A simple presentation is all that is needed because the food and china will take center stage.
• If you're going to make your food, prepare the sandwich fillings the day before and assemble just before the party.  The lemon curd, clotted cream and sugar cubes can also be made the day before.
• Creating a menu that will work with various diets is quite easy with a tea party.  This party offered eggless, vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free foods.

Other Afternoon Tea Menu Ideas  - Smoked Salmon sandwiches, Barbecue Salmon Salad, Quiche, Fresh Fruit, Fruit Tarts, Lemon Cookies, Macaroons, Banana Bread, Devonshire Cream

This tea party was sponsored by Jane Green's publishing house St. Martin's Press, Twinings of London Tea, and Salem Baking Company.  Through the generosity of our sponsors, each guest received one of Jane Green's books.

There aren't many things that pair so well as friends, tea, food, and a good book.

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