What is a Tea Party Food Anyway?

by Rose

Tea party food comes in different assortments depending on the choice of preference and well, the theme of the party.

 More than likely, you think of little old ladies gathering to drink tea and chat. Perhaps your thoughts immediately turn to a little girl surrounded by stuffed animals, "pretend" tea and tea party food.

 A tea party can be whatever you make it; from whimsical to elaborate.

 Thoughts of tea parties being for little children are a thing of the past. Tea parties are no longer what people immediately think of anymore.

 Tea party food and tea parties are taking on an exiting new twist.

 Tea parties are a great way to introduce your friends to a healthy yet chic way to enjoy tea. You have a nice, new Chinese tea set you're itching to try it out and several friends coming over.

 Ok, now what?

 Armed with your gorgeous, yet functional, Chinese tea set, organic loose tea leaves, and the friends to enjoy the tea with- it's time to party!

 You now have the perfect opportunity to showcase your artistically elegant tea set and lovely loose tea.

 There are as many forms of tea parties as there are teas.

 Tea tasting parties are gaining in popularity. Ranging from a fantasy tea party for children to a traditional English high tea, tea parties are whatever you make them.

 You can satiate your tea loving friends with delectable pastries and tea foods such as scones with Devonshire cream, finger sandwiches and an assortment of tea cakes.

 With so many premium organic teas from all over the world to choose from, you may want to consider pairing the food with an appropriate tea. Green tea would go nicely with Japanese food, while a jasmine tea pairs well with Chinese dimsum like siu mai, spring rolls or potstickers.

 English afternoon tea originated in the 1800s as an afternoon snack for Anna Russell, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, in response to the late dinner time in England. This late afternoon snack for a Duchess quickly became a social event amongst the high society of the time.

 There is one thing that all tea parties have in common- tea!

 Aside from that, whether you have a trendy and contemporary tea party or a proper full English afternoon tea is entirely up to you.

 Themed tea parties are a great way to celebrate a variety of occasions.

 Try throwing a tea party that commemorates the changing of the seasons or surprise your book club with a traditional English full afternoon tea.

 A fantasy themed tea party is a fail-proof way to entertain a group of children (or stuffed animals) as well and will leave them talking about the tea party for weeks.

 Pick a fairytale or children's book and model the theme of the tea party around that. Not only is this a fantastic opportunity to educate children about tea and tea party food, but they'll enjoy reading the book!

 Next time you have a gathering to plan, why not have a party with tea?

 They're not for little old ladies anymore!
 

About the Author

Rose is a tea enthusiast and a health advocate. Find out more about her site www.green-tea-expert.com and visit her online store at www.theteaavenue.com where you can find organic tea and fine tea accessories for your tea party