Adult tea parties go well beyond the traditional childhood party.
Some people hold tea parties indoors where guests can sip teas and chat surrounded by fine linens and fancy tableware, while others hold their affairs in gardens so that guests can enjoy the afternoon sunshine. No matter the venue, provide your tea party revelers with a variety of teas and tasty finger foods.
Sandwiches
Tiny sandwiches cut into bite size pieces are standard at tea parties. Provide guests with savory options such sandwiches spread with thinly sliced cucumbers, butter and sprouts or sandwiches spread with a mixture of chicken breast and curry powder, celery and mayonnaise. Serve sweet sandwiches with carrot, sweet ginger paste and cream cheese, or sandwiches with orange marmalade spread made with butter and preserves.
Scones
Scones are another traditional tea party treat. These biscuits are made with flour, eggs and cream and can include added ingredients such as dates, raisins and nutmeg. Some scones use exotic flavors such as lavender and rose petals.
Cakes and Sweets
Provide bite size cakes and sweets such as Barbury tea tarts made with dried currants and lemon or a pumpkin tea cake with ground cinnamon and walnuts. Petit fours, which are small frosted cakes, are commonly served at tea parties. Other sweets to consider for a tea party include almond macaroon cookies, cream puffs and truffles.
Teas
Don't forget the tea when planning the party. In addition to the traditional English breakfast tea and Earl Grey, provide a variety of flavors and herbal teas with flavors of cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and rose petal. Provide sugar and cream for guests to mix in their teas. Also provide other drinks such as lemonade and hot chocolate.
Other Foods
Beyond the typical tea party fare, serve guests something unexpected such as chicken salad spread onto tortillas. Roll up the tortillas and slice them into discs. Make a garden vegetable pizza with a variety of fresh, thinly cut vegetables and cream cheese. Cut the pizzas into mini slices for guests to munch along with their teas.
Tags: made with, bite size, cream cheese, sandwiches spread, sandwiches spread with
