The Vintage Tea Party

Whilst waiting for my friends to arrive at a quint little coffee shop we'd come to love, I thought I would just pop into the bookstore and mozie around to kill time - well lucky I did because I came across an awesome book titled: The Vintage Tea Partyby Angel Adoree.

Now with my love for tea, tea parties, tea time, high tea - you name it, I just had to own the book no matter what was written inside. With the book paid for, I took my seat at the coffee shop and began to page through it.

What a lovely book, if I do say so myself! It was filled with awesome tea party planning ideas, fantastic photography work and of course all the "how to's" when it comes to throwing your amazing tea party function.

I loved how Angel took tea time from a primarily 'nose in the air'/ ladies only territory and showed you how to incorporate it into a snazzy, loved by all event!

I suggest you get your hands on this book for some fantastic event planning ideas - I will be having a baby shower in the near future so I will be sure to conveniently leave the book lying around where friends and family can get inspiration from :)

Happy Planning :)

Tea for Two

"A woman is like a tea bag; only in hot water do you realize how strong she is." Eleanor Roosevelt 

In the interest of my favorite past time, and given that my father bestowed upon me the most amazing Royal Albert Tea Set as a wedding present, I thought it fitting that I should share some tips on how to host a perfect Tea Party.

tea party - noun: An afternoon social gathering at which tea and light refreshments are served. 

What will I need?

• Top of the list - good company. Keep in mind that the tea ritual was designed to be a cozy and intimate gathering so be sure to limit your guest list!
• Send invitations two weeks ahead of time. Written invitations are always elegant, but telephone or email  will do. 
• Gather the following: a teapot, teacups and saucers, a tea strainer and small dish to deposit the tea leaves or tea bag, a pot of milk, lemon slices, jam, sugar and artificial sweetener, small plates, utensils, and napkins.
• On the day of the tea, bring refreshments in on trays or a cart and set the table so that guests may serve themselves. The hostess should always pour the tea and pass it to each guest    

                  

What Kind of Tea Shall It Be?

• Light Tea: this is a simple spread consisting of scones, jam, and cream. It is ideal for girl talk with your closest friends. And it's informal enough to serve right in the kitchen!
• Afternoon Tea or Low tea: is traditionally served between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. The menu consists of light finger sandwiches, scones, assorted pastries, and a layer cake or trifle. Hold this elegant tea in a comfortable setting such as a living room or den. In warm weather, move the party to a lawn, deck, or even poolside.
• High tea is a sit-down meal traditionally served after 6:00 p.m, high tea consists of robust meat dishes, bread and cheese, and a dessert of cake or pie.

                                                          

What to Serve?

Cucumber Mint Tea Sandwiches

½ stick butter

2 tbsp fresh mint leaves

8 slices of bread, crusts removed

½ large cucumber, thinly sliced

Sugar

In small bowl, mix butter and mint until well blended. Spread mixture onto slices of bread. Lay cucumber on 4 slices of bread. Sprinkle a dash of sugar on cucumber. Top with remaining slices of bread. Cut diagonally and serve.

8 servings.

Cranberry Scones 

2 cups all-purpose flour

¼ cup sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt

1/3 cup butter, diced

1 cup whipping cream

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 egg white

1 teaspoon orange zest

1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add butter until mixture is course and crumbly. Add whipping cream and stir until mixture is moist. Mix in cranberries, nutmeg, and orange zest.Place on a lightly floured surface and knead 6 or 7 times. Roll until ½ inch thick. Cut with a biscuit cutter and place each scone 2 inches apart on a lightly greased baking sheet.

Brush tops of scones with egg white and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

12 servings

Having a tea party is an inexpensive way to entertain your closest friends. The serving is usually light, and easy to pick up with the fingers. Tea time can be a simple pause during the day or a multicourse meal. The tea meal can be as flexible and reflective of mood or theme as you wish.


Happy Planning! :)

The start... An African Queen!

WOW! I had such an amazing time at my Kitchen Tea. Not only was I dressed up like a beautiful African Queen but I was treated like one too!

My Maids of Honour and mother in law went all out decorating the Gold Reef City banquet room in gorgeous African colours - the flower arrangements were made up from Proteas to Birds of Paradise, quills, feathers and even cute little cow key rings (my labola) adorned the table just to add some fun to the decor!

There was eating, dancing and cute games to keep the guests entertained during lunch. Everything came together wonderfully!

Well... not to say, with too many cooks (family members) in the kitchen (in one room) that the day didn't have its fair share of bickering and head butting, but what can you do, it seem that a brides place needs to be the peacekeeper as opposed to a bridezilla, probably in preparation of things to come in the future, who knows!

Have a look at some pictures from the day :)

Kitch-Hen Tea

One of the events that happen in the lead up to your wedding is the Kitchen Tea or Bridal Shower. Having already moved in with my Fiancé a couple of years back, but not wanting to request money as a gift I decided to go and create a registry, for the sake of it, at @Home and Boardmans.

Well let me tell you, set up home or not, you will always find more things you need and want for your registry! I went gift crazy - from new linen and towels to zesters and teaspoons! I figured that I really wanted to add things to my kitchen and home that reminded me of my wedding such as new towels and linen :)

I'm so exited to see what my Maid's of Honour and Mom in law have planned for Saturday!

Happy Planning!

G