Afternoon Tea - A New American Tradition

Tea has been around for many centuries and hasand maybe a candelabra on the buffet along with
been used for casual or formal tea parties, or abright, flower bouquets for even more ambiance for
soothing accompaniment for chats with family andthe party. Create an ambiance with soft, vintage or
friends. Tea-time is comforting for morning, afternoonmore classical styles of music and serve delightfully
or night time rituals to help us to relax. Fortunately,tasty treats such as scones, tea cakes, cookies, rich
afternoon tea is quickly becoming a new Americanchocolates, petit fours and finger sandwiches. You'll
tradition enjoyed by all generations.also want slices of lemon, fresh mint sprigs, honey
Tea parties and afternoon teas are popularand fresh milk on the tables for your guests to be
throughout the United States and are either casualable to add to the soothing teas you are serving.
events for socializing with family and friends or moreMake several different kinds of teas to be sure to
formalized events for business acquaintances.satisfy all of your guest's taste buds and your tea
New tea rooms are opening in every major Americanparty will be a successful, memorable event.
city today. They are delightful businesses whichAfternoon teas are rising in popularity as well. These
serve an assortment of tasty and soothing teas in acasual tea events are an excellent way to schedule a
beautiful and tranquil environment. These tea roomsrelaxing time with friends or family in the
also serve delicious luncheons and host birthdaymid-afternoon. Sweets, small biscuits, sandwich cubes
parties in a classic fantasy tea party styling for littleand other more casual finger foods should be offered
girls or grown up girls. They serve other delicaciesto go along with the tea you are serving. This is a
which accompany the many varieties of tea availablewonderful way to entertain business associates as
for our enjoyment such as scones, tea sandwiches,well. They will find it intriguing and uniquely charming.
cookies, pots de' crème and soups which areAfternoon teas can also be themed for a baby
wonderful accompaniments for any tea.shower, wedding showers or birthday get together.
Tea types that are rising in popularity here in AmericaBridal Shower teas are one of the most popular
today include chamomile, green, black, white, oolong,ways to honor a bride-to-be. Use your most beautiful
mandarin orange, mixed berry, mint, earl grey andchina tea sets, even if they don't all match.
many other herbal varieties. Green, White and blackMismatched patterns make the décor even
teas are known for their high antioxidants contentmore stylish and eclectic. For added fun for your
and healthy attributes and these are sometimesguests, include teas such as chamomile, green, black,
mixed with pomegranate, cherry and blackberryearl grey, mandarin orange, mint and oolong. These
natural juices for added healthy goodness. Tea isare good varieties of teas that include a flavor for
quickly replacing coffee as the drink of choice due toeveryone.
its many health benefits.The U.S. has tea rooms in almost every state and
Tea parties are making a large and popular comebackthe numbers are increasing every day. Many grocery
in the U.S. as well. It it is a formal "high tea", planningstore chains are picking up on this new Afternoon
a successful tea party or afternoon tea means thatTea tradition by offering an assortment of various
you need the right accessories to make it memorableherbal and specialty teas within their aisles for their
and extra special for all of your guests. Tea partycustomer's choosing.
invitations should be sent out about 7-14 days priorDrinking teas and hosting wonderfully fun afternoon
to the date. Lovely patterned china cups and saucers,teas and elegant tea parties are all the new rage
teapots, sugar bowls, milk cream pitchers andhere in America and it is becoming a "new American
dessert plates should also be on hand. Decorationstradition" that is here to stay.
should include beautiful votive candles on every table