The Basics of Throwing a Bridal Shower Tea Party.

By: Thomas Hunter

If you are planning a bridal shower, you are probably looking for a unique and fun way to celebrate. You want to have the traditions of a bridal shower, such as gift giving and mingling, but you want to jazz it up a little and add a new twist. Why not consider throwing a bridal shower tea party?

A Brief Look at the History of Tea Parties: Most people view tea parties as an upscale, extravagant affair. In many ways, this is true. Over tie, it has evolved into a tradition that is both elegant and refined. The concept of setting aside a special time to enjoy tea was, however, established by the working class citizens of Britain who enjoyed taking in tea during their evening supper. Over time, teatime slowly moved up in the day from the evening to mid or late afternoon.

Now, “Afternoon” Tea is used to describe when tea and a snack are enjoyed in the afternoon. “High” Tea, on the other hand, is used to describe when having tea in the evening and with a larger meal. Both men and women now enjoy Afternoon Tea between meals and High Tea in the evening. Some even use Afternoon Tea as a way to entertain business guests.

Decorations: Because Afternoon Tea is intended to be a somewhat elegant affair, you must be sure to cover the tables with linens. If possible, you should also use silver and china to add to the atmosphere of refinement. A silver three-tier tray also adds a touch of class and is an excellent way to put your snacks on display and within easy reach to your guests. Teapot warmers are also a fantastic decoration, which adds the practical benefit of keeping your tea warm.

If you choose to have your bridal shower tea party in the evening and outdoors, try hanging small white lights around the area of the party. Then, place several votive candles in clear glass holders on the tables. The dim lighting and pleasant atmosphere is perfect for a bridal shower tea party, particularly one with a small group of friends.

Foods to Accompany Afternoon Tea: All food for an Afternoon Tea should be prepared before the guests arrive. It is ok to set this up as a buffet style snack or to pass various plates of treats around the table. You should, however, go around and actually serve the tea yourself. Sugar cubes, milk, and lemon slices should also be available to your guests to include in their tea.

The foods associated with afternoon tea should not be heavy and overly filling. It should consist of bite size pieces of biscuits or scones, sandwiches, and sweets. Some examples of traditional Afternoon Tea snacks include cucumber sandwiches, clotted cream, lemon teacakes and Madeleines, which are cake-like cookies. Other great choices are asparagus and prosciutto tea sandwiches and, for large gatherings, chicken salad sandwiches are a good choice. Miniature chocolates, white chocolate dipped strawberries, and pastel Jordan Almonds should also be included on your snack table.

For an extra fancy touch, provide a white frosted cake for your bridal shower tea party. Decorate it with edible flowers, such as pink roses, pansies, nasturtiums, carnations, and calendulas. Your guests will be sure to admire the final outcome.

Bridal Shower Tea Party Favors: There are several excellent favors you can create for your bridal shower tea party. Small bouquets made of fresh flowers make a great decoration and favor for your guests. Or, try filling a jar with tea for each guest. Then, decorate the top of each jar with something special to symbolize your bridal shower or wedding, such as a miniature veil or a white hat with flowers decorating the brim.

Activities: In addition to other traditional bridal shower games, a bridal shower tea party lends itself naturally to a more intimate type of activity. One activity that is great for a bridal shower tea party is to ask each guest ahead of time to come prepared with a great love story or poem to share. These stories can be shared with one another while drinking tea, and will provide for wonderful inspiration to the bride-to-be. If possible, have each guest writer her love story or poem down and create a book as a keepsake.


About the author of The Basics of Throwing a Bridal Shower Tea Party

Thomas Hunter is an Internet marketer, author and publisher and has helped hundreds of people become successful Niche Marketers. Explore the highly profitable world of Niche Marketing at http://SixFigureNiches.com our popular website.
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