KissMeGoodnight
eRomance Series:
Throwing a Bridal Shower
How
To Throw a Bridal Shower Tea Party
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.
Click here ladies for the wildest bridal and bachelorette party ideas, supplies, kits, gifts and invitations. Such a great website. It's my KissMeGoodnight recommendation. # # # # #
by KissMeGoodnight.com
: 2006
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