A few supplies, some hours of preparation, and a vivid imagination can transform an afternoon tea into a world of mystery, intrigue, and suspicion. So plan an evening of fun and drama for friends in the eerie autumn twilight this fall.
Miss Scarlet in the Dining Room With the Earl Grey: A Mystery Tea
First decide on the color scheme, motif, and requirements for this party. It could be based on a famous mystery series, such as Agatha Christie, Sherlock Holmes , or Lord Peter Whimsy. If a costume party sounds appealing, ask guests to come as characters from a mystery novel of choice.
Invitations offer guests a peek at what kind of party to expect. Use the opportunity to evoke a sense of mystery from the beginning. Ask each one to bring various objects to the party without informing him or her of the purpose. These items will be used in a variation of the popular game Clue.
Supplies Needed to Host a Tea
Once the R.S.V.P.s have returned, check the cupboards for the following supplies. Purchase anything necessary.
- Black/white linens
- Old black and white photographs which can be scattered over the tabletop and around the room (antique malls often have bundles of old photos for sale)
- Plain white place settings and cutlery
- A tea kettle
- Unique tea pot and cups (borrow cups if necessary but try to collect a variety of unusual shapes and designs)
- Votive candles/tea lights and pillar candles (candles will play an important role in keeping the ambiance mysterious, so purchase as many as necessary to light the room without using electricity)
- Centerpiece of bare tree branches
- Fake cobwebs to drape from doorways/overhead fixtures (optional)
- Smoky potpourri for the room
- Eerie background music
- The board game Clue (optional)
- Supplies for a modified version of Clue
- Ingredients for the menu
Sample Menu
The emphasis of this party is suspense and mystery. So when planning the menu try flavor combinations that will surprise and please the taste buds. Here is a sample menu for a mystery tea:
- Earl Grey or Dragon Eye Oolong Tea
- Tumblers of ice water garnished with lemon and cucumber
- Cheese crumpets
- Zucchini muffins
- Radish-poppy seed tea sandwiches
- Slices of pear and candied ginger
Preparing a Tea Party
The secret to hosting a successful party is sufficient preparation time. During the week preceding the party, prepare the menu and shop for supplies and ingredients.
Two days prior to the event prepare the linens and dishes.
On the day before the party decorate the room and set the table. Fold napkins in crisp triangles. Use sharp points and angles to create visual suspense. Crop photos and scatter around the table and room. Drape doorways and overhead fixtures with strands of fake cobwebs. Place candles around the room. Cue the background music. Bake muffins and mix filling for sandwiches.
Prepare remaining food on the morning of the party. Smoky teas should steep no longer than five minutes before serving, so wait until guests arrive to brew the tea.
Conversation and Games
After welcoming various sleuths who have arrived, start the tea and allow the flickering candlelight and mood music to do the rest. After some casual conversation, make the transition to games.
Clue, the popular murder mystery board game, appeals to all ages.
For a variation on the classic whodunit game, try to solve how and why the crime was commited.
Other great games include Charades, Forfeit, or Pass the Slipper. Keep the laughter and suspense running high with these guessing games and watch the time mysteriously disappear! All too quickly the last drop of tea will have vanished. Before guests slip away, make sure to plan another party soon.
For other themed tea parties see The Spice of Life, or Alluring Afternoons.
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