“Some people will tell you there is a great deal of poetry and fine sentiment in a chest of tea,” Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote. Though the brew served at this party may not come from a eighteenth century chest of tea, the poetry and sentiment of the beverage lingers. Let its influence soothe and refresh friends of all ages at a Poetry, Pumpkins, and Poe Tea.
Hosting a Poetry, Pumpkins, and Poe Tea
Invitations for this party can vary from simple to elaborate. No ivory tower membership required. Simply ask friends to come enjoy poetry and autumn over a tea table. Select russet and ochre tones for party decorations to accentuate the colors of autumn. Consider using a variety of gourds, pumpkins, and Indian corn as the centerpiece for the table. At each place setting use mini decorative pumpkins as place card holders. On one side of the card write the name of the guest and on the other a poetic quotation.
Supplies Needed to Host a Tea
Once the R.S.V.P.s have returned, check the cupboards and china hutches for the following supplies. Purchase anything necessary.
- Neutral tan/beige table linens or natural wood placemats and napkin rings
- Place settings for the appropriate number of guests
- A tea kettle
- A clear glass tea pot and cups
- Tumblers for iced tea/water
- Cutlery
- Fall scented ambient candle of choice
- Background music
- Centerpiece featuring pumpkins and harvest produce
- Mini decorative pumpkins for place card holders
- Place cards with poetry quotes
- Extracts of poetry/literature with the theme of autumn
- Party favors (potpourri sachets make a fragrant keepsake)
- Ingredients for the menu
Sample Menu
This tea should nourish the body as well as the mind, so give a few moments’ consideration to the flavors of autumn and select those which complement each other. Here is a sample Poetry, Pumpkins, and Poe Menu:
- Bigelow Ginger-Snappish Tea served iced or hot
- Warm Spiced Apple Cider
- Gingered Pumpkin Soup with Gruyere Cheese
- Turkey Wraps with Cranberry Relish
- Pumpkin tarts topped with whipped cream and a twist of lemon
- Gourmet chocolate caramel squares
Preparing a Tea Party
The secret to hosting a successful party is allowing sufficient preparation time. Time ensures that all the details fall into place. Then the hostess can enjoy herself in the midst of planning, shopping, and cooking.
- During the week preceding the party, prepare the menu and shop for ingredients.
- Two days prior prepare the linens. Wash the tea service and any china.
- On the day before the party decorate the room and set the table. Cue the background music. Bake pumpkin tarts, prepare the cranberry relish, and gather any last minute ingredients needed.
- Prepare remaining food on the morning of the party and let the delectable aroma of pumpkin, apples, and spice fill the air. Apple cider should simmer in a crock pot for at least an hour on low.
- Finally, include time to exchange the chef’s apron for a favorite fall outfit!
Cups of Conversation
Whether guests prefer poetry or prose, getting a roomful of people to talk about literature can offer a challenge. Try warming up those frozen tongues with some witty parlor games! After tea and time have thawed constraints, ask guests to read select poems aloud and discuss favorites.
Before guests disperse, hand out party favors and plan to gather again soon. Additional autumn themed teas are Alluring Afternoons: A Tea in Celebration of Beauty and Miss Scarlet in the Dining Room with the Earl Grey, A Mystery Tea.
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