Friendships are formed in many ways. Shared experience and similar taste knits many friends together. Yet the differences between individuals can often strengthen a friendship more than a multitude of similarities. Enjoy the unique flavor that every friend adds to life by hosting a themed tea party this summer honoring diversity.
The Spice of Life Tea: Celebra-tea-ing Differences
Send invitations to guests who supply the yin or yang in a friendship. For stationery consider using an eclectic bunch of cards or paper featuring various vivid colors and designs. Optional: ask guests to arrive in the outfit that best expresses their personality. Explain that this summer tea party is for the purpose of celebrating the strengths and weaknesses that make each person unique. Once the RSVPs have returned, count the guests and gather necessary party supplies.
Supplies Needed To Host The Themed Tea
- Eclectic background music
- Pitcher and glasses for iced tea
- A cinnamon scented room candle or spiced potpourri for the room
- Unique place settings for every guest. Tailor the place settings to reflect the preferences of each friend. For example one might feature floral and lace, the next a jungle motif, and the third an oriental garden scene. Harmonize the variety by concentrating on two or three accent colors common to the whole table, such as red, black, and green.
- Ingredients for the menu
Sample Tea Menu
The theme of this party is a celebration of the differences between friends. It is also an occasion to enjoy the range of flavors and textures available to the palate. Here is a sample tea menu for The Spice of Life Tea:
- Spice tea (Chai or Cinnamon) served iced
- Chilled sparkling water
- Assortment of cheese and crackers
- A savory chilled soup like Gazpacho or Creamy Avocado
- Spring Greens Salad
- Gingerbread or spice cake garnished with mint
- Top off the meal with a square of specialty chocolate (Godiva’s Cinnamon Blush works well).
Preparing A Tea Party
Purchase any last-minute ingredients needed for the menu. The day before the party set the table. Enjoy this opportunity to use mismatched dishes and linens, colors and patterns, and cutlery. Prepare the background music. Find a variety of music styles and set the CD player on random play.
On the day of the party prepare the food at least two hours prior to the arrival of company. Most of the menu items require chilling. Leave time to exchange the chef’s apron for a favorite outfit after the last dish slides into the refrigerator. Light the room candles and turn on the music.
Celebrating Friends
When guests arrive, relax and begin to enjoy the spontaneity, comedy, and energy that friends bring into the room and into the lives of each other. As iced tea begins to vanish and the mood music kicks in, start conversations by asking each friend to list three facts about themselves, two true and one false. See if other guests can identify the fictitious fact out of the three. This game brings a lot of laughter and tests how well friends really know each other. Spoons is another pastime popular with all ages. Just make sure that the dishes are cleared before attempting the boisterous game!
As the last chocolate disappears and guests disperse, draw straws to see who will host the next summer tea, Lavender & Lace: the Tea of Gratitude, or Lemons & Love, A Rainy Day Tea.
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