Tea is used to celebrate events such as birthdays, bachelorette parties, holidays or simply the joy of the seasons. High tea can be an excuse for a dance or spring garden party, but also for a nice catch-up session. Whatever theme you choose, there are some helpful guidelines for turning your tea into a work of art and entertainment.

Invite a select group of people you want to bring together. Send invitation letters or, if the party is less formal, give them a call. Be sure to include the event, time, date, location, and a phone number you'd like to respond to. If your tea is themed, clearly indicate what they should wear or bring. Be careful about mixing too many personality types; a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere is central to your party.

Appetizers

Set your table with the elements of your tea theme. Teapots are porous and will absorb surrounding flavors and leave residual flavors behind. Provide a separate pot for each type of tea you will be serving. Also provide small plates of appetizers for their food choices. A curator, or a three-level booth with plates for each aisle, is the most efficient way to serve your guests. Tea savers keep tea warm between pours. A creamer, a sugar bowl and tongs are the tools for your spices. Since cream is a bit heavy for the delicate taste of tea, serve milk at room temperature. You will also want to offer lemon slices. If possible, provide china cups and saucers, as they add to the ceremony of the feast. Teaspoons are needed for those who use milk, sugar or lemon. Never use milk and lemon in the same cup; the lemon will curdle the milk, leaving the tea spoiled.

Prefer entertainment

Prepare your tea using traditional methods to ensure the best cup possible. Use fresh, cold tap water in the kettle. Bring the water to a boil to extract all the flavor from the leaves. Preheat the kettle by turning it over and then throwing it away. This keeps the tea warm while brewing. A convenient way to brew tea is to use an infuser to make a cup or teapot. If you prefer, you can soak the free-flowing leaves in the pot and then use a strainer when pouring. One teaspoon per five ounces of water or five teaspoons per can is recommended. Most pots make four cups. As a general rule, brew the tea for 3-5 minutes. Because teas vary, a light or dark color is not an indicator of strength. Be careful not to overdo the tea; too much tannin can be released, leaving a bitter-tasting cup.

Various delicacies

Tea offers the opportunity to present various delicacies. Sandwiches are the norm with favorites such as cucumber and cream cheese on white bread, sandwiches with sardine tea, deviled eggs, ham and watercress, chicken curry, mashed potato, scones, scones, muffins and biscuits. Tea hosts often offer other drinks as well, such as champagne, punch, milkshakes or lemonade.

Each theme offers the opportunity to use your decorative creativity. A hat party is fun for children and adults. A garden party can be dazzling with fresh flowers, tea flower arrangements or garden supplies for tableware. Imagine your sugar bowl as a painted clay pot with a small watering can for cream.

For the atmosphere, the music is the icing on your tea cake. While your guests are surrounded by food, tea and company, you can entertain them with a nice selection of easy listening or classic favorites. Choose a light mix of standards to add to your environment. There are many pieces