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1. For this Christmas party season and other times of the year

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For this Christmas party season and other times of the year

Got loose leaf tea, let's have an afternoon tea party

Ideas on what loose leaf tea to serve, along with your party tea sandwiches

Tea parties are not just for the British gentry - an afternoon tea party is suitable to many types of celebrations. Together we will explore some of the foods and loose leaf tea typically served at a tea party.

There are many occasions and events that can be celebrated with an afternoon tea party - a birthday celebration, bridal shower, baby shower, retirement party, or just a girl's afternoon out. Tea parties are a perfect way to relax and enjoy the companionship of friends and family.

You want your tea party to be an elegant representation of what teatime has come to mean in other parts of the world. The best way to ensure this to plan your tea party carefully, remembering little details that will add a special touch. Be sure to have several different types of loose leaf tea available, along with cream and sugar. Create a lovely atmosphere by setting an elegant table complete with a beautiful centerpiece.

And, of course, don't forget the food. Here are a few ideas to help you out:

Teatime Sandwiches

A tea party just wouldn't be complete without the little finger sandwiches that have always been a popular teatime favorite. The best thing about sandwiches is that you can let your imagination run wild. A few popular kinds of tea sandwiches include:-

* The traditional white bread and cucumber sandwich
* Egg Salad Sandwich
* Tuna Salad Sandwich
* Goat Cheese and Watercress Sandwich
* Cucumber Mint and Herbed Cream Cheese Sandwich
* Ham - Watercress Sandwich
* Asparagus and Prosciutto Sandwich
* Any variety of deli meats and cheeses

Snack and Sweets

You can also serve a variety of snack foods including vegetable and cheese trays, cookies, cupcakes, and candies.

These can include:-

* Peanut Butter Crackers
* Cheese Crackers
* Calla Lily Cookies
* Decadent Truffle Tree
* Haystacks
* Chocolate Cupcakes
* Mini-lemon cheesecakes
* Sand Tarts
* Sugar Cookies
* Sugar Fruit Tarts
* Blueberry Scones
* Cream Scones with Currants
* Cinnamon-Chocolate Scones
* Raisin Scones
* Tangerine Tea Cakes
* Sour Cherry and Pecan Tea Ring
* Five-Spice Tea Cake
* Rhubarb Tart

Well the list just goes on and on. Include your own favorite sweets.

The leaf tea

Of course, the most important ingredient of an afternoon tea party is…the tea! You have several choices and you should keep in mind that not everyone likes the same kind of tea. Be sure to check out the end to find instructions on brewing the perfect pot of tea. Here are just a few of those choices:

Hot Leaf Teas:

* Epazote Tea
* Lemon Ginger Tea
* Ginger Tea
* Herbal Tea
* Earl Grey Tea Tart
* Moroccan Mint Tea
* Sweet Tea
* Chai Tea
* Mint and Lemon Tea
* Perfect English Tea

Cold Leaf Teas:

* Mint Iced Tea
* Peach Iced Tea
* Fruity Lemon Iced Tea
* Lemon-ginger Jasmine Tea
* Jasmine Tea

Thank you Lisa Paterson of cupcake-creations.com for the helpful article

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If you'd like to share pictures of your tea party email Connie@your-cup-of-tea.com