Having an afternoon Christmas tea party can become one of your favorite stress free Christmas party ideas. Really!
The holidays are one of the busiest times of the year, but it also a time to enjoy friends and show our gratitude for those individuals that mean so much to us. There is no better time than during the holiday season.
For stress free entertaining, do as much ahead of time as you can. In fact, the best part about hosting a tea party during the holidays is that you most likely have the house decorated. Many of us enjoy having a reason to show off and use our Christmas dishes and special tea sets. If you love to show off your gourmet skills go to town baking delicious scones and tea cakes, but if you don’t enjoy spending time in the kitchen take advantage of cyberspace You can have the most delicious and beautifully done edibles delivered right to your door.
A small, intimate gathering is usually easier to plan. Inviting 3 to 4 friends is the perfect number. If you are an individual that wants to have a larger event, a buffet style gathering would be more appropriate to serve all your guests.
More tips for hosting an afternoon Christmas tea party. One of the stress free Christmas traditions
Of course, it is important that at this time of year you get your invitations out early. Remember, the invitations set the mood and expectations of your guests. For some hosting an afternoon tea party a simple holiday email may be appropriate. For others, a more elaborate and creative homemade invitation is in order.
Some suggestions may be a cookie shaped in the form of a teapot, with the invitation written on it. Or, a tea sac, your favorite loose leaf tea and a spice sachet with the invitation. I suggest that if it is important to you that your guests come dressed in holiday attire: let them know this. It amazes me that I see wrinkled blue jeans and sweat shirts at absolutely any kind of party. If casual is your thing that’s fine too.
For a light afternoon tea, you would expect your guests to arrive around 4 pm. Of course, if you prefer to serve “high tea” this is later and the food served is more substantial. However in today’s world you are free to pick any time frame that suits both you and your guests.
The menu can be as simple as scones, home made biscuits and tea sandwiches, to several different savory dishes, cookies and mini tarts with a fabulous and fancy dessert to end the meal.
Of course, it is important to have a variety of hot teas and herbal teas. Don’t forget to offer some holiday favorites such as peppermint and special Christmas tea blends. You may even consider serving some T cocktails for a fun twist to impress your guests.
You have your menu planned and your invitations sent. Now is the time to plan the tea party decorations. Do you have a room with a fireplace? That is a great area to serve afternoon tea. Don’t have a fireplace, don’t worry; create an area that is cozy and warm and suitable for visiting with friends. Christmas party ideas for decorations are easy and can be done inexpensively. With a tea party, you can mix and match your china to complement your colors. Allow the beauty of nature to adorn your table. Holiday greenery, pine cones, wreaths made of fruit all can complement any setting. Flickering candles, holiday twinkle lights and holiday music all add to the ambiance.
If you are not sure of how to put things together or are looking for something different, take time to browse through magazines for some new ideas.
Taking time to prepare as much as possible before your guests arrive will leave you time to enjoy your friends and the warmth of the holiday season.
A Christmas afternoon tea, after all, is about making everyone feel special and important. Make sure that you prepare a thoughtful keepsake for your guests when they leave. A small tin with your favorite loose leaf tea, a small gift box with some special tea ornament are just a few ideas that will help your friends remember and cherish their special holiday afternoon tea party.