• The tea party

    Posted on November 16th, 2008 Saver Queen 9 comments

      

    Several weeks ago, we had a party for my friend’s birthday.  While considering what to do, one of my friends suggested that we go to have High Tea at a fancy downtown hotel.  I LOVE High Tea.  It was one of my favourite things about living in Oxford, and every time I go back to England, having “cream tea” in the afternoon is always must-do.

    Unfortunately, it is also unbelievably expensive here in Canada, and we were looking at approximately $45 a person to eat - not including treating my friend.  Since money is a little tight for all of us right now, my sister came up with the great idea of creating our own tea party.  Here’s how we did it:

    1. Scones - I made cranberry scones, mock Devonshire cream, and my sister served them with our Grandmother’ infamous homemade strawberry jam

    2. Finger Sandwiches - another friend brought the party sandwiches - they are only $22.99 for a box of 5-dozen at The Pickle Barrel in Toronto

    3. Tea - my sister brewed a couple of pots of loose leaf black tea

    4. Deviled Eggs and Salad - my sister prepared both of these tasty additions to the meal

    5. Processo - another friend treated us with a little of the bubbly to kick off our luncheon

    6. Petite Fours - another friend picked up an assortment of goodies from local bakeries

    7. Decor - my sister had set the table beautifully, using a variety of teacups and other antiques, passed down from my Grandmother

    We had a wonderful time!  And it was probably even more special being at my sister’s home.  Plus, this way we were able to sit and talk for more than 5 hours - something we wouldn’t have been able to do at a restaurant or cafe.  Plus, I learned how to make scones! The bottom line: why assume that you need to pay top dollar for something fun?  Learning how to Do It Yourself can be just as special, perhaps more meaningful, in addition to being more cost-effective.

    If you have other ideas for homestyle parties or activities, please share!

    Crafts / DIY, Entertaining, Uncategorized
     

    9 responses to “The tea party”

    1. dinah November 16th, 2008 at 15:53

      how cool is that!?! it looks delightful. i’m a sucker for fancy sandwiches.

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    3. Nancy November 17th, 2008 at 10:44

      What a lovely idea. It proves that you can enjoy the ambience and essence of a special occasion, with creativity and meaning. Everyone loves to contribute something, and even more fun when it’s out of the ordinary. Using the teacups, jam etc passed down with love from a family member (especially a grandma) gives it meaning that can’t be matched in any restaurant..it’s truly priceless.
      This is what memories are made of…thanks for sharing, saver queen!

    4. DebtFree2009 November 17th, 2008 at 11:09

      What a beautiful idea. I love tea parties and to plan and prepare your own is great. Makes me want to invite a few friends over.

    5. Rosilen November 17th, 2008 at 21:12

      Yummy, i have some great friends that live in London and they have me hooked on having tea. A tea party would be a great way to give my best friend a bridal shower. I have to try this . Thanks for all the info. Question though, are there any other things that make up a traditional tea.

    6. Saver Queen November 17th, 2008 at 22:05

      Hi Rosilen, thanks for your question! For traditional “cream tea” all you need is scones, strawberry jam, clotted cream, and black tea. For traditional “high tea” you need scones with strawberry jam and clotted or Devonshire cream, black tea, as well as finger sandwiches - the traditional ones would include egg and watercress, cucumber and cream cheese, but common ones also include tuna, smoked salmon and cream cheese, or anything you want, really - in addition, you should have petite fours (little cakes and tartlets, but you could include little bars, etc) and deviled eggs. I will be posting my recipe for the scones and cream soon… mmm, they were so yummy!! I’m sure it would be perfect for a bridal shower!!!

    7. Rosilen November 18th, 2008 at 01:18

      thanks.

    8. Cam November 20th, 2008 at 10:45

      I might point out that I got that tea on sale at Harrods when visiting London. Skipped the super expensive stuff and found a deal in the clearance rack! :) Also, you can make your own flavoured loose teas — purchase a standard loose leaf earl grey or other black tea and then add additions such as orange zest, cinnamon stick, etc. for a Christmas tea. There was a Canadian Living article on this once and I’m sure a google search could provide more ideas. Decorate a mason jar, fill it with the tea, and it makes a really cute and inexpensive homemade gift.

      Also, a note from the resident foodie — petit fours are actually teeny tiny iced minature cakes. High tea usually comes with an assortment of cakes/baked goods. Sorry — couldn’t resist correcting you, Saver Queen.

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