Have you thought of hosting a tea party but, not sure where to start? Then read on, Whether you’re a host or a guest, I will cover everything from the history, the different types of tea parties, what to wear and of course the etiquette.

History:

We have Anna, Duchess of Bedford, to thank for starting this tradition sometime around 1840. Evening meal was being served later in the evening, around eight o’clock. Around four o’clock, the Duchess would get a sinking feeling and would request a tray of tea, cakes and sandwiches. The Duchess found this to be a perfect refreshment, so she began inviting her friends to join her.

How to host a tea party:

If the thought of a beautifully set table filled with scones, tea sandwiches, and sweet treats on a three-tiered tray excites you, make sure you know which type of tea party you are planning. Afternoon Tea, High Tea and Royal Tea are three of the most popular tea parties.

· High Tea: This is what most people think of when they think of a fancy tea party. However, high tea is more of a light supper served with tea. It was usually for the working class and served between 5pm – 7pm. The delicacies included meat and fish, as well as breads and desserts. It is called High Tea because it was generally served at a high table, like a dining table.

· Afternoon Tea (also known as Low Tea): This is a light 3-course meal consisting of tea sandwiches, scones, and pastries, served between 3pm – 5pm. The Low Tea name is derived from Anna, Duchess of Bedford, who would take her afternoon tea on low tables with comfortable chairs and sofas.

· Royal Tea: Is the same as Afternoon Tea with one important difference. You still have your traditional finger sandwiches, scones and desserts. The difference with Royal Tea is that along with your tea you also receive a glass of champagne.

Invitations: May be extended and accepted via phone, email or mail. One to two weeks in advance.

Tools of the trade:

· Tea pots

· Tea cups and saucers

· Creamer and sugar bowl

· Jam and jellies

· A plate for lemon slices

· 3-tiered serving tray

· Plates

· Flatware and serving utensils

· Napkins

What to wear:

Tea fashion consists of dresses, hat or fascinator, jewelry and gloves. If this is an outdoor Tea Party, a parasol is the perfect finishing touch. The key is to dress up. Make sure that the clothes, shoes, and hat you choose to wear matches the ambiance of the tea venue or tea party.

What to serve:

· A variety of teas such as: Earl Grey, Darjeeling, Ceylon.

· Tea/finger sandwiches such as: Crab salad, curried egg, pesto chicken. Best if made the day of, to be cut in either the princess cut or in half with no crusts.

· Scones: to be served warm, also have jam & clotted cream on the table in a pretty bowl with serving spoons.

· Biscuits: Shortbreads and cookies. These can be baked/purchased a day or two before.

· Cakes: Individual portions (this will make placing them on the tiered tray easier)

How to decorate:

Dress up your table with a tablecloth, flowers, candles. Place cards always add a personal touch.

Etiquette tips for such an occasion

· Remember to RSVP to an invitation

· Don’t forget your hostess gift

· All of the food is finger food and should be eaten as such

· Remember to wear your gloves TO the tea party, NOT during the tea party

· Setting up the food on the three-tiered tray should be the savory sandwiches on the bottom, the scones in the middle and the cakes and desserts on top. These should also be eaten in the same order – bottom to top.

· Scones (like a bread roll) are to be broken apart with your fingers not a knife and fork

· Place cream, jam, etc... on your personal plate and NOT directly on your scone from the communal plate

· Remember to send a thank you note to the hostess after the tea party

· Remember to use your table etiquette; place napkin on your lap once seated at your table.

And above all, remember to enjoy yourself!

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Jules Martinez Hirst

Jules Hirst is a sought-after business & social etiquette expert, co-author of The Power of Civility and founder of Etiquette Consulting, Inc.

Dedicated to empowering individuals and groups with confidence and essential social grace, she conducts lectures, workshops, seminars and webinars for Business Professionals, Newly Elected Officials, College Students, the Youth, Teens and Brides to Be.

She has worked with corporations & non profits such as NALEO, Northrop Grumman, County of Los Angeles Libraries, Sun America, Ernst & Young and the Girl Scouts of America and numerous schools and universities including UCLA, USC, Cal State Los Angeles, UC Santa Barbara & Mount St. Mary’s.

Regarded as a foremost authority in business etiquette, Jules has been interviewed by and quoted in a variety of media outlets including NBC Nightly News, ABC World News, Yahoo!, Bravo T.V, MTV, Good Morning America, KCBS the San Diego Tribune, Chicago Tribune, The Smart Show, KNX 1070, KFI, Marketplace PR and Los Angeles Times.

Affiliations & Awards:

· 2015 Named Latina of Influence by Hispanic Lifestyle

· 2015 Named Lincoln Latina Leader by Lincoln Motor Company

· Member, Latina Golfers Association

· Member, Association of Image Consultants

Certificates:

· 2014 Latina Global Executive Leadership Program, USC

· 2015 Management Development for Entrepreneurs, UCLA Anderson School of Management

Contact Info:

Office: 310-425-3160

Cell: 310-770-0749

Email: jh@juleshirst.com http://www.facebook.com/EtiquetteConsultingInc https://twitter.com/Etiquette411 www.linkedin.com/in/juleshirst