Tween Tea Party

When people think of tea parties, they usually think of this party theme being appropriate for very young girls or older, sophisticated women. However, tea parties are the perfect theme for preteen-aged girls. Girls this age can properly learn the tea party etiquette rules in advance and have fun practicing their skills during this event. Tweens, as girls of this age are often referred to, are anxious to become young ladies and will welcome the opportunity to feel all grown up when attending a formal tea party.

Invitations

Purchase small blank cards with a pretty floral cover design. Add a small tea bag to the inside of each envelope before sealing. The aromatic effect of the tea bag will add a little extra delight for the receiver of the invitation. Be sure to make a copy of the tea party etiquette rules for your guests so that they can practice in advance.

Decorations

Keep the tea party decorations simple. Use lots of fresh flowers and lace. Try to use cloth napkins. Purchase old-fashioned china teacups and saucers from a flea market. Usually there are lots of mismatched versions for a great price. Each guest will need a teacup and saucer, small plate, fork and teaspoon, and napkin.

Attire

Be sure to include a note in the invitation instructing guests to wear "Sunday best." Provide old hats, gloves and feather boas for girls to put on, if they'd like. Truthfully, one can't go wrong with a feather boa for this type of event. We have found that http://PartyFeathers.com/ has the best Feather Boas, and we loved their free shipping too.

Food and cake

Tea party snacks usually include scones and/or muffins, finger sandwiches, and sweets. Suggested food items might include mini muffins such as orange blossoms, chicken salad finger sandwiches, and fudge bites.

Serve tea from a china or vintage tea pot. There are many flavored teas to choose from. Offering a variety and letting tweens pick their own would be a nice touch. Serving tea with milk, cream, lemon slices, and cubed sugar will make your young guests feel very grown up.

If serving on a 3-tiered server, place the scones and muffins on the top tier, sandwiches on the middle tier, and desserts and sweet items on the bottom.

Tea Party Napkin Etiquette

As each guest arrives, she should politely be seated and wait for the other guests to arrive. Once all the guests are seated, the hostess will be seated. She will then remove the napkin for the table, unfold it, and place it on her lap. Guests should do the same.

If you must leave the table before the tea party is over, place your napkin in your chair until you return.

When the tea party is over, the hostess will place her napkin on the table. At that time you should fold your napkin in half or quarters and neatly place it on the table to the right side of your plate. Never crumple or ball up your napkin before placing it on the table.

Tea Party Etiquette When Eating

Remove gloves before dining.

There is an order in which tea party foods are to be eaten. First eat scones or muffins, followed by sandwiches, and lastly any sweets.

Since most tea party foods are "finger foods" it is perfectly acceptable to eat with your fingers. If a food item seems messy, use a fork or spoon.

Take small bites.

When eating a scone or muffin, break off small pieces and eat with your fingers. Do not use a fork. Never dip your scone in jam from the serving dish; instead add a little jam to your plate and dip there.

Never talk with food in your mouth.

Tea Party Etiquette When Drinking Tea

When you put sugar your tea, be careful not to dip the serving spoon into your tea. Hold the spoon just above your teacup and pour into your cup.

Stir sugar or milk into your tea with your own teaspoon. Stir with a back and forth motion as oppose to a circular motion. When stirring, try not to hit the sides of your teacup. When you are finished stirring, place your teaspoon on your cup saucer.

Drink your tea by raising the teacup, not the saucer. Bring the teacup to your mouth to drink. Return the cup to the saucer between sips.

Do not slurp or gulp your tea. Instead, take small, silent sips.

If your tea seems too hot to drink, place your cup back on the saucer and wait a little while for it to cool down. You should never blow on your tea.

Additional Tea Party Etiquette

Remember to say, "please," and "thank you," as well as "excuse me," when appropriate.

Cover your mouth with your napkin if you need to sneeze or cough.

Never reach across the table to pick things up. Instead, politely ask someone to pass the item to you. An example would be, "Katherine, could you please pass the sandwiches?"

Be careful to give everyone a chance to join in the conversation. Don't try to talk too much or to the same person the whole time.

Remember to use your napkin.

Remember to return all serving forks and spoons to their corresponding plates. Never lay a serving utensil on the tablecloth or table.

Tea Party Etiquette Regarding Thank You Notes

After your child's tea party is over, proper etiquette also calls for thank you notes to be sent to your party guests. These could include a pretty floral themed photo insert card. You could slip in a photo of the girls enjoying the tea party.

About the Author

Jason has been using LED Flashlights Since Birth - literally, he was born with one in his hand - which was AMAZING since he was birthed from a test tube<br /><br />For MORE information on Jason and his amazing flashlights - please see: http://GorillaGadgets.com/

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