A tea party needs no occasion. It can be a simple get-together of two friends over some tea sandwiches and their favorite cuppa, or a large gathering of hundreds of people, on a formal invitation. While smaller groups are easier to host, large gatherings are fun too. With the help of a few more hands, one can easily serve the guests in a royal way.

Be it a small or a big occasion, you can never go wrong with a Tea themed party. With a few alterations here and there, you can have It for your child’s birthday party (or even yours, for that matter), baby shower, bridal shower, retirement announcement or a special announcement.

Having a theme around a party adds an exciting charm to it. Depending on the occasion, you can pick from various tea party related themes like, Alice in Wonderland, Vintage, Afternoon Tea, etc.

While the decorations really help in creating the right atmosphere, it is the food really that the guests really look forward to. So here are a few recipes you can add to the menu next time you throw a Tea party:

EARL GREY LAVENDER ICE CREAM

What you will need:

2 cups whipped cream

2 cups milk

1/4 cup of loose leaf earl grey lavender tea

4 egg yolks

1/3 cup sugar

How to make?

Take a pan and mix cream and milk in it and heat it up well. Now add tea in the mixture. Allow to steep for 4 minutes. Take another bowl and add egg yolks and sugar in it. Carefully mix it with the warm milk mixture. Put the mixture back on heating pan and heat it till the mixture thickens. Allow the mixture to cool down and put it in deep freezer.

BERRY BISCUS TEA CAKES

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

200 grams of dry fruits (cashews, raisins, almonds, hazelnut, dried strawberries)

Orange Zest (about half an orange)

200 ml of Berry Biscus Tea water (about 2 to 3 teaspoons)

250 ml milk

Butter (75 grams)

500 grams flour

50 grams sugar

Salt

1 egg (or two if the eggs are small in size)

Yeast

HOW TO MAKE?

You will have to start one night before your tea party. In a bowl, add the zest and your choice of dry fruits (you can even have a mix of your favorite dry fruits). Add the hot, flavored tea and let the fruit and zest soak the flavor overnight. Don’t forget to cover the bowl!

Heat the milk, but not to boiling temperature. Once is it heated enough, remove the pan from the stove and put butter. Stir till the butter has completely melted. Put it aside till it gets cool.

In another bowl, add flour, sugar, half a teaspoon of salt and yeast. Mix them well. Now slowly pour the milk, 1 tablespoon tea and fruit mix, and eggs. Mix them.

Put the mix onto a flat surface and knead it. Add more flour if the dough is sticky. Keep kneading till the dough is smooth and elastic.

Leave the dough in a bowl to rise. Once the dough is double in size, add the flavored fruits without any liquid. Knead it again so that the fruits are evenly distributed. The cakes will have to be small in size so that you don’t have to cut the cake into pieces for each of your guests. Thinking of the number of guests you have, make as many pieces of the dough, and if possible make some extra.

Put them on a tray and bake at 200 degrees. Serve them warm!

PARTY FAVOURS

Party favors are always a good idea. It is a thoughtful way of thanking your guests for joining you in your celebrations. Tea gifts in particular make for an exciting return favor because tea is not only healthy but is also loved by all ages. Depending on your budget your Tea gift could be something timeless like a pair of China tea cup and saucer set, or a bespoke box containing flavorful teas.

Here are some ideas for a beautifully presented Tea favor:

• Tea Pouches in Jute Bag – Simply pack 5-6 Tea pouches, each of a different variety, in a jute bag and hand out to your guest before they leave. Adding a personalized tag will make them even more special

• Test Tube Tea – Fill different variety of teas in small glass jars or teats tubes and lay them out beautifully on a table. Label the jars with a personal thank you note. Have you guests choose and pick out their favorite teas and carry back as a return flavor.
• • Tea Gift Box – Curate a box with some wonderful teas and a teapot and 2 mugs to create a memorable tea-for-two gift set for your guests. They are sure to remember you every time they take a sip from their Tes set.

  Big or small, Tea as party favors are a memorable reminder to your friends of the wonderful time they had at your party.