Tea Parties, Tea Party Themes, and Teatime Ideas

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Lovely English Afternoon Tea Party Ideas


A Tea Party is a perfect idea for a Birthday, a Bridal or Baby Shower, Little Girl Tea Parties, Senior Citizens, etc!


Welcome. On this Page Celebrating Tea Parties You Will...

~ Learn Tea Etiquette and How to Serve Afternoon Tea.

~ Find Lovely Tea Items and Gifts!

~ Find Teatime Books to Buy, Decorating Ideas, Food and Recipes, Information on Kinds of Tea, Tea Party Resources and More.

~ See Lots of Articles Full of Ideas.

Please Pour Yourself a Cuppa Tea and Enjoy Your Visit!

 

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Tea Party Etiquette Article and Information 


English Afternoon Tea Etiquette



Learn Elegant Tea Party Manners and Traditions


Tips and Ideas on how to attend an English style afternoon tea or tea party with style and elegance. Learn teatime etiquette, manners, and traditional charming behavior.

Knowing proper etiquette and manners allows one to relax and enjoy the charm of an afternoon tea. This English tradition is a lovely way to spend time with friends in a genteel and special atmosphere.

Following are tips for proper teatime behavior.

Good Manners when Holding a Teacup at Afternoon Tea

* Once filled, holding a handled teacup correctly insures grace while avoiding spilling hot tea. One's fingers are placed to the front and back of the handle with the pinkie finger tilted slightly up for balance. It is rude to loop fingers through the handle or to hold the body of the cup with the palm of the hand.
* Tea should always be sipped sweetly with elegance to show good manners.
* Practicing at home before attending a public party might be a wise choice when one is unfamiliar with having afternoon tea.

Tips for Tea Time Etiquette, Manners and a Making a Good Cup of Tea

* It is considered rude to stir one's tea in wide circular motions. Proper etiquette requires the teaspoon to be held at the six o'clock position to begin. Then, any added liquid is folded lightly towards the twelve o'clock position two or three times.
* The teaspoon should never be left in the teacup. When not in use, the small teaspoon is placed on the right side of the tea saucer.
* When not in use, the teacup is placed back on the saucer, rather then held. The saucer will be on the table, or in one's lap if there is no table.
* If having milk in one's tea, pouring either the tea or the milk into the cup first constitutes good manners. As a side note, cream is generally avoided as it can mask the taste of the tea.
* Sugar cubes may be added to tea with or without milk.
* When having lemon with tea, delicate lemon slices are generally offered. A small fork is usually provided for adding lemon to tea.
* Another tip is not to combine lemon with milk in tea, as the lemon juice will cause the milk to curdle.

Tea Party Manners while Eating

* When seated at the table, the napkin is put on one's lap. The napkin should never touch the table once one is seated.
* If served scones, split the scone in half horizontally with a knife. Butter is spread on part of one of the scone's crumb sides. This is topped with jam, if desired.
* When Devonshire cream is served with jam and scones, add a dollop by spoonful, on top of the jam.
* Tea sandwiches and treats should be eaten in delicate bites. Remember to smile and chat between bites.
* Forks should never be set back down on the table. Instead, they are set on the side of the plate.

Remember, afternoon tea parties are, above all else, about socializing and enjoying friends. Revel in the moment, savor the delightful food, and relax with the warmth of the tea and friendship. No one will truly care whether you eat your scone or hold your teacup "correctly"... but good manners help create a nicer entertainment experience.

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Article © Janienne Jennrich
Nov 7, 2007

Photo by Steve Woods, Courtesy SXC

Tea Items for Sale on Amazon - Buy through this tea site! 

Teacups on Amazon 

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Lenox Butterfly Meadow Monarch Petite Cup & Blue Saucer

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Rosanna Tea's Me Gift-boxed Teacups and Saucers, Set of 4

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Fine Bone China Tea Cup and Saucer

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Botanic Blue Teacup and Saucer Set

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Teacups and Saucers on Amazon 

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Teacup and Saucer: Be It Ever So Humble

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Royal Albert 100 Years of Royal Albert Teacups and Saucers, Set of 5, 1900-1940

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Portmeirion Botanic Garden Tea Cup and Saucer, Set of 6

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Royal Albert Old Country Roses Boxed Cup and Saucer

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VOTE for your Favorite Tea Party Books! 

Taking Time for Tea: 15 Seasonal Tea Parties to Soothe the Soul and Celebrate the Spirit by Diana Rosen

Taking Time for Tea: 15 Seasonal Tea Parties to Soothe the Soul and Celebrate the Spirit by Diana Rosen

Menus, recipes, and inspired suggestions for relax more...2 points

Afternoon Teas, Homemade Bakes & Party Cakes: Over 150 recipes for delicious home-made treats, with more than 450 colour photographs by Martha Day

Afternoon Teas, Homemade Bakes & Party Cakes: Over 150 recipes for delicious home-made treats, with more than 450 colour photographs by Martha Day

Indulge in a superb collection of over 150 teatime more...2 points

Tea Party: 20 Themed Tea Parties with Recipes for Every Occasion, from Fabulous Showers to Intimate Gatherings by Tracy Stern, Christie Matheson

Tea Party: 20 Themed Tea Parties with Recipes for Every Occasion, from Fabulous Showers to Intimate Gatherings by Tracy Stern, Christie Matheson

Enjoy life. Drink tea. Celebrate often. Tracy Ster more...1 point

The Tea Party Book by Lucille Rech Penner

The Tea Party Book by Lucille Rech Penner

Illus. in full color. Little girls will be inspire more...1 point

Country Tea Parties by Maggie Stuckey

Country Tea Parties by Maggie Stuckey

This month-by-month collection offers interesting more...1 point

Friendship Teas to Go: 12 Celebrations You Can Take Anywhere by Emilie Barnes, Susan Rios

Friendship Teas to Go: 12 Celebrations You Can Take Anywhere by Emilie Barnes, Susan Rios

Charming paintings of delicate cups and tranquil s more...1 point

A Cozy Book of Tea Time Treats: 40 Bite-Size Desserts to Sweeten Your Day by Beth Allen

A Cozy Book of Tea Time Treats: 40 Bite-Size Desserts to Sweeten Your Day by Beth Allen

Tea time is fast becoming a pastime of the ninetie more...1 point

300 Teatime Treats, Cakes, Sweets and Desserts: More than 300 scrumptious cakes, cookies, tarts, pies, pancakes, puddings and desserts - each recipe shown ... colour photographs (300 Teatime Treats) by Valerie Ferguson

300 Teatime Treats, Cakes, Sweets and Desserts: More than 300 scrumptious cakes, cookies, tarts, pies, pancakes, puddings and desserts - each recipe shown ... colour photographs (300 Teatime Treats) by Valerie Ferguson

A fantastic recipe collection offering sweet treat more...1 point

Let's Have Tea Together: Recipes and Celebrations for Every Season (Holly Pond Hill) by Paul Kortepeter

Let's Have Tea Together: Recipes and Celebrations for Every Season (Holly Pond Hill) by Paul Kortepeter

Invite a dear mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, o more...0 points

The Totally Tea-Rific Tea Party Book: Teas to taste, treats to bake and crafts to make from around the world and beyond... by Hallie Warshaw

The Totally Tea-Rific Tea Party Book: Teas to taste, treats to bake and crafts to make from around the world and beyond... by Hallie Warshaw

Girls will love this book! Just as much fun as a p more...0 points

Tea at Glenbrooke: A Quiet Place Where Souls Are Refreshed by Robin Jones Gunn

Tea at Glenbrooke: A Quiet Place Where Souls Are Refreshed by Robin Jones Gunn

Snuggle into an overstuffed chair, sip your favori more...0 points

Victoria The Pleasures of Tea: Recipes and Rituals by Kim Waller

Victoria The Pleasures of Tea: Recipes and Rituals by Kim Waller

More than 60,000 copies sold in hardcover! Celebra more...0 points

Sensational Sweets: Baking for Tea Time, Desserts and Celebrations by From the Editors of Victoria Magazine

Sensational Sweets: Baking for Tea Time, Desserts and Celebrations by From the Editors of Victoria Magazine

Dessert does more than satisfy the tastebuds. It's more...0 points

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Tea Party Books on Amazon 

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Children's Tea Party Idea Books and Products from Amazon 

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Deluxe Childrens Tea Set in Wicker Basket

Deluxe Childrens Tea Set in Wicker Basket

Beautiful purple butterflies on porcelain make this a fabulous tea set.

This lovely porcelain tea set creates the perfect setting for all your friends (including plush toys) to gather around the table for a break from play!

This deluxe 18 piece set comes with 2 sets of cutlery, cups and saucers, tea bag, and also includes a teapot, creamer, and sugar bowl, all decorated with a beautiful pattern.2 points

Girl's Little Tea Party Set: Pretend Play Toy Tea Gift Set in Case *Perfect Gift Idea for Children, Girls, Birthday, Holiday, etc.*

Girl's Little Tea Party Set: Pretend Play Toy Tea Gift Set in Case *Perfect Gift Idea for Children, Girls, Birthday, Holiday, etc.*

This wonderful Tea Party Set comes in a storage/play box shaped like a CASTLE, perfect

Set includes: Ceramic Teapot, 2 Cups, 2 Saucers, 2 Plates, Cream and Sugar Pitchers, Monogrammed Her Royal Highness Tablecloth, Napkins and Stainless Steel Silverware! Made with quality ceramic and adorned with a beautiful pink castle. Great gift for little girls! A ready-to-give gift in a darling castle box. Easy to put away, the pink box stores all.2 points

Evenflo ExerSaucer® 1-2-3 Tea for Me - Tea Party

Evenflo ExerSaucer® 1-2-3 Tea for Me - Tea Party

The Evenflo Exersaucer Mega provides innovation to make travel and storage easy with the SmartFold legs folding 40% smaller than non-folding models.




Helps baby achieve 10 developmental milestones (gross motor skills, fine motor skills, object exploration, cause/effect learning, self-awareness, tactile development, visual development, object permanence, hand-eye coordination and musical development).

The Evenflo ExerSaucer Mega features 9 age appropriate toys.0 points

Strawberry Shortcake Tea Party DVD Board Game

Strawberry Shortcake Tea Party DVD Board Game

Join Strawberry Shortcake and her berry special friends as you play games on your TV, collect scrumptious cookies, tasty cakes and tantalizing treats to bring to the tea party. Includes: dvd with six types of games, 30 collectible treat disks, four player pawns, four treat baskets and a game die. For 2 to 4 players.0 points

Disney Princess Royal Tea Party Playset

Disney Princess Royal Tea Party Playset

The Disney Princess Royal Tea Party Pop-Up Playset is not just an ordinary tea set... it features hidden treasures!


This teapot opens to reveal a beautiful tea party playset for your own Cinderella doll. Girls can have a fairy tale tea party with Cinderella in the charming tea room with banquette seating, or go over the bridge to an outdoor gazebo with swing. The cup opens up to become chairs and the cup and saucer become a table for two! Teapot makes pouring sounds when tilted!0 points

Tea Party Party Favor Boxes

Tea Party Party Favor Boxes

Each box includes a purple flower cookie, faux pearl necklace, assorted feather ring, gel pen, Tea Party notepad, blowout and sticker sheet.0 points

Raggedy Ann and Andy Tea Time Figurine

Raggedy Ann and Andy Tea Time Figurine

Tea Time Figurine Celebrating 90 Years by RUSS Featuring Raggedy Ann and Andy. Hand Painted Resin figurine Measures 4 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 3 inches high Comes in gift box.0 points

Raggedy Ann & Andy

Raggedy Ann & Andy "Tea Time" 12 Oz. Coffee Mug

Raggedy Ann & Andy "Tea Time" 12 oz. gift mug, exclusively from Russ Berrie Inc.

Features Raggedy Ann on one side and her old pal Andy on the other side, both sitting in wooden chairs with a cup of tea

12 oz. mug, 3 3/4" h

Ceramic

Comes in decorative gift box0 points

Raggedy Ann & Andy Dolls with Tea Set and Picnic Basket

Raggedy Ann & Andy Dolls with Tea Set and Picnic Basket

This wicker basket is 11" X 11" X 6" and includes the Tea for Two 16 piece ensemble which includes the tea pot, cream and sugar set, 2 tea cups and saucers and two cotton place mats. The Raggedy Ann & Andy dolls are each 9" tall.0 points

RAGGEDY ANN'S TEA PARTY BOOK (Raggedy Ann) by Elizabeth Silbaugh

RAGGEDY ANN'S TEA PARTY BOOK (Raggedy Ann) by Elizabeth Silbaugh

It's tea-time! Every child has imaginary tea parties with their dolls and stuffed animals, but what could be better than hosting a real tea party for your friends? Raggedy Ann knows all about tea parties, and in this charming book she shares valuable tips for making them fun and easy. You'll learn how to create your own colorful invitations, to prepare goodies like Raggedy Ann's famous candy-heart cookies, and to set the table in an extra special way. When all the work is done, it's time to sip....0 points

The Totally Tea-Rific Tea Party Book: Teas to taste, treats to bake and crafts to make from around the world and beyond... by Hallie Warshaw

The Totally Tea-Rific Tea Party Book: Teas to taste, treats to bake and crafts to make from around the world and beyond... by Hallie Warshaw

Girls will love this book! Just as much fun as a pajama party is its afternoon counterpart-a tea party! It's a way to get together, trade gossip, share a fun activity, and enjoy tasty little snacks. This brightly illustrated tea-party menu book serves up ideas for 16 different tea parties. Just a few of them are-English Tea Party: English breakfast tea with scones and jam, and instructions for a Paint-Your-Umbrella activity. . . Chinese Tea Party: China black tea with fortune cookies a...0 points

Children's Deluxe full-service porcelain Tea Party Set with signature Pink Butterflies in Wicker Carry Case

Children's Deluxe full-service porcelain Tea Party Set with signature Pink Butterflies in Wicker Carry Case

The perfect little tea set for your little ones. This 30-piece porcelain tea set looks like the real thing and will provide endless hours of open-ended pretend play.

Adorned with beautiful pink butterflies.

Great gift idea, presented in wicker case as pictured!0 points

BEST SELLER! Deluxe 18 piece porcelain tea set including 2 sets of cutlery!

BEST SELLER! Deluxe 18 piece porcelain tea set including 2 sets of cutlery!

One of our best selling tea sets! Call your friends...It's tea time! This lovely porcelain tea set creates the perfect setting for all your friends (including plush toys) to gather around the table for a break from play! This deluxe 18 piece set comes with 2 sets of cutlery, cups and saucers, tea bag, and also includes a teapot, creamer, and sugar bowl, all decorated with a beautiful pattern.

There's something special about a tea party and this high quality porcelain tea set looks and feels like...0 points

Party Supplies - Tea Pot Pinata

Party Supplies - Tea Pot Pinata

Party Supplies - Discover the fun of breaking open a piñata and watching your treasures rain down! A removable sticker marks the hidden location where candy should be inserted. Piñata fillers and pull-string piñata kit sold separately.0 points

Come to My Tea Party: Kindness and Friendship for Young Ladies (Sandy's Tea Society) by Sandy Lynam Clough

Come to My Tea Party: Kindness and Friendship for Young Ladies (Sandy's Tea Society) by Sandy Lynam Clough

Serve up some teatime fun to the sweet little girl in your life by introducing her to the encouraging world of tea parties. With a wonderful story embracing the gifts of faith, hope, love, and joy, young ladies will discover exciting opportunities to celebrate rainy days, new friends, big sisters, and that very special mother-daughter relationship.0 points

Come to My Tea Party : A Cookbook for Children by Roni Akmon (Illustrator) Nancy Akmon

Come to My Tea Party : A Cookbook for Children by Roni Akmon (Illustrator) Nancy Akmon

Your kids will be teaching you how to make shake and bake sesame chicken, basil biscuits, stuffed mushrooms, and lemon glaze cake. This clever, complete and irresistible cookbook for kids comes with instructions, recipe cards and even a wooden stirring spoon! In addition to cooking tips like how to measure and how to set the table, these pages offer more than 70 recipes of the traditional along with the unexpected. Your kids will have a great time learning to cook. And you'll be well fed.0 points

Chicken Socks: Utterly Elegant Tea Parties (Chicken Socks)

Chicken Socks: Utterly Elegant Tea Parties (Chicken Socks)

Utterly Elegant Tea Parties is a charming little book about putting on charming little tea parties. It includes a complete mini - tea set, delicious recipes for real food (no cooking of course), irresistible party themes and fetching fashion ideas. This book is sure to make any young hostess the mostest.0 points

How to Host a Flower Fairy Tea Party by Cicely Mary Barker

How to Host a Flower Fairy Tea Party by Cicely Mary Barker

Here is a lovely guide to hosting your very own Flower Fairy tea party. It includes decorations, invitations, ideas for food to serve, party outfits, games to play, and presents for your guests. Various fairies will lead you through each section of the book to make your tea party fabulous.0 points

Articles to Read About Special Tea Parties 

Have a Tea Party! Fun, Fun!

Articles to Read About Special Tea Parties

Little girls, teens, young ladies, and senior citizens all love a wonderful afternoon tea party. Gentlemen might also enjoy a lovely cuppa, as it's called in England, with some scones and lemon curd, petite tea sandwiches, and yummy tarts.

Please enjoy these articles about the joys of tea. Click on the links to read them and then please come back!
A Girlfriends' Afternoon Tea Party
Planning Ideas for a Sweet Afternoon Tea Party for Lady Friends

A teatime event for lady friends is a lovely way to entertain. Read afternoon tea party planning, theme, food, table setting, decor, and gift ideas for close girlfriends.
Mother's Day Afternoon Tea Party
Tea Parties for Mom: Tips and Ideas for Mum's Teatime Gift

An English afternoon tea party for Mom on or near Mother's Day can be easy, fun, fancy or elegant. Choose from these simple ideas and treats. Or take Mother out for tea.
Afternoon Tea Party Planning 101
Elegant English Tea Entertaining Ideas & Tips for Beginners

English teatime events are a fun way to entertain friends. Beginner's ideas for preparing for a delicious afternoon of tempting treats, tasty tea and terrific table tops.
English Afternoon Tea Etiquette
Learn Elegant Tea Party Manners and Traditions

Tips and Ideas on how to attend an English style afternoon tea or tea party with style and elegance. Learn teatime etiquette, manners, and traditional charming behavior.
English Afternoon Tea for Seniors
Easy Tea Party Tips & Activity Ideas for Senior Citizens

An English afternoon tea party for active older folks, the less active elderly, and visitors can be easy, fun, fancy or elegant. Choose from these simple ideas & treats.
Girl's Princess Tea Party Ideas
Planning Sweet Princess Teatime For Fun Little Girl Birthday Parties

Young girls, pre-teens, or teens will love a fairytale princess theme tea party for a birthday, special event, or for fun. Plan a charming royal English afternoon tea.
Old-Fashioned Ginger Snaps Recipe
Bake the Best Ginger Cookies for Thanksgiving, Christmas or Everyday

This near 100 year-old recipe for ginger snap cookies will become a holiday family favorite. Delicious & crisp, rich & simple, these treats are great for gifts & snack.
Plan a Springtime Easter Tea Party
Sweet Ideas for Planning and Giving A Spring Holiday Tea for Friends

Easter is the perfect holiday for a charming pastel or floral English afternoon tea party. Here are tips for lovely decorations, delicious recipes and treats, and more.
The Meanings of Colors of Roses
What Flower Color Means - Love, Friendship, Purity, Romance & Caring

Sending flowers means more than just a pretty gift. The color of blooms given may send a message from one's heart. Here find out the meanings of different colors of roses
Quotes & the Meanings of Flowers
What Do Florals Mean & Pretty Quotations about Blooms and Bouquets

The language of flowers; the meanings of flowers. Give florals that express feelings of love, friendship, desire and joy. A meaning guide to floral corsages or bouquets.
Old-Fashioned Ginger Snaps Recipe: Bake the Best Ginger Cookies for Thanksgiving, Christmas or Everyday
This near 100 year-old recipe for ginger snap cookies will become a holiday family favorite. Delicious & crisp, rich & simple, these treats are great for gifts & snack.

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Tea Contests and Such 

My Little Pony Live: The World's Biggest Tea Party - Shakefire.com Contest
Win items and check out My Little Pony Live: The World's Biggest Tea Party Giveaway contest only on Shakefire.com!
Montego Rooibos Herbal Tea Feedback Form
Each month we will be giving away a $10.00 eGift Certificate, redeemable at our Online Store. Enter today for your chance to win.
Dragonwater Tea - pure water | fresh leaves | simply healthy
Free Tea Contest

Every month Dragonwater gives away a $10.00 gift certificate to one lucky winner. To signup for the next contest, just fill out the form.
Ekaterinas Photo Contest
THE RULES OF THE CONTEST:
1. Take the photo of any Lomonosov porcelain piece. Use your imagination for style, surroundings and lighting of the picture.
2. Submit your photo along with your comment at this address: contest@ekaterinas.com
3. All the photos must be submitted between May 26th of 2008 and January 20th of 2009
4. You can submit several photos.

Tea Prizes! See site for more info.

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