| Having an afternoon Christmas tea party can become | | | | blue jeans and sweat shirts at absolutely any kind of |
| one of your favorite stress free Christmas party ideas. | | | | party. If casual is your thing that's fine too. |
| Really! | | | | For a light afternoon tea, you would expect your |
| The holidays are one of the busiest times of the year, | | | | guests to arrive around 4 pm. Of course, if you prefer |
| but it also a time to enjoy friends and show our | | | | to serve "high tea" this is later and the food served is |
| gratitude for those individuals that mean so much to us. | | | | more substantial. However in todays world you are |
| There is no better time than during the holiday season. | | | | free to pick any time frame that suits both you and |
| For stress free entertaining, do as much ahead of time | | | | your guests. |
| as you can. In fact, the best part about hosting a tea | | | | The menu can be as simple as scones, home made |
| party during the holidays is that you most likely have | | | | biscuits and tea sandwiches, to several different |
| the house decorated. Many of us enjoy having a | | | | savory dishes, cookies and mini tarts with a fabulous |
| reason to show off and use our Christmas dishes and | | | | and fancy dessert to end the meal. |
| special tea sets. If you love to show off your gourmet | | | | Of course, it is important to have a variety of hot teas |
| skills go to town baking delicious scones and tea | | | | and herbal teas. Don't forget to offer some holiday |
| cakes, but if you don't enjoy spending time in the | | | | favorites such as peppermint and special Christmas |
| kitchen take advantage of cyberspace You can have | | | | tea blends. You may even consider serving some T |
| the most delicious and beautifully done edibles | | | | cocktails for a fun twist to impress your guests. |
| delivered right to your door. | | | | You have your menu planned and your invitations sent. |
| A small, intimate gathering is usually easier to plan. | | | | Now is the time to plan the tea party decorations. Do |
| Inviting 3 to 4 friends is the perfect number. If you are | | | | you have a room with a fireplace? That is a great |
| an individual that wants to have a larger event, a | | | | area to serve afternoon tea. Don't have a fireplace, |
| buffet style gathering would be more appropriate to | | | | don't worry; create an area that is cozy and warm |
| serve all your guests. | | | | and suitable for visiting with friends. Christmas party |
| More tips for hosting an afternoon Christmas tea party. | | | | ideas for decorations are easy and can be done |
| One of the stress free Christmas traditions | | | | inexpensively. With a tea party, you can mix and |
| Of course, it is important that at this time of year you | | | | match your china to complement your colors. Allow |
| get your invitations out early. Remember, the invitations | | | | the beauty of nature to adorn your table. Holiday |
| set the mood and expectations of your guests. For | | | | greenery, pine cones, wreaths made of fruit all can |
| some hosting an afternoon tea party a simple holiday | | | | complement any setting. Flickering candles, holiday |
| email may be appropriate. For others, a more | | | | twinkle lights and holiday music all add to the ambiance. |
| elaborate and creative homemade invitation is in order. | | | | If you are not sure of how to put things together or |
| Some suggestions may be a cookie shaped in the | | | | are looking for something different, take time to |
| form of a teapot, with the invitation written on it. Or, a | | | | browse through magazines for some new ideas. |
| tea sac, your favorite loose leaf tea and a spice | | | | Taking time to prepare as much as possible before |
| sachet with the invitation. I suggest that if it is important | | | | your guests arrive will leave you time to enjoy your |
| to you that your guests come dressed in holiday attire: | | | | friends and the warmth of the holiday season. |
| let them know this. It amazes me that I see wrinkled | | | | |