ASK THE EXPERT: Gabriela Boddy, party planner and etiquette enthusiast
Q: My 7 year old daughter has been talking about having a tea party but I don't know where to start or if she is old enough for it?
A: Your daughter is at the perfect age! Make it a fun, learning experience for both her and her friends. It's also a great way to let them use their creativity and introduce etiquette into their young lives. The time together in preparing for and hosting a tea party relies on many skills, writing, socialization, decorating and baking, etc.
Little girls and children in general find the tea party experience magical and they are never too young to enjoy it. There is something marvelous about getting dressed up and being fancy. To start their interest in hosting gatherings with friends or grandma I encourage you to start a tea party box. A place where they can keep a couple of napkins, some paper for simple invitations or cards, a couple of tea cups and saucers and some tea bags. That's it, ready for tea with a favorite doll or teddy bear!
There are many reasons why a tea party is magical. Tea soothes and relaxes the body and it is a great thing to share with close friends and loved ones. It's also a great way to celebrate a birthday or other special occasion.
The interest for tea started in China. Legend has it that a Chinese emperor was the first to drink a cup of tea more than five thousand years ago when dried leaves from a bush fell into water that his servants were boiling at his requests. This is probably also a reason why the origin of tea has had regal attachments. It continued to get shared through the world in different ways up until that little bag full of infusions that at the moment of being dipped in hot water releases the most wonderful tastes and aromas.
Having tea has turned into a ritual and there are 5 main things to keep in mind when having a tea party for children while making it special but uncomplicated:
- Invitations: Tea parties are meant to have something personal attached to them, a handmade note or handwritten invitation works wonderful.
- China and napkins: Special things should be used, like a beautiful or favorite tea cup, napkin and tea pot.
- Decor: A nice small or big table should be decorated to please the occasion, flowers in a small vase, glass votive holders and place cards are exquisite options.
- Tea: Pick a flavor that is smooth and fruity.
- Bites: Accompany your tea with something delicious like tea sandwiches and scones
- When the tea is too hot, don't blow on it, wait until it cools down on its own
- Don't make clinking noises when stirring your tea
- If your tea is served with a saucer, pick up the saucer with the tea cup and hold it under while you drink.
- When you are done with your tea is done and you want more, put your spoon on the right side of your saucer. If you are done, leave the spoon in the cup.
SAVE THE DATE
ChariTea Bear's Tea Party
Sun. May 16, 2010 (2-4pm)
Grosse Pointe Farms Pier Park-Community Center, 350 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Farms
Party Fee: $25 per child (which includes a new 15" plush animal, costume and t-shirt), $20 per adult. Children and adults will enjoy a dress up Tea Party with 'tea' refreshments.
Info: call 313.432.3832 or visit www.familycenterweb.org to learn more about ChariTea Bear's Tea Party and download an invitation flier.
RSVP by May 7
The Family Center, a 501(c) 3, non-profit organization, serves as the community's centralized hub for information, resources and referral for families and professionals.
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20090 Morningside Drive, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236
