Pass The
Sugar Please!
How to throw a vintage tea party
although ‘cheating’ on some of the smaller appetizers
is perfectly okay, particularly if it’s a big party. The ‘pot
luck’ Americanised approach is also worth considering
– by asking your invitees to each bring a small food
item, you will get a much more eclectic spread in which
everyone can feel involved.
In order to serve your tea, a pretty teapot and delicate
china is vital. If you want true vintage, there are usually
plenty of tea sets to be found at Judy’s events, and the
high street has plenty of ditsy patterned items you can
mix and match to create your own style. Consider your
decorations, and don’t overfuss your table however elegant it looks, you don’t want people squeezed
in elbow to elbow because there’s not enough room. A
simple flower display and some handmade name places
are enough to indulge your crafty side without overdoing
it.
on the table. If you have to excuse yourself, place the
napkin in your seat as you get up.
•Eating with your fingers is fine, but be sure to use a
server if putting food on anyone else’s plate. If you’re
eating something with lots of jam, cream or sauce, a fork
is often the least messy route.
By Jenessa Williams
Our Dream Menu
The Setting
The one part of afternoon tea that confuses people most
is setting cutlery and crockery correctly. Due to the
bitesize choice of food, smaller salad or side plates are
best, with the tea cup and saucer placed to the right.
There’s no need to overuse cutlery – a fork on the left
side of the plate, with a knife and spoon on the right,
is normally enough, although have extra tea spoons on
hand for people to stir their sugar. If you’re planning a
more whimsical party picnic outside, plastic cutlery is
fine, especially for an easy clean down.
To add ambience, you can’t beat the retro sounds of an
old gramophone playing chipper 50s music. Make an
effort to make your guests feel comfortable – afternoon
tea may be steeped in royal tradition, but that doesn’t
mean it has to be stuffy!
Tea Party Etiquette
When the first flowers begin to push their way through
the soil, the evenings get lighter and it starts to become
acceptable to wear head to toe pastels, there’s only
one way to spend a Sunday afternoon – a good old
fashioned tea party. We at Judy’s Digest may love our
pretty dresses, but we love them even more when they
have an expandable belt to accommodate all those
cakes!
Whilst afternoon tea might sometimes seem like a
complicated affair more befitting of the upper class,
we’re passionate that it’s something everyone can
achieve on a sensible budget. Just grab some friends
together, find a suitable location and follow our handy
advice for a cosy gathering.
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Types of Afternoon Tea
At your own party you can serve whatever food you like,
depending on the personal preference of your guests.
However, there are three ‘traditional’ types of afternoon
tea. Cream tea offers fresh baked scones served
with clotted cream and jam as well as your favourite
brew. Light tea features teas, scones and sweets like
petit fours. Last, full tea has a smorgasbord of tea,
sandwiches or appetizers, scones, and a variety of
desserts including cookies, cakes and pastries. It’s up
to you which type you decide to follow, but remember
to keep your food pieces small – it’s not ladylike to take
great mouthfuls! Home baking is always encouraged,
Just like the royalty and upper class did at the earliest
tea parties, if you’re taking the traditions super-seriously,
it is important to use proper etiquette. Here are a few tips
to remember:
•Always add the milk to the cup before the tea. Also,
remember that adding milk and lemon could cause your
milk to curdle – not a good look!
•Take small, quiet sips of tea. If it’s too hot, let it cool
naturally rather than blowing on it. When you have
finished drinking or want to place your cup down,
remember to use the saucer.
•Whilst’s theres no need to stick your little finger in the
air like you’re auditioning for a period drama, the correct
way to hold a tea cup is using your thumb and first one
or two fingers. Do not cradle the cup with your hands.
•Make sure to place your napkin in your lap rather than
Teas
Earl Grey
Lady Grey
Peppermint
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