I love royalty; and as such have been riveted to every moment of Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee! From the floatilla, to the concert, to the various changes of clothes, I haven’t missed a beat. With an eye on all things across the pond, I have been thinking of hosting a tea for my favorite dolls. But not just any tea, a fabulous tea with all of the accoutrements! These are all of the ideas I am considering, and want to share with you.
I have been coveting this Henri Bendel Tea Pot and Cup and Saucer set for some time. I think they would be perfect for a more modern setting for a tea.
Some time ago, I purchased a silver tea service similar to this one. Perfect for a more formal afternoon tea setting.
Image: Silver Collect
Now, what to serve. A tea sandwich is de rigeur for a tea party.
Image & Recipe: Food Network
Ingredients:
24 bread slices (recommended: white, rye, whole grain, pumpernickel, or a combination)
- 1 cup guacamole
- 2 cooked chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives
- 1/2 English cucumber, sliced into thin rounds
- 1/4 cantaloupe, peeled, seeded and thinly sliced
- 1/4 pound thinly sliced prosciutto
- Special Equipment: 3-inch round cookie cutter
Directions. Using a round cookie cutter, cut out the center of the bread, removing the crusts.
Guacamole Chicken Tea Sandwiches. Take a piece of the bread and, using a butter knife, spread 1 side of it with guacamole. Spread 1 side of another piece of bread with mayonnaise. Top guacamole with chicken and then the mayonnaise-smeared bread.
Chive Cream Cheese and Cucumber Tea Sandwiches. Mix chives into the softened cream cheese. Spread 1 side of 1 slice of bread with the chive cream cheese. Top with a few slices of cucumber and then with another slice of bread.
Prosciutto Melon Tea Sandwiches. Place prosciutto on 1 slice of bread. Top with some melon and another slice of bread
I have also been looking for ANY reason to make and serve these Shortbread Tea Bag Cookies. Aren’t they are simply to die for! In addition to serving these during a tea party, package them in a decorative box and present them to your guests as a party favor.
Image: Paleo Sprit
My favorite Food Network star, Giada DeLaurentiis, shares these tips for setting up a Tea Bar, inclusive of Mint Tea, Amaretto Liquer, Candied Lemon Peels, and Whipped Cream. Additional teas to serve include Earl Grey Black Tea, Darjeeling Black Tea, Chamomile and Green Tea.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Pretty Domestic post, without the recommendation of a cocktail to serve at your tea party … why not a tea-infused cocktail!
Hibiscus Tea with Vodka and Citrus
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 2 cups (2 ounces) dried hibiscus flowers or dried rose petals*
- 1 3/4 cups sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 cup vodka, chilled
- 1 cup ice
Directions
*Can be found at specialty Latin markets
In a medium saucepan, combine the water, hibiscus flowers, and sugar over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved. Allow the mixture to cool for 25 minutes. Add the lemon juice, lime juice, and vodka.
Place the ice in a tall pitcher. Strain the hibiscus tea into the pitcher and discard the flowers. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Image: InStyle
So, in honor of Her Majesty, your are cordially invited to a Pretty Domestic Tea Party!
Until Then,
~ L.
The Pretty Domestic
The Pretty Domestic | Life with Elle 