After deciding on the purpose of the tea party and inviting the guests, the next step is to create a harmonious environment before the event begins. This will assure a pleasant gathering. A lovely and appropriate setting will also enhance the second phase of the event—conversation and story telling. Imagine that you, not some theoretical host or hostess, are planning an afternoon tea at your home for a small group of friends. You have chosen a cozy late winter theme.
Your task is to make your guests feel welcome as they arrive and take their places. As you greet your guests, you might want to have some winter-themed classical music playing, such as Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker.” (However, before you start serving the tea, you will want to turn the music off.) If you have a fireplace, a roaring fire would be a charming way to welcome your guests. You might even use the fireplace as the focal point for the seating and the placement of the tea table or tea cart.
Choose colors that harmonize with the winter landscape where you live. White linens and dishes are appropriate in the winter, with touches of deep red, black, gray or wintergreen. Winter floral arrangements can be stark and simple. It is far better to combine a few pine or redwood sprigs with some red winter berries than to buy hot house yellow daffodils at the grocery store. Lighted candles in winter colors can also enhance the mood. In any case, whether or not you have a fireplace, make sure that the room is warm enough for the guests to feel comfortable. You might want to drape a cozy plaid blanket or a soft afghan over the couch for guests who chill easily.
Your task is to make your guests feel welcome as they arrive and take their places. As you greet your guests, you might want to have some winter-themed classical music playing, such as Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker.” (However, before you start serving the tea, you will want to turn the music off.) If you have a fireplace, a roaring fire would be a charming way to welcome your guests. You might even use the fireplace as the focal point for the seating and the placement of the tea table or tea cart.
Choose colors that harmonize with the winter landscape where you live. White linens and dishes are appropriate in the winter, with touches of deep red, black, gray or wintergreen. Winter floral arrangements can be stark and simple. It is far better to combine a few pine or redwood sprigs with some red winter berries than to buy hot house yellow daffodils at the grocery store. Lighted candles in winter colors can also enhance the mood. In any case, whether or not you have a fireplace, make sure that the room is warm enough for the guests to feel comfortable. You might want to drape a cozy plaid blanket or a soft afghan over the couch for guests who chill easily.
