When you think about a social tea what comes to mind? Ladies in “Sunday Best” at a table with a three-tiered stand full of cute little sandwiches, scones and desserts? A “cuppa” with a few friends around the kitchen table? A formal event with the best china and tea served from a silver teapot? These are all “social teas.” Formal or informal, a tea is a vehicle for bringing people together. It’s an ideal format for a club meeting, a shower, a reception or just a chance to catch up on the everyday events in the lives of good friends.
Try an intimate and informal tea with two to four friends. Think about where you will conduct this tea. Will it be around the kitchen table, served in the living room or den, or perhaps served outdoors on the porch or patio? The seating you have available will dictate how many people you invite. When and where you plan to have the tea will have an impact on the rest of your plans. For instance, if you plan to have the tea in your den or on the porch how will the guests handle the cup and plate? Are there side tables beside the chairs where plates and cups may be placed or should you invest in cute plates that have a space for the cup so your guests can easily handle both? If you plan the event for outdoors you had best have alternate plans in case of inclimate weather. If you plan the event indoors and you have pets, how will these members of your family react? Are they moochers? Would they tolerate being confined to another room without being a distraction? Can you handle both your cat and your plate vying for space on your lap? Do you want the event to be more formal and serve it in the dining room or the living room or would you enjoy the more relaxed atmosphere of the den or kitchen?
Think about what you will serve with your tea. Cookies, small desserts, even small sandwiches or appetizers are appropriate. Are you daring enough to try out a new recipe on your guests without a trial run or would you feel better serving an oldie, but goodie? What about the tea? Are you planning hot or cold tea? Are you new to loose tea? Are they? Have you found a new flavor you’d like to try? Do you have the necessary items for making a loose tea? If you let your guests know that this will be an adventure for all, go for it. It will be fun. The time you have for preparation will also have an affect on what you serve. There is no need to stay up all night making those elegant desserts when a simple cookie will serve just as well. The idea is to relax and enjoy your relationship with your guests.
The timing of your invitation depends upon the lifestyle of you and your friends. In today’s busy lifestyle, your guests may need a few day’s notice. Or, if your group always meets on Saturdays at the local deli, just change the venue to your place. Perhaps you can begin a new tradition or the tea can become a “traveling” event going to the home of each guest in turn. The possibilities are endless. Take time out of your busy schedules to reconnect and relax with friends. You’ll be glad you did. Please be sure to find out about the progress of our business by visiting the website at http://www.unicornwineguild.com
Tea at the Unicorn Wine Guild 
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