Tea has been around for many centuries and has been used for casual or formal tea parties, or a soothing accompaniment for chats with family and friends. Tea-time is comforting for morning, afternoon or night time rituals to help us to relax. Fortunately, afternoon tea is quickly becoming a new American tradition enjoyed by all generations.
Tea parties and afternoon teas are popular throughout the United States and are either casual events for socializing with family and friends or more formalized events for business acquaintances.
New tea rooms are opening in every major American city today. They are delightful businesses which serve an assortment of tasty and soothing teas in a beautiful and tranquil environment. These tea rooms also serve delicious luncheons and host birthday parties in a classic fantasy tea party styling for little girls or grown up girls. They serve other delicacies which accompany the many varieties of tea available for our enjoyment such as scones, tea sandwiches, cookies, pots de' crème and soups which are wonderful accompaniments for any tea.
Tea types that are rising in popularity here in America today include chamomile, green, black, white, oolong, mandarin orange, mixed berry, mint, earl grey and many other herbal varieties. Green, White and black teas are known for their high antioxidants content and healthy attributes and these are sometimes mixed with pomegranate, cherry and blackberry natural juices for added healthy goodness. Tea is quickly replacing coffee as the drink of choice due to its many health benefits.
Tea parties are making a large and popular comeback in the U.S. as well. It it is a formal "high tea", planning a successful tea party or afternoon tea means that you need the right accessories to make it memorable and extra special for all of your guests. Tea party invitations should be sent out about 7-14 days prior to the date. Lovely patterned china cups and saucers, teapots, sugar bowls, milk cream pitchers and dessert plates should also be on hand. Decorations should include beautiful votive candles on every table and maybe a candelabra on the buffet along with bright, flower bouquets for even more ambiance for the party. Create an ambiance with soft, vintage or more classical styles of music and serve delightfully tasty treats such as scones, tea cakes, cookies, rich chocolates, petit fours and finger sandwiches. You'll also want slices of lemon, fresh mint sprigs, honey and fresh milk on the tables for your guests to be able to add to the soothing teas you are serving. Make several different kinds of teas to be sure to satisfy all of your guest's taste buds and your tea party will be a successful, memorable event.
Afternoon teas are rising in popularity as well. These casual tea events are an excellent way to schedule a relaxing time with friends or family in the mid-afternoon. Sweets, small biscuits, sandwich cubes and other more casual finger foods should be offered to go along with the tea you are serving. This is a wonderful way to entertain business associates as well. They will find it intriguing and uniquely charming. Afternoon teas can also be themed for a baby shower, wedding showers or birthday get together. Bridal Shower teas are one of the most popular ways to honor a bride-to-be. Use your most beautiful china tea sets, even if they don't all match. Mismatched patterns make the décor even more stylish and eclectic. For added fun for your guests, include teas such as chamomile, green, black, earl grey, mandarin orange, mint and oolong. These are good varieties of teas that include a flavor for everyone.
The U.S. has tea rooms in almost every state and the numbers are increasing every day. Many grocery store chains are picking up on this new Afternoon Tea tradition by offering an assortment of various herbal and specialty teas within their aisles for their customer's choosing.
Drinking teas and hosting wonderfully fun afternoon teas and elegant tea parties are all the new rage here in America and it is becoming a "new American tradition" that is here to stay.
