Tea Party

I throw a tea party every summer. My place isn't that big, or I would invite everyone I know. It isn't much harder to make a meal for 20 as for four. You just end up with more dishes. A tea party is one of those dainty things that give you an opportunity to get out the good china in the middle of the afternoon.

Afternoon Tea, the way I do it, is a three-course event. The first course is savory: small finger sandwiches and canapés. The second course is scones with jam and cream. The third is dessert. My menu differs slightly every year, but I always serve cucumber sandwiches and scones. It helps to have a large selection of teas handy, but even Lipton can be made into an event. I also serve homemade lemonade with lemons right off the tree.




First Course

Cucumber-dill sandwiches
Open-faced watercress and pimiento-cheese sandwiches
Tuna salad in profiteroles


Second Course

Scones with whipped cream and homemade cherry jam


Third Course

Chocolate Walnut Torte
Tea cookies
Apple slices


I will be sharing most of the recipes in future posts.