| Usually reserved for the "upper crust" of society, the | | | | Most teas begin with a sherbet punch served in tall, |
| formal Afternoon Tea has served as great | | | | stemmed champagne flutes. This color and presence |
| entertainment for kings and queens for nearly two | | | | sets the stage for a party separate from the rest. It |
| centuries. Beginning with the proper environment, | | | | also gives guests the opportunity to mix and mingle |
| many people love the art of taking afternoon tea in | | | | before they are seated for tea. If you are hosting |
| a tea room, the formal lobby of an elegant, old hotel, | | | | your Tea Party in a formal garden, be sure to use |
| or the formal gardens of someone's home. Certainly, | | | | garden colors for your tablecloths and napkins. Try to |
| an environment different from any other you may | | | | create place settings that "sparkle" and compliment |
| have experienced would be the most appropriate | | | | the gardens and your surroundings. Your menu should |
| place to host your traditional English Tea Party. | | | | be a selection of small sandwiches, scones and |
| Some Tea Rooms boast specialty items on their | | | | sweet, but ever so light, savories. Beautiful garden |
| menu, conducive to their particular region. Michigan | | | | strawberries and fresh fruit should accompany your |
| Cherry Scones are a wonderful find in Tea Rooms | | | | plate of English scones. |
| around the State! You will also find many interesting | | | | Music playing in the background or a harpist at the |
| "tea related" gift items in many of these tiny, but | | | | entrance of your tea room will set the stage for |
| traditional places. Look for a Tea Room that sells the | | | | guests arriving and anticipating an afternoon to |
| same scone mix they use from their selected menu | | | | remember. |
| items. | | | | |