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Afternoon Tea, Anyone?
A Fun Tradition to Enjoy With Kids and Grandkids By Donna Smith
- Brew tea in a non-reactive pot. Metal, aluminum and copper (unlined) can affect the flavor of the tea. The best choices are glass or enamel.
- Once the water comes to a boil, turn off the heat. Over-boiling tea can affect the taste.
- Tea should steep at least three minutes and up to five. Covering the teapot with a cozy or thick kitchen towel helps by keeping the pot warm.
- If using loose tea, pour the tea through a strainer before serving.
What Should You Serve?
A good hostess should provide several items to accompany the tea. The food should be dainty and easy to pick up with your fingers. Small, bite-sized sandwiches are usually served first, followed by pastries and then fruit. Many times, scones are served with tea, and this is the only item you should eat with a fork and knife. If serving scones, offer your guests jelly, fresh fruit sauce and whipped cream to put on top of them. 
After-Tea Etiquette
When leaving the tea party, always remember to thank your hostess. You also should send her a short thank you note as soon as possible. Just write a few lines telling her you appreciated the invitation, enjoyed yourself and how much you enjoyed the food. Don't let all the tea etiquette intimidate you. If you're more comfortable hosting a more relaxed affair, then by all means do so. Why not include your kids or grandkids? Kids love "having tea." Who doesn't remember playing with their mini tea set and having imaginary tea parties as a child? Help your daughter or granddaughter host a real tea party. Together make the sandwiches and pastries, then give her a lesson in making the "perfect cup of tea." The small pastries and sandwiches are big hits with the kids, and if they don't like tea, serve them lemonade instead out of a teapot!
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