Byron Said:

what exactly is a "high tea party"?

We Answered:

Traditionally "High Tea" is served in the late afternoon and consists of tea or different teas and finger foods or possibly a dinner. These days, tea parties can be anywhere between traditional or more casual and can serve strictly tea or tea along with other beverages.

The clothes in the previous post are great ideas and you can find dresses and shoes like those in a lot of different places. Depending on your budget and the quality you are looking for you can get something similar to that style anywhere from Walmart to Nordstroms or specialty boutiques. You may even find a cute dress at your local goodwill and you wouldn't even have to say where you got it!

If your boyfriend's sister thought highly enough to included you, you should graciously accept. It would be a few hours and if you don't know what to talk about, you can talk about it being a tea party or the decorations or how you figured out what to wear and what to expect. Go and maybe you'll even have fun.

Jennie Said:

Ideas for a garden party/high tea for hen party?

We Answered:

Sounds like a good idea. Make sure you set the atmosphere off by adding lots and lots of beautiful flowers. I can't stress this enough. Wonderful lace or vintage inspired tablecloths would be great. Also, use real China (or, good table ware) and of course, sterling silver utensils (or, stainless steel, but no plastic is my point). Serve a variety of teas and tea styles - tea lattes, Bubble Tea; red, black and green teas; Russian, .English, African, Japanese -- you can really get into a good tea experience.

For food, I'd have food that is well-complemented with tea such as small buiscuits, small sandwiches, mesclun salad with crisp apples or pears, walnuts and definitely a good mix of cheeses. Desserts such as a trifle, scones, small tea cookies and mini cakes would be wonderful.

Diane Said:

how to have a tea party? ladies ages 40 to 70 possible group of 30. What is high tea?

We Answered:

Giving tea parties helps us to celebrate our friendships, teach our children manners and create memories that we will treasure forever. Whether it's a cup of tea and a simple plate of cookies between two friends or an elaborate high tea for honored guests, it's a special time for all involved. High tea (also known as meat tea) is an early evening meal, typically eaten between 5pm and 6pm. It would substitute for both afternoon tea and the evening meal. It is now largely replaced by a later evening meal. High Tea would usually consist of cold meats, eggs or fish, cakes and sandwiches. In a family, it tends to be less formal and is an informal snack (featuring sandwiches, biscuits, pastry, fruit and the like) or else it is the main evening meal. On farms or other working class environments, high tea would be the traditional, substantial meal eaten by the workers immediately after nightfall, and would combine afternoon tea with the main evening meal. In recent years, high tea has become a term for elaborate afternoon tea, though this is an American usage and mainly unrecognized in Britain. This usage is disfavored by etiquette advisors, such as Miss Manners.

Veronica Said:

Is the "Rent is Too Damn High" Party what the Tea Party would look like without the Koch bros. bankrolling it?

We Answered:

Shyt, it's what the Demoratic Party looks like right now with all the Hollywood and trial attorney's money, have you seen Alvin Greene?

Betty Said:

Where's a good place to have a "Tea Party" (High Tea, Afternoon Tea etc.) in Melbourne, Australia?

We Answered:

To be honest, I can't answer your question as I'm up in NSW, but Madame Brussels was a very well known owner of a number of houses for prostitutes. Soooo to see that name against somewhere to have a tea party seems a little odd to me?

To be honest, why not make your own? Unless you don't have a large garden. But it's easier for people to dress up if you're holding it in a house or non-public venue. Hire a caterer, and ask everyone to spend 25 each to cover the cost?

Jenny Said:

Where can I hire Fine China and things for a High Tea Party?

We Answered:

Hi Richard - that's a lovely idea.

You should try "Fancy Tea" http://www.fancytea.com.au

They are in Brisbane too, and seem to have exactly what you're looking for.

kind regards,
Heather.