Hosting a Tea Party

Making the Perfect Pot of Tea

Steps:

1. To make the perfect pot of tea, fill your tea kettle with cold water and bring it to a boil.

2. Fill a thermal pot with hot water to warm the inside of the pot.

3. When the water is boiling in the kettle, pour out the water in the thermal pot. Do this right as the water is boiling because if the water boils too long, oxygen will be lost, affecting the flavor of the tea.

4. Place your loose tea in the thermal pot, pouring the boiling water over the leaves slowly, so as not to bruise the leaves.

5. Place the lid on the thermal pot and let sit for five minutes.

6. Pour hot tap water in a teapot to warm it.

7. Pour the water out of the teapot and strain the tea out of the thermal pot into the teapot.

Other Tips

• When measuring out loose tea, you should add about one tablespoon of loose tea per each cup of water.

• Brew loose tea in a coffee maker. Six tea bags will make 12 cups of tea. Pour the tea into a teapot when serving.

• When setting a table for a tea party, be sure to use very delicate linens and teacups. Linens should be crisply ironed. Place the teapots on a doily or lace tablecloth. Fine silver pieces and fresh flowers are nice touches.

• Place scones and other foods that go well with tea on tiered pedestals. Vary the flavors, shapes and sizes of the foods. Pies and cakes as well as little finger sandwiches are all welcoming tastes.

• If your tea's flavor is a little lacking, add one to two drops of your choice of extract.

• Have some lemon and orange zest, cinnamon sticks and cloves handy for your guests to add to their tea.

• Serve tea with small bouquets of herbs for guests to add to their tea if they choose.

• Never serve tea with cream. Always serve it with milk.

• China teapots are best for keeping the heat inside the pot. Place a tea cozy around the pot for added insulation.

• Set out a variety of teacups and saucers so that guests can choose one that suits their personality. This makes for a great conversation piece at the party.

• Throw a tea-tasting party. When guests are finished with a cup, have them can pour any remaining tea that is in their cup into a large bowl on the tea table.

• When setting up a tea tasting, line a basket with a cloth napkin and place the varieties of tea you have to offer to your guests.

• To make rosemary tea, add a sprig or two of rosemary to about two cups of boiling water. Steep for five minutes.

• To make mint tea, add one sprig of peppermint and one sprig of spearmint to two cups boiling water. Steep for five minutes.