This is one of many free activities.
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Although traditionally High Tea refers to a substantial early evening meal that includes tea - we use it to describe a regal and fun morning tea! Dressing up, fancy hats, petit fours, pastries, cucumber sandwiches, and cakes all served on delicate china cups.
There is no special menu to follow, as long as it is done with pomp and ceremony! The idea is to remind us all of how things used to be, have fun and provide an opportunity to reminisce.
Examples of what to serve for High Tea :
- Tea and sandwiches (see below for cucumber sandwich recipe)
- Tea, scones, jams and whipped cream (home-made jams would be wonderful).
- Tea, petit-fours, cakes, fruit and sweets.
Queen's Birthday High Tea
- It's a good idea to send a personal invitation to all residents you think may enjoy coming along. It makes them feel important. (see below fo sample of invitation).
- Don't forget to invite residents' relatives, volunteers and management.
- Ask for staff and relatives to bring a plate to share.
- If you don't have china tea sets, borrow some from staff and relatives. It's a good idea to have your own, buy when it's on sale and have 3 or 4 tea sets.
- Food should be prepared before guests arrive.
Set the Scene
A pleasant atmosphere is very important!
- Choose a nice room with windows looking out into nature or a garden, weather permitting. The table should be centrally located with comfortable chairs around it. No one should be 'hidden' behind others.
- Get some seasonal flowers and place around the area so your guests can appreciate them.
- Use doilies under plates, bowls, cups etc. Use attractive napkins.
- Play pleasant soft music to fill the room, nothing intrusive. Baroque music or perhaps Mozart, anything that stimulates relaxed conversation.
Set the Table
- Tea pots should be the centre pieces, ceramic or glass. Have at least a couple of types of tea such as 'English Breakfast' and 'Earl Grey'. It is also a good idea to have herbal tea on offer as well.
- You will need enough cups, saucers, tea spoons, dessert plates, dessert forks and spoons. Provide a side station if you have a crowd otherwise lay cups at every seat.
- Place food on the table buffet style or as you prefer. (Whatever is easier for you!).
- Have the table set with great care, use a lace table cloth if possible, display cakes in a festive fashion, everything sould be very appealing. A cream boat, milk jug and sugar bowl with its own spoon; tea strainer, lemon slices, artificial sweetener, a small dish to deposit tea leaves. Having the table beautifully set adds grace and elegance to the occasion.
Start the party!
- Greet everyone on arrival and take them to their seats.
- Tell your guests the types of tea available so they can choose.
- Conversation should be light and happy. Enjoy their company,
- Read a little poem or reminisce about other celebrations.
- Have some fun with the 'Royal Quiz' and be genuinely interested in what your guests are expressing.
- If you have someone who can 'read' tea leaves to add to the fun, all the better.
- Take some photos to remember the occasion.
- When the party ends, tell your guests how much you appreciate their company.
Have fun!
Recipe for Cucumber sandwiches
Ingredients:
- Half cup butter
- 2 tablespoons of chopped up mint leaves
- 10 slices of white bread, crusts removed
- One medium cucumber thinly sliced
- Sugar
Method:
- In a bowl, mix butter and mint until well blended.
- Spread the mixture onto slices of bread
- Place cucumber on 5 slices of bread
- Sprinkle with a little sugar.
- Top with remaining slices of bread.
- Cut diagonally and serve.
Sample Invitation
Dear Betty,
You are invited for a morning/afternoon 'High Tea' to celebrate the Queen's birthday.
The party will take place on Monday the 14th of June at 10:00am in the gardens of Golden Carers/in the veranda/in the Gazebo/in the dining room.
Come and share some special moments with friends over a cup of tea and cakes.
We look forward to seeing you there.
The Recreation staff.
Here are some ideas
https://www.goldencarers.com/mad-hatters-tea-party/5094/
https://www.goldencarers.com/uncle-sams-party/3437/
https://www.goldencarers.com/herbal-scent-tea-party/3646/
https://www.goldencarers.com/tips-for-a-las-vegas-party/5381/
https://www.goldencarers.com/search/?search_tag=Activity&search=Parties&page=2
You can’t have a party about anything really holidays special events a particular person a flower party Favorite food party the beginning of the month or end of the month a season
Really the possibilities are endless just do what your residents like serve food they like sing songs they like
Let us know what you decide to do or if you have any more questions about a specific type of party