by Lynne Cargill (
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I'm a grandmother, a retired teacher, an avid reader who loves historical re-enactment, English Country Dance, writing and Op Shopping. My business www.StepIntoHistory.com.au is designed to help children experience history through school incursions.
High Tea without the high price.
High Tea is the "in" thing at the moment but the cost is outrageous. And the food may not be exactly what you want - especially if you or your friends are gluten intolerant.
So ...... what is the answer. D.I.Y of course.
An elegant Tea Party is not difficult to create.
The hardest part is getting the correct crockery but if you have none yourself, ask around. Lots of people have old china in a cupboard somewhere. To ensure a good time follow these simple suggestions:
If borrowing crockery take a photo before you begin so you can be sure to return items to the correct person.
Take photos of anything you borrow in groups according to who they belong to.
Some op shops still have pretty china but prices are not what they used to be.
Invite people who are willing to dress up and "be polite". A great opportunity to entertain elderly aunts and neighbours.
Only invite people willing to 'ham it up' and be elegant!
Keep it small for ease of catering and to allow polite conversation.
Keep it short so people don't 'fall out of character'. An hour or two is plenty.
Use beautiful table cloths - linen if you can. One large table or several card tables.
Use china cups and saucers, sugar bowls and milk jugs.
Everything must be in a china or glass container - no plastic allowed.
Definitely NO plastic allowed.
Cloth napkins if you can. None would be preferable to cheap paper ones.
Use cake stands if you can or stand plates on upside down cups, glasses or vases. Check for stability though.
Keep the food simple and bite sized - jam, cream, and scones or pikelets; dainty sandwiches, brown bread with cucumber or watercress and cream cheese; teeny cup cakes.
Decorate tables with flowers.
Use teapots and loose leaf tea. Herb tea such as mint or chamomile are appropriate.
Wear your best frocks. If outdoors wear hats or bring parasols. Wear gloves (not to eat though).
I hosted a Regency ( Jane Austen) garden party for my birthday.
