The Tea Party Trend

Summer is here and I have got myself geared up for my friends and family to arrive for a tea party.

I am sure it won’t be as posh as the ones that the Queen throws, but it will be great fun.

I went to one a couple of weeks ago and really enjoyed it, unlike the ghastly barbeques that men are so fond of. They all seem to think they are Jamie Oliver or any other famous male chef!

I don’t think so. Much as I enjoy a barbeque I am not really there for the food. Raw chicken is dangerous for my health and why do I have to eat a charred sausage? Tell that to the host and his pride would be shattered.

So I always go in hope that there is a handy dog who will be really grateful when I give him the chef’s best efforts! One of my girl friends told me that if she goes to a barbeque and there isn’t a hound around she wraps her food in a napkin and puts it in her handbag.

Many a wife or girlfriend have tried to suggest to their chaps that perhaps it would be better if there was a buffet instead of charcoal tasted food. All men think it is a great insult to their cooking skills. It is easier to give in rather than face a temper tantrum that is usually reserved for children going through the terrible twos!

I went to the Good As New sale held by the local church. There I found two wonderful cake stands that perhaps wouldn’t cut the mustard by the Ritz but I love them. It was then I decided I would have an afternoon tea party too.

There will be sandwiches of cucumber, smoked salmon and prawns with mayonnaise. With the crusts off of course, and cut into triangles. There will also be fondant fancies rather than the overrated and tasteless cup cakes.

I believe this craze for cup cakes was started in America. They are all the rave over here now. I recently read in the paper that Marmite cupcakes have been invented. I love my Marmite but prefer it on crumpets.

Strawberries and cream are a must. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like them. The ones that will be served are home grown. I am rather proud that by just putting plants into a grow bag I could produce such a bumper crop. They are also perfect on top of scones with clotted cream and jam.

Tea, and various fruit juices of course will be served as well as Pimms for those who would prefer something a little stronger. Afternoon parties are so civilised, even children and dogs are allowed to come.

The food I am offering can easily be prepared in advance, giving me time to enjoy the party and not appear from the kitchen with a flushed face from cooking for all and sundry.

Of course if it rains too much on the day we will huddle under the garden umbrellas that I have borrowed, soggy sandwiches and all. We are British so it is stiff upper lip time. We shall party on regardless of the weather.

So let’s cheer for the Tea party, long may they last.

Written by: Jane Buckle