I served this at a tea party brunch for something a little more substantial and with a different texture and savory taste than the usual fare. I served in the fancy ramekins in which they were baked. A platter of these nicely turned out would be spectacular, especially with a few chopped chives over the top and perhaps a bit of other green garnish tucked in between the cakes. Foods that are already portioned make a buffet line move quickly. This is quick to make because you start out with packaged shredded potatoes. I used the kind found in the refrigerated section. The shredded Parmesan cheese adds to the flavor and you can use your choice of cheese for the remaining measure of cheese. I didn't want my potato nests to have a bright yellow color so chose a white yellow mix of ... [Read More]
tea party
Tablescape for Brunch and Tea
Technically, this should be titled "Brunch with a Tea Party theme and a nod to Valentine's Day". Because tea is served mid afternoon. It didn't even qualify for Elevenses. The invitation read 10 am. This affair was an American hybrid. Tea and nibbles served when it fit the schedule of those attending. But no matter, because the reason for getting together was to have fun and good food no matter the time of day. Or the weather; because it snowed -- and snowed -- and snowed! I love using this beautiful white and gold china that belonged to Wheel's mother. The graceful shape of the pieces makes my heart sing. And so do the raised swirls and curls of the design, elegant white on white. White damask napkins clasped with a ring topped with a silk gardenia. Gold ... [Read More]
Planning a Tea Party Menu
When planning your tea party, take into consideration the time of day. If between meals, you can serve a lighter menu. The focus is on the tea with perhaps a small sandwich or “biscuits” – aka cookies, non-computer version. That was the origin of tea time – a tide-me-over between lunch and a dinner that was served late in the evening. It serves the same purpose today, and is also very useful for entertaining. It’s not the commitment of a meal, but is still a special event. No fussing required. Guests pass the dishes or help themselves from a small table or tea cart. The hostess pours, but guests also can help themselves after the first cup. Food is served in small portions and most often can be eaten using only the fingers. High tea was an early adaptation to include heavier fare ... [Read More]
Create a formal invitation
What will we do next time? How about a tea party? And so we did. A formal affair with written invitations. Just for fun. The invitation started with a kit and some scrapbook bling. But it could be made with cardstock or heavy scrapbook paper. Anything that you can print on. Because you print the invitation first. Request the honor of the invitee’s presence. Spell out where and what date and what time. Ask them to let you know if they will attend and give them a phone number to call. Use the letters RSVP. It is French: “répondez s'il vous plaît” or answer please. But it really means “call your hostess and say yes or no. If you don’t your nose will fall off and you will be sorry.” Truly. When the invitation is printed, add the bling. And then put it in the mail. ... [Read More]
