Tea as a product falls below that of coffee in overall world consumption and favored beverages, but it is a tasty treat that is enjoyed by many and, for some, a tea party is a truly treasured event. First and foremost to the party comes the tea party invitation.
This article discusses the food and tea combinations related to the tea party invitation, types of tea party invitations and how the tea party invitation relates to the types of tea parties that people like to throw.
Food and Tea Combinations
Tea parties have been thrown for many, many years, they have been around since ancient times, and one particularly favored aspect of the tea party is that of the perfect food and tea pairings and combinations. Of course everyone thinks of crumpets and tea, but what about the other many foods that people have found through the years to match favorably with their preferred tea?
Some suggest serving spicy foods with oolong or green tea. Or instead of including a picture of a crumpet on a tea party invitation, how would a spicy little pepper look? Another favorite combination is the grouping of various cheeses alongside a selection of green teas; featuring a beautiful portrait of cheeses on one’s tea party invitation is a great way to present this exciting tea party treat.
The Invitations
In addition to demonstrating just what type of tea party the hostess and/or host have planned, the tea party invitation also serves the purpose of simply being a beautiful representation of the upcoming event. Some may choose to design and print their own tea party invitation, which is a lovely way to showcase one’s talents, however, others may choose to have a company or invitation maker create their tea party invitation.
Some classic designs for the tea party invitation may include pictures simply of teapots and teacups, while still other invitations may feature that of completely unrelated designs which the designer has chosen, for instance, solely on the aesthetic appreciation that they have for that particular design.
Still others may not even select to have a picture on their tea party invitation but instead, may opt to be straightforward with simple words and maybe the inclusion of some attractive coloring,
Types of Parties
Another aspect people may consider when creating their perfect tea party invitation is based on what type of party, or for what purpose, it is being held. Is the tea party invitation being sent on behalf of a young girl and her cadre of teddy bears? Is the tea party invitation being sent out on behalf of a distinguished older woman and her long-term team of friends? These are certainly determining factors that one should consider when creating their idea of the perfect tea party invitation.
Filed under Uncategorized by on Mar 9th, 2008. Comment. 
If you are tired of going to common shops and cafes for ‘yum cha’ sessions, you better start searching for alternate places. Well, at least drinks are not just limited to shops or restaurants or even cafes, especially when it comes to that of the exclusive drink like tea. There are many tea houses around the country which offers this serving of all kind of teas.
Basically a tea house is a place which is centered on the drinking of tea, or on the having of a ‘yum cha’ session, which basically just means the same. A tea house is also known as a tea room or tea parlor, and though the main function is to serve tea, it may differ according to different cultures.
Tradition of Tea Serving
The tradition of having tea in a special room or house started in Japan centuries ago, but it became very famous during the war years, primarily around the 1930s and 1950s. After the glum and depressing war mood subsided, this tradition also subsided a bit as well, but it then traveled out of Japan and landed everywhere else.
In the mid 1990s, the tea house tradition was introduced to the Northern American countries, and also in many European countries as well. Tea had already been very famous in Western Europe for many years, as people have always been looking for an alternate place to drink tea, they especially wanted a place that was closed from the din of the city life, and dimly lit like other drinking parlors, with soft music and groups of people discussing about their daily life.
In fact, in those days in Japan, there existed many places called ‘the floating worlds’, which had a special café called the tea house, and which were dimly lit, and to which only a certain group of people were allowed inside to, while the rest were made to sit outside.
A tea house was also used to hold tea ceremonies by certain people, especially those from the more high status society. Inside this tea house, there may be several other tea rooms which are used for this specific reason, and a tea room is called cha-shitsu.
In China on the other hand, a tea house still basically served the same purpose, but at the same time, it was also used for gambling. Nowadays, a tea house in China has become a place for young couples to go on their dates, for instance.
Nowadays, some of the teas that can be found in a tea house menu would include that of: green tea, white tea, yellow tea, oolong tea, black tea, herbal and scented tea, fruit tea, decaf tea, and many more. Besides just serving tea these days, a tea house may also sell tea accessories such as tea pots, cups and saucers and so forth.
Filed under tea uses by on Mar 6th, 2008. Comment.
Giving the gift of tea may be the ideal gift for many of your tea-loving friends, and giving the gift of a tea gift basket may make them smile even more. Gift baskets, of course, are one of the most favored presents of many gift-giving individuals. Hiring someone to make an arrangement or even creating the gift basket oneself is a tradition which can translate to giving the gift of tea. A tea gift basket is a simple way to create a special treat for a tea-loving friend.
Gift Basket Businesses
Businesses which specialize in making all types of gift baskets will happily tend to their customers needs, in that if they do not carry the items needed to make the ideal tea gift basket, they can usually special order the items as desired.
Those businesses which carry a selection that includes that of a pre-made tea gift basket may be nice and easy, but even they are willing to make accommodations based on the customer’s needs. Still yet, there are those businesses which deal strictly in tea, and they will definitely carry the variety and specifications a customer desires.
What to Include
Some may think that a tea gift basket is best to include just the bare essentials, such as a selection of favorite teas. While this may be nice and will definitely be well enjoyed, another option is to include the tea selection with other accompanying gifts. For instance, a tea gift basket may include a selection of teas with a cute and cuddly teddy bear.
This might be the perfect tea gift basket for the tea party-loving little girl; another popular idea for a tea gift basket is one which includes a set of specific types of teas with corresponding foods. For instance, a tea gift basket which might include an arrangement of preserved cheeses, meats and crackers with a complementary set of green teas.
The Perfect Recipient
While it goes without saying that a tea gift basket is well-suited to an individual who is a known tea-lover, there are many other types who would enjoy this gift. If someone is a fan of coffee, for instance, he or she may truly appreciate this gesture. It will give them a kick-start to try something different. If someone simply enjoys good food and is open to new ideas, surely she or he would enjoy being introduced to the tea tradition with a delectable basket of foods and teas. Therefore, just about anyone can truly enjoy the delightful treat of a tea gift basket.
Filed under tea accessories by on Mar 3rd, 2008. Comment.