Please Come to Tea

Up to 2 Months Before

• Bake Hat Cake; cut as directed, but do not frost; wrap tightly and freeze.
• Bake Banana Bread; wrap tightly and freeze.

The Day Before

• Make fillings for Tea Sandwiches; cover and refrigerate.
• Cook and drain spinach and mushrooms for Garden Phyllo Quiches; cover and refrigerate.
• Make shells for Lemon Curd Tarts; cover loosely.

The Morning Of

• Thaw banana bread; cut into slices.
• Assemble sandwiches; cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
• Finish making Lemon Curd Tarts.
• Make Orange-Currant Scones.
• Frost and decorate frozen cake; let stand at room temperature to thaw.

About 45 Minutes Before Serving

• Assemble and bake quiches.

 
 About 15 Minutes Before Serving

• Make Freshly Brewed Tea

The English and Scots have long served a tea menu for everything from garden parties to family reunions and wedding events. Today, teas are popping up in hotel lobbies and boutiques. If you’re tired of the usual ham and fruit salad brunch menu, try this tea. It will provide a refreshing change with a spot of sophistication.


The Royal Treatment
Tucked inside many kitchen cupboards or china cabinets is a favorite teacup just waiting to be dusted off and used.  When you invite guests, ask them to bring a favorite teacup.  Or use the unmatched treasures in a collection.  If children will be attending, this is the perfect time to dress up and use that tiny tea set.  And don’t forget to set out those special serving pieces you may have inherited over the years, such as antique china plates or crystal candlesticks.

Brewer’s Choice
Prior to your brunch, experiment with various teas to find the variety that’s best suited to your tastes and most complementary to your menu.  Remember, basically all teas come from the Camellia sinensis plant, but how teas are processed can produce very different results.

Teas are processed into one of three types:  black, green or oolong.

• Black teas are the most popular in the United States and England.  These are hearty teas and include such varieties as Ceylon, Darjeeling, Earl Grey and English breakfast teas.
• Green teas are typically enjoyed plain, without sugar, milk or lemon.  Green teas are not fermented and have the most delicate flavor of all teas when brewed.
• Oolong teas are blends and can be a nice compromise between black and green teas.

For this tea brunch, we suggest serving black or oolong tea, which will allow your guests the option of adding lemon twists, sugar or honey to their tea.

“Teatimesaving” Tip
A day or two before the party, set your table completely (with the exception of fresh flowers or tall candles).  Then cover it with a clean large sheet.  The day of your party, all that is left is to remove the sheet and add those fresh flowers and candles.  Behold!  You’re ready to entertain!