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Valentine Afternoon Tea Party Tips

Ideas for Planning a Lovely Valentine's Day English Tea

Dec 23, 2007 Janienne Jennrich

Plan a Valentine's Day English afternoon teatime with good ideas for decorating, recipes, & activities for a February tea. Tips for serving a sweet tea party to friends.

Planning Ideas for a Valentine's Day Afternoon Tea Party

  • Begin by making a list of dear ladies or couples with whom you would like to share a special event.
  • For an intimate tea party, three or four friends is the perfect number.
  • A tea for two is also sweet for Valentine's Day, be it with a best girlfriend or a special gentleman.
  • For a larger event, a buffet style gathering might be more appropriate and easier to handle.
  • Mail special invitations well in advance, at least asking guests to hold the date. If special costuming (formal dress, Valentine colors like pink or red, or a fancy tea party hat) is desired, include this information. For a Valentine's Day tea, look for heart-shaped or fanciful Valentine invitations.
  • An RSVP request assures the correct amount of food and chairs will be ready and waiting for guests.
  • For a light afternoon tea, 4:00 is a good starting time.
  • For a larger meal, serve "high tea" which will require more substantial fare and research. This might be nice, especially for couples. Keep in mind that parents may want to get home in time to have dinner ready for the family.
  • Pick a beautiful spot for the tea. For a February afternoon tea, choose a cozy warm spot in the home. Of course, one can also rent a room for a larger event.

Table Settings and Tableware for Afternoon Tea

  • This is the time to use one's best rose china dishes and pure white linens. All-white dishes are also nice, with pink or red accents, such as flowers or napkins. Another choice is using a charming “mix and match” of eclectic items which complement each other in color or theme.
  • Low Valentine-themed centerpieces or rose bouquets are lovely on the table. Larger displays may be used on buffet tables, where they will not interfere with conversation.
  • Victorian-themed Valentines make sweet place cards.
  • Flickering candles, soft instrumental music, and low electric lighting can create a romantic affect. Browse magazines and the web for inspirational ideas and tips on decorating the table and home.

Planning and Preparing the Teatime Treats

  • Some ideas for a Valentine Tea might include a warm cream soup, homemade heart-shaped tea sandwiches, fresh scones served with delightful jams, delicate Valentine petit fours, and sweet mini strawberry tarts.
  • A quality tea is essential, of course. Earl Grey is a tasty standard, but flavored herbal teas can also be very nice.
  • For more ideas on planning a tea, see Afternoon Tea Party Planning 101.

Relaxing and Enjoying the Valentine English Afternoon Tea Party

  • Preparing thoroughly before guests arrive allows time for visiting and creating an atmosphere of gentility and friendship.
  • Remember to take time to enjoy the tea party. A happy hostess makes for a most pleasurable event.
  • For tips on proper tea party manners, see English Afternoon Tea Etiquette.
  • A thoughtful little keepsake gift for guests to take as they leave will make them feel special and loved. Ideas include sweet little heart-shaped boxes of chocolates, traditional conversation heart candies wrapped in tulle circles and tied with a delicate pink ribbon, or a charming miniature tea set.

Related articles include: Last Minute Valentine Gift Ideas, Sweet Love Words: Valentine Quotes, Remember Seniors on February 14, Girls Valentine Tea Party Ideas, Best Girls' Easter Tea Party Ideas and A Girlfriends' Afternoon Tea Party .

Valentine's Day and the month of February are especially nice for extra sweet tea parties and renewing love and friendship. Whatever type of tea party one plans, it is sure to delight guests in a special way.

"When we sip tea, we are on our way to serenity."

Alexandra Stoddard, author of Tea Celebrations: The Way to Serenity

The copyright of the article Valentine Afternoon Tea Party Tips in Entertaining is owned by Janienne Jennrich. Permission to republish Valentine Afternoon Tea Party Tips in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
Charming Valentine Petit Fours, Photo Courtesy of beau-coup.com Charming Valentine Petit Fours
Valentine Heart Box Photo, Photo by Dan Shirley, SXC.hu Valentine Heart Box Photo
 
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