Give the Best Afternoon Tea
Party On a Budget!
An afternoon tea party is a tradition begun in Victorian England. It conjures up images of a luxurious tea party with china cups and silver platters.
In other words, a formal and fancy affair that is expensive. But there alternatives to keep it inexpensive.
Tableware
- A true afternoon tea party still requires at least a
semi-formal environment to capture its magic.
At the very least, you need a real teapot and cups with saucers. A simple, functional, solid-color teapot and four cups can be bought very inexpensively at any superstore. - If you want something fancier, less expensive, or
both, then start searching the local thrift stores. A lot of china sets
end up in these places at surprisingly low prices.
All you really need is a nice teapot, but if you can find an actual set with a sugar bowl and cream pitcher in a matching pattern, spend the extra few dollars to get it. - It is perfectly acceptable to have cups from different china patterns. Just make sure the cups and saucers match.
Saucers frequently have a circular indentation in the middle to seat the teacup.
All teacups have bases of different diameters. A cup seated in a saucer not made for it won't fit in the indentation. This will leave it off balance and more prone to spilling.
Refreshments
You don't need fancy crackers and cheeses for an enjoyable afternoon tea party. Just keep in mind the original role of refreshments at a tea party is to provide a light meal for your guests.
All you need are refreshments that are special, unique, or unusual finger food. This does not necessarily mean expensive.
- For example, simple chocolate chip cookies, when they are homemade and still warm from the oven, are a crowd pleaser.
- If you have the time, homemade anything is the way to
go. Cookies, brownies, muffins, scones and tea breads (like coffee
cake, banana bread, etc.) are all perfect for this party.
- Deviled Eggs are another party favorite. Although time consuming to make, the ingredients are very inexpensive.
A nice semi-formal afternoon party is well within the grasp of a tight budget. All it takes is some bargain shopping, advanced preparation, and elbow grease in the kitchen.
In some ways, a simple, informal tea party can be better. It is cozy and more relaxed. Do it right, and your guests will never know you were on a budget.
