January has been a busy month for hosting teas! I have attended two, and hosted two myself. I did a trial tea party for my newest mystery tea party, "Who Stole the Wedding Bells?" I discovered a few things I needed to change, and then it's off to the web-master to put it up on the website. I personally think it's a very funny plan.
I originally wrote it to be given at wedding showers, but after hosting it myself, I saw that any group could do it, just like the other mystery tea party plans.
So watch for it on the website, www.mysteryteaparties.com or give me a call at 951-301-7218.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Tea Party Theme a Success
I hosted a "Reach for the Stars" tea party yesterday. I invited 7 ladies of mature years. I printed out the affirmations, and carried a little more. I added a scripture to go with each one, and then because I didn't want the whole party to get too serious, I added a humorous one liner.
The invitations I sent out encouraged the ladies to be prepared to share a goal with everyone, and what they planned on doing to achieve it. I was surprised how open everyone was in thier sharing. The ladies discovered they had alot in common; problems they were dealing with, hopes for the future, etc. There were deep thoughts but laughter, too.
I made the finger sandwiches ahead of time, as I like to do. As we ate lunch, I bit into my egg salad sandwich, and thought it was rather bland. I removed the top layer of bread, and voila! No egg salad! Apparently I buttered the bread, to keep the sandwich from getting soggy, and then absent minded me, neglected to spread the egg salad before storing them in the refrigerator, tightly sealed in a container.
The funny thing is, they all ate the sandwich, and never said a word, until I brought it up. Then they remarked that they, too, thought it was rather bland. One gal was sure hers had egg salad in it. The power of suggestion!
All in all, the party was a great success. Everyone went away with thier spirits lifted and a smile on thier face. Maybe I'll do it again in the summer to see how they are doing on reaching thier goals. I could make egg salad sanwiches....
The invitations I sent out encouraged the ladies to be prepared to share a goal with everyone, and what they planned on doing to achieve it. I was surprised how open everyone was in thier sharing. The ladies discovered they had alot in common; problems they were dealing with, hopes for the future, etc. There were deep thoughts but laughter, too.
I made the finger sandwiches ahead of time, as I like to do. As we ate lunch, I bit into my egg salad sandwich, and thought it was rather bland. I removed the top layer of bread, and voila! No egg salad! Apparently I buttered the bread, to keep the sandwich from getting soggy, and then absent minded me, neglected to spread the egg salad before storing them in the refrigerator, tightly sealed in a container.
The funny thing is, they all ate the sandwich, and never said a word, until I brought it up. Then they remarked that they, too, thought it was rather bland. One gal was sure hers had egg salad in it. The power of suggestion!
All in all, the party was a great success. Everyone went away with thier spirits lifted and a smile on thier face. Maybe I'll do it again in the summer to see how they are doing on reaching thier goals. I could make egg salad sanwiches....
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Reach for the Stars Tea Party Theme
“REACH FOR THE STARS” THEME TEA PARTY
A New Year lies before us, and with it the opportunity for a fresh start. Many resolutions have been made, many goals set, and there’s a new determination in our hearts to achieve our dreams.
What a great opportunity for a “Reach for the Stars” theme tea party! Perfect for a January tea party, this theme could be used any time throughout the year.
Decorate your table with glitzy star decorations. They might even be available at half price, in after Christmas sales. Christmas ornaments with silver or gold stars painted on them nestled in a pretty bowl or basket will make an elegant centerpiece.
Large cardboard stars, covered with colorful foil wrapping paper, could be used as placemats.
Place cards, with guest names, could be made to match and placed at each table setting.
The invitations should encourage guests to come ready to share their dreams for the New Year.
Prepare an encouraging affirmation for each guest, written on pretty paper and rolled into a scroll. Seal it with a gold or silver star and place one by each place setting. As your tea party progresses, ask guests to open and read their scroll. Then have them share their dream for the New Year and at least one thing they will do to achieve it. For instance, if their dream is to visit a foreign country, they may take the first step and obtain a passport.
Sample affirmations for the scrolls are:
Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, the mind can achieve. Napoleon Hill.
Decide upon your major definite purpose in life and then organize all your activities around it. Brian Tracy
The indispensable first step to getting the things you want out of life is this: decide what you want. Ben Stein
If you limit your choices only to what seems possible or reasonable, you disconnect yourself from what you truly want, and all that is left is a compromise. Robert Fritz
The number one problem that keeps people from winning in the United States today is lack of belief in themselves. Arthur L. Williams
You weren’t an accident. You weren’t mass produced. You aren’t an assembly-line product. You were deliberately planned, specifically gifted, and lovingly positioned on the Earth by the Master Craftsman. Max Lucado
You have to believe in yourself when no one else does. That’s what makes you a winner. Venus Williams
If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy, and inspires your hopes. Andrew Carnegie
At the conclusion of the tea party, you could give each guest a scroll that you have prepared containing all the affirmations that have been read.
Menu:
To keep with the theme, you might serve Celestial Seasons tea, choosing a blend of spices, representing the blend of opportunities in the new year.
Dreamy Scones
3 cups flour
3 tspns baking powder
½ tspn salt
1 cup cold butter
1 egg
1 cup vanilla yogurt
½ tspn vanilla
2 tspns milk
Sugar
Preheat oven to 425 degrees
Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in egg, yogurt and vanilla just until combined. Turn out onto a floured surface, knead 6-8 times. Do not over handle.
Roll into a 9 inch circle, cut into 8 wedges. Place on ungreased baking sheet. Brush tops with milk and sprinkle with sugar.
Bake for 12-15 minutes.
Black Eyed Peas Salad
Black eyed peas are traditionally eaten at the beginning of the year as they are supposed to bring good luck and prosperity. They are also a reminder of our proud but humble beginnings.
• 2 cans Black eyed peas, drained
• 1 Bell Pepper
• 1 Chopped Cucumber
• 1 Can Olives, chopped
• Equal mixture of Olive Oil and Herb vinegar (garlic or basil)
• 1 cup Cheddar Cheese, grated
• Thyme, rosemary, oregano, or Italian seasoning
• Garlic
• Mix it all up and let chill for an hour before serving.
•
Lucky New Year's Sandwiches with Grapes
On Nochevieja in Spain, New Year's Eve revelers eat 12 grapes at midnight — one for every chime of the clock — to bring good luck in the 12 months to come. To add good luck to your tea party, serve these beautiful open-faced sandwiches, featuring chicken and 12 grapes.
4 slices of Honey Wheat bread
2 cups coarsely chopped cooked white chicken meat
1/2 cup thinly sliced celery
1/2 cup blanched and sliced almonds, plus 4 tablespoons for sprinkling
3/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon
48 red grapes, each cut in half
Mix the chicken, celery, almonds, mayonnaise, lemon juice and tarragon together. Spread generously onto the slices of bread. Top each slice with 24 grape halves. Then cut each slice in half, so there are 12 grape halves on each one. Sprinkle with more almonds if desired. Serve open faced.
CARROT PARTY SANDWICHES
These carrot sandwiches remind us to eat our vegetables. We need to enjoy good health as we reach for our dreams.
2 cups grated carrots
8 oz. cream cheese
½ cup chopped nuts
1 tsp. lemon juice
¼ tsp salt
2 tsp salad dressing
Mix together and spread on assorted crackers or breads. Cut in party shapes.
FANCY EGG SALAD SANDWICHES
Eggs symbolize new life, new beginnings. A perfect choice for a New Year.
• 8 hard-cooked eggs, diced
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup dried onion flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dill weed
• 8 slices white bread
In a bowl, gently mix the eggs, mayonnaise, onion flakes, salt, mustard powder, garlic powder, pepper, and dill. Cover, and refrigerate 8 hours, or overnight. To serve, spread equal amounts on 4 slices bread; top with remaining bread slices to make sandwiches.
Macaroni and Cheese Casserole
This macaroni and cheese dish is served to represent comfort and love in our lives.
2 1/4 cups hot water
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1 (14 ounce) package KRAFT Deluxe Macaroni & Cheese Dinner
1/2 cup Sour Cream
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Mix water and mustard in 1-1/2-quart casserole. Whisk in Cheese Sauce from Pouch. Stir in dry Macaroni; cover with tight-fitting lid.
2. Bake 30 minutes. Uncover; stir in sour cream. Bake, uncovered, an additional 10 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Confetti Cake
Confetti Cake is the perfect way to celebrate our dreams as we reach for the Stars.
Confetti Cake (Serve with real confetti, if you don’t mind the clean up)
1 1-pound box angel food cake mix
1/4 cup colored candy sprinkles
1. Follow the directions on the cake mix box, but just before pouring the batter into the tube pan, add the sprinkles.
2. Mix them quickly and gently with as few strokes as possible and pour the batter into the pan immediately. If you mix and pour too slowly, the colors may bleed and color the surrounding batter.
3. Frost cake with whipped topping or your favorite frosting. Add confetti (colored sprinkles) and a sparkly star decoration. (Tip Apply the sprinkles to the sides of the cake by lightly tossing them against the frosting. Store the cake in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Star shaped cookies and candies may also be served.
A New Year lies before us, and with it the opportunity for a fresh start. Many resolutions have been made, many goals set, and there’s a new determination in our hearts to achieve our dreams.
What a great opportunity for a “Reach for the Stars” theme tea party! Perfect for a January tea party, this theme could be used any time throughout the year.
Decorate your table with glitzy star decorations. They might even be available at half price, in after Christmas sales. Christmas ornaments with silver or gold stars painted on them nestled in a pretty bowl or basket will make an elegant centerpiece.
Large cardboard stars, covered with colorful foil wrapping paper, could be used as placemats.
Place cards, with guest names, could be made to match and placed at each table setting.
The invitations should encourage guests to come ready to share their dreams for the New Year.
Prepare an encouraging affirmation for each guest, written on pretty paper and rolled into a scroll. Seal it with a gold or silver star and place one by each place setting. As your tea party progresses, ask guests to open and read their scroll. Then have them share their dream for the New Year and at least one thing they will do to achieve it. For instance, if their dream is to visit a foreign country, they may take the first step and obtain a passport.
Sample affirmations for the scrolls are:
Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, the mind can achieve. Napoleon Hill.
Decide upon your major definite purpose in life and then organize all your activities around it. Brian Tracy
The indispensable first step to getting the things you want out of life is this: decide what you want. Ben Stein
If you limit your choices only to what seems possible or reasonable, you disconnect yourself from what you truly want, and all that is left is a compromise. Robert Fritz
The number one problem that keeps people from winning in the United States today is lack of belief in themselves. Arthur L. Williams
You weren’t an accident. You weren’t mass produced. You aren’t an assembly-line product. You were deliberately planned, specifically gifted, and lovingly positioned on the Earth by the Master Craftsman. Max Lucado
You have to believe in yourself when no one else does. That’s what makes you a winner. Venus Williams
If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy, and inspires your hopes. Andrew Carnegie
At the conclusion of the tea party, you could give each guest a scroll that you have prepared containing all the affirmations that have been read.
Menu:
To keep with the theme, you might serve Celestial Seasons tea, choosing a blend of spices, representing the blend of opportunities in the new year.
Dreamy Scones
3 cups flour
3 tspns baking powder
½ tspn salt
1 cup cold butter
1 egg
1 cup vanilla yogurt
½ tspn vanilla
2 tspns milk
Sugar
Preheat oven to 425 degrees
Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in egg, yogurt and vanilla just until combined. Turn out onto a floured surface, knead 6-8 times. Do not over handle.
Roll into a 9 inch circle, cut into 8 wedges. Place on ungreased baking sheet. Brush tops with milk and sprinkle with sugar.
Bake for 12-15 minutes.
Black Eyed Peas Salad
Black eyed peas are traditionally eaten at the beginning of the year as they are supposed to bring good luck and prosperity. They are also a reminder of our proud but humble beginnings.
• 2 cans Black eyed peas, drained
• 1 Bell Pepper
• 1 Chopped Cucumber
• 1 Can Olives, chopped
• Equal mixture of Olive Oil and Herb vinegar (garlic or basil)
• 1 cup Cheddar Cheese, grated
• Thyme, rosemary, oregano, or Italian seasoning
• Garlic
• Mix it all up and let chill for an hour before serving.
•
Lucky New Year's Sandwiches with Grapes
On Nochevieja in Spain, New Year's Eve revelers eat 12 grapes at midnight — one for every chime of the clock — to bring good luck in the 12 months to come. To add good luck to your tea party, serve these beautiful open-faced sandwiches, featuring chicken and 12 grapes.
4 slices of Honey Wheat bread
2 cups coarsely chopped cooked white chicken meat
1/2 cup thinly sliced celery
1/2 cup blanched and sliced almonds, plus 4 tablespoons for sprinkling
3/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon
48 red grapes, each cut in half
Mix the chicken, celery, almonds, mayonnaise, lemon juice and tarragon together. Spread generously onto the slices of bread. Top each slice with 24 grape halves. Then cut each slice in half, so there are 12 grape halves on each one. Sprinkle with more almonds if desired. Serve open faced.
CARROT PARTY SANDWICHES
These carrot sandwiches remind us to eat our vegetables. We need to enjoy good health as we reach for our dreams.
2 cups grated carrots
8 oz. cream cheese
½ cup chopped nuts
1 tsp. lemon juice
¼ tsp salt
2 tsp salad dressing
Mix together and spread on assorted crackers or breads. Cut in party shapes.
FANCY EGG SALAD SANDWICHES
Eggs symbolize new life, new beginnings. A perfect choice for a New Year.
• 8 hard-cooked eggs, diced
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup dried onion flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dill weed
• 8 slices white bread
In a bowl, gently mix the eggs, mayonnaise, onion flakes, salt, mustard powder, garlic powder, pepper, and dill. Cover, and refrigerate 8 hours, or overnight. To serve, spread equal amounts on 4 slices bread; top with remaining bread slices to make sandwiches.
Macaroni and Cheese Casserole
This macaroni and cheese dish is served to represent comfort and love in our lives.
2 1/4 cups hot water
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1 (14 ounce) package KRAFT Deluxe Macaroni & Cheese Dinner
1/2 cup Sour Cream
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Mix water and mustard in 1-1/2-quart casserole. Whisk in Cheese Sauce from Pouch. Stir in dry Macaroni; cover with tight-fitting lid.
2. Bake 30 minutes. Uncover; stir in sour cream. Bake, uncovered, an additional 10 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Confetti Cake
Confetti Cake is the perfect way to celebrate our dreams as we reach for the Stars.
Confetti Cake (Serve with real confetti, if you don’t mind the clean up)
1 1-pound box angel food cake mix
1/4 cup colored candy sprinkles
1. Follow the directions on the cake mix box, but just before pouring the batter into the tube pan, add the sprinkles.
2. Mix them quickly and gently with as few strokes as possible and pour the batter into the pan immediately. If you mix and pour too slowly, the colors may bleed and color the surrounding batter.
3. Frost cake with whipped topping or your favorite frosting. Add confetti (colored sprinkles) and a sparkly star decoration. (Tip Apply the sprinkles to the sides of the cake by lightly tossing them against the frosting. Store the cake in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Star shaped cookies and candies may also be served.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Christmas High Tea
I was invited to a late afternoon Christmas High Tea that was a delightful time with friends from two tea groups. The hostess had her two teen age nieces help her serve. She served hot tomato bisque soup, then scones, then tea sandwiches followed by a polenta lasagna hot dish. There was hardly room left in tummies for desert, which was a beautiful red velvet cake served with ice cream.
We exchanged gifts, playing the take away game, which led to lots of laughter.
Two of the ladies are on a gluten free diet. I was pleased to discover gluten free bread, and many gluten free mixes. There's even a gluten free scone mix. I've made this, as well as a gluten free chocolate chip cookie mix, and brownie mix, and they are all very good. So, even if you can not have wheat, it's still possible to attend or host a tea and serve sandwiches, scones and desserts all gluten free.
I'm looking forward to hosting two teas next January. Watch this blog for a Jan. tea theme I will post right after Christmas.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!
Maxine at www.mysteryteaparties.com
We exchanged gifts, playing the take away game, which led to lots of laughter.
Two of the ladies are on a gluten free diet. I was pleased to discover gluten free bread, and many gluten free mixes. There's even a gluten free scone mix. I've made this, as well as a gluten free chocolate chip cookie mix, and brownie mix, and they are all very good. So, even if you can not have wheat, it's still possible to attend or host a tea and serve sandwiches, scones and desserts all gluten free.
I'm looking forward to hosting two teas next January. Watch this blog for a Jan. tea theme I will post right after Christmas.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!
Maxine at www.mysteryteaparties.com
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Christmas Teas
The December calendar is filling up fast! I am invited to several Christmas teas. A Christmas tea is a wonderful way to share the season with good friends. A time to get away from the hustle and bustle and relax with friends. A fun way to do that is to host the mystery Christmas tea, "Who Stole the Joy From Christmas?" This plan is also a great way to share your faith, as the last script explains the real "Meaning of the Season." It's not too late, you can download the party plan instantly for only $24.95 at www.mysteryteaparties.com.
I will be hosting two teas in January. One will be a trial party for my new mystery tea party plan for a wedding shower, and the other will be a plan (not a mystery) that I will post on this blog later this month.
I will be hosting two teas in January. One will be a trial party for my new mystery tea party plan for a wedding shower, and the other will be a plan (not a mystery) that I will post on this blog later this month.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Mystery Birthday Party for Kids
"The Case of the Missing Art Work" is an affordable, fun, different way to celebrate birthdays for kids 8-18. One parent told me she was so happy to learn about the mystery tea party plans because it provided their family with an affordable way to celebrate their "tweens" birthday. As many families today, they were strapped for cash and couldn't afford the price of many of today's birthday parties. The mystery tea party plan was everything they were looking for, at a very affordable price.
"The Sinister Sleepover" is great for birthday/slumber parties, too. See all the plans at www.mysteryteaparties.com.
"The Sinister Sleepover" is great for birthday/slumber parties, too. See all the plans at www.mysteryteaparties.com.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Organization!
I finished a major accomplishment this morning. My collection of recipes has been a mish mash of cards, pages, magazine clippings, etc. all jammed into a small notebook. After viewing a friend's neatly organized note book, I decided it was time to do something about mine. I bought a box of plastic sheet protectors, and a spiral notebook, for the paper. Then I set about cutting and pasting recipes on the notebook paper, then inserting them into the plastic protectors. It took a few evenings to do of all that, then this morning I put them all into a binder. Interesting that I have more scone recipes than anything else!
My favorite scone recipe was given to me by an English friend. The main ingredient is Bisquick!
What's your favorite scone recipe? Why not share it in the comment section!
My favorite scone recipe was given to me by an English friend. The main ingredient is Bisquick!
What's your favorite scone recipe? Why not share it in the comment section!
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