Are you a dunker or a twirler?
Do you dunk your teabag up and down in a cup of hot water or do you twirl it around in a circle? I hope you don't just let it sit there because more anti-oxidents are released when the water moves through the tea leaves. In fact, researchers say you get up to five times more!
Also, to get the most health benefits from drinking tea, avoid putting milk in your tea. The protein in milk seems to negate some of the health benefits.
A healthier choice is a slice of lemon or bit of honey.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Ideas for Tea Parties
There are so many fun and unique themes for a tea party! Of course, the Mystery tea party plans are great and offer many different themes, from Hawaiian to Western. Now there's even a a mystery tea party plan for children and one that is suitable for a wedding shower.
Several have roles that can be adapted to a part for a man. "The Bodacious Babes of Buzzard Bend" and "Murder at the Earl of Grey's Hound Manor" are two that come to mind.
One customer did "The Decadent Housewives of Hysteria Lane" for her office party. She added a few roles, one was the handsome plumber. His main role was to look handsome and flirt!
Another customer just wrote in to say she did one of the mystery party plans for a wine tasting.
Another clever gal invited guests to come to her mystery tea party and "tie one on." She gave each guest an apron as their favor. They, indeed, tied one on.
Several have roles that can be adapted to a part for a man. "The Bodacious Babes of Buzzard Bend" and "Murder at the Earl of Grey's Hound Manor" are two that come to mind.
One customer did "The Decadent Housewives of Hysteria Lane" for her office party. She added a few roles, one was the handsome plumber. His main role was to look handsome and flirt!
Another customer just wrote in to say she did one of the mystery party plans for a wine tasting.
Another clever gal invited guests to come to her mystery tea party and "tie one on." She gave each guest an apron as their favor. They, indeed, tied one on.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Spring Teas
It may seem hard to believe, especially in some parts of the country, but Spring is just around the corner. Oh, alright, maybe down a few blocks and around the corner, but it surely will come.
I'm already seeing advertisments for Spring teas in May and June, and I want to encourage everyone to take advantage of these fun outings. So many tea rooms have had to close their doors due to the economy, so let's support these tea venues whenever we can.
Do your best to encourage and support any tearooms in your area, and let us know about your favorites. Truffles and Lace in Temecula, Ca has closed, and there is none in our local area.
A Victorian Tea and Fashion show will be held at the Fullerton Arboretum in Fullerton, CA June 5. For information call 657-278-4010. That's a long way from where I live, but I plan on attending.
I'm already seeing advertisments for Spring teas in May and June, and I want to encourage everyone to take advantage of these fun outings. So many tea rooms have had to close their doors due to the economy, so let's support these tea venues whenever we can.
Do your best to encourage and support any tearooms in your area, and let us know about your favorites. Truffles and Lace in Temecula, Ca has closed, and there is none in our local area.
A Victorian Tea and Fashion show will be held at the Fullerton Arboretum in Fullerton, CA June 5. For information call 657-278-4010. That's a long way from where I live, but I plan on attending.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
New Mystery theme tea party
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.
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 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
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