Butterfly Demitasse Cups
Holding a tea-tasting party at home is a great way to increase understanding and enjoyment of the characteristics of different teas. Guests get the opportunity to sample and compare several teas as they learn about growing, blending and the qualities of each tea served. An atmosphere of camaraderie is created as guests share their comments and preferences while eating from a selection of finger foods, snacks and sweets.
Any time of year is the perfect time to hold a tea-tasting party at home. While these kinds of tea parties can be pulled off with average effort, most of the time spent will be in preparation. Here are some things to consider when holding a tea-tasting party at home.
- Choose the teas to be served. Select a white, green, black, oolong, and herbal infusion. Include additional tea blends, organic grown teas and other varieties that catch your fancy. Do some online research about the teas you plan to serve by contacting tea manufacturers for promotional material and free samples.
- Prepare a tea comparison chart to hand out to guests. Leave space for notes so that they can write their own taste comments. A tea comparison chart makes a great party favor that guests can take with them when they leave.
- Enhance the tea-tasting with an assortment of finger foods, snacks and sweets. You don’t have to serve traditional afternoon tea fare; just a few dainty morsels of pastries, a pinwheel sandwich, or assorted chocolates. You decide what’s best for your guests. Unlike wine tastings, there are no rules about which foods to serve with certain teas.
- Assemble a collection of demitasse cups and decorative teapots for the tea-tasting party. Since guests will only be sampling teas, you don’t need to use regular-sized teacups. If you must use regular china, fill each cup only halfway. Tea tastings are also a great time to showcase your collection of china teapots by serving each tea flavor from a different pot.
The Tea-Tasting Party
Begin the tea-tasting party by pouring one tea selection for everyone to taste. Encourage your guests to taste the tea without adding sugar, lemon or other items so that they can experience the tea’s natural flavor. Show your guests how to comment on the tea by noting its color, clarity and bouquet (scent).
Keep a kettle of boiling water handy to rinse out teacups after each tasting. Place a large attractive bowl in the center of the table so that guests can discard unfinished tea and hot rinse water prior to sampling a different tea selection. Empty this bowl often.
For more information:
Tea 101: All about tea sandwiches
Tea 101: What are scented teas?
Tea 101: What’s the proper amount of tea to use?
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Comments
Yes, I think I like the idea of adding tea tasting to the traditional tea party model. And it then doesn't have to be exclusively for women either.
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