An American tea party- Ideas for your party

April 14, 8:45 PMTampa Ethnic Foods ExaminerDiane Watkins

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Nashville Tea Party, Feb 27, 2009

Since the country is throwing a tax day tea party, I thought I would offer a few suggestions for a successful party.

Brewing Tea

These suggestions are for the Hillsborough River, north of Tampa. If you are throwing your party at a different location, you can visit USGS , find the stream flow and calculate tea bag requirements for your location.

While you can use any tea bags of your choice, Bubble Tea might be preferred by those caught upside down in their mortgages. My recipe uses 3 family size tea bags per gallon of water. 

The Hillsborough River will require approximately 750 family size tea bags per second. Remember that to make sun tea, about 3-4 hours will be required to brew the tea. Follow the tea down river for 3-4 hours and enjoy with slice of lemon or a sprig of mint.

 What to wear to a tea party?

While invitees to the Boston Tea Party wore face paint and feathers, I would recommend a slightly less flamboyant attire for this years tax day tea party. Hats are always welcome for women and sunscreen should substitute for the face paint.

Music

For the older generation, Money by Pink Floyd. If your party includes a younger crowd: Fight the Power by NWA, or anything by Rage Against the Machine.

Party Favors

Special party favors might include copies of shares of Enron, World Com or certificates of deposit signed by Bernie Madoff. Roll them them like a scroll and tie with a red, white, or blue ribbon.  If the weather is predicted to be hot, you could pleat them into fans and decorate with ribbon. For parting gifts supply each guest with a giant sucker.

Outdoor games:

An old favorite is croquet, a lawn game where everyones balls get whacked. Pin the tale on the donkey is always popular. This would be a good game to recycle those old campaign posters. And for the younger crowd, don't forget Tag- You're it.

Refreshments:

Refreshments should include finger sandwiches, scones, sweets, and of course tea. Serve it on your finest china or have everyone bring a cup from home.  Be sure to offer a plate of lemon slices and some mint sprigs would be a welcome addition. We do not recommend sugar or milk, since this would be environmentally detrimental. (We're not even sure about the environmental impact of the tea, so you might not want to invite the environmental types to your party.)  Here are some recipes to get you started.

Minted Radish Tea Sandwiches

Deviled eggs, a good way to use up those leftover Easter eggs.

Scones, if the Brits are joining us this time.

Watercress Sandwich is a traditional favorite.

Cucumber Sndwiches with Dill and Creme Fraiche