A Mad~Hatter Tea Party

 

Hello, Welcome to Marcia’s CottageCottage by the Sea I’m so happy to see you today my friend. ♡ Shall we have a little tea. ♡

Today I would like to share with you one of my passions.

Which of course is having fun, and enjoying the satisfaction that comes from creating a beautiful setting just for friends of my heart.

A Mad Hatter’s Tea was the perfect opportunity to celebrate special friendships…

 

and the beginning of Spring.

 

Let me briefly explain how to host one yourself. (just in case your interested)

 

 

First decide date, time, food, and who will be your lucky guests.

 

Thest photos are from when I still lived in California. The weather was perfect to seat everyone outside in our garden.

I created a canopy for the deck, since I was actually a little concerned that it might be too warm.

The canopy was made from inexpensive lace, and tablecloths that I already had.

I tied, and sewed the ends together.

Thank goodness the trees gave me a hand with their branches.

 

For about a week, I would do a little something outside to add to the Garden Mad Hatter theme.

 

I let the colors of the garden inspire me.

 

and planted a garden of spring colors on the table, by using yellow, gold, pink, purple, and green hues.

My long loved garden dishes came in very handy. Easy peasy.

I also chose to have the food catered. It can be a little pricey. So either budget it in, or do what I use to do…prepare it yourself. Tea food is not difficult to make, however it will require additional time, and planning.

I usually try and leave a little gift for my friends to take home.Of course that part is optional. However, if you are crafty, you will have  no difficulty thinking up something to go with your theme.

If your not crafty, (pout) or don’t have the time, and you like the idea of a gift for your guests then budget, budget, budget.

Please n.e.v.e.r, e.v.e.r feel that things have to be perfect. because it will make you madly crazy Being prepared is different that being perfect. And, the more prepared you are for hosting a tea, the more opportunities you will have to share the gift of hospitality with a friend, friends, or perhaps even a neighbor. And, isn’t that a wonderfully mad discovery to look forward too!

                                                 

A tip from Marcia’s Cottage (for those of you that have never hosted a tea party)

Here are some basic items to start gathering in a special cupboard or even a basket.

Teakettle
Teapot
Tea strainer
Two teacups with saucers
Sugar bowl (or honey server)
Cream pitcher
Two small dessert plates and serving plates
Two teaspoons
Pretty tea cloth or large placemat
Two cloth napkins
Loose tea or good quality tea bags
Sugar cubes or honey
Lemon


oh, and here’s a recipe I often prepare…


CHICKEN ALMOND SANDWICHES

1 cup chopped cooked chicken
1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted
1/2 cup heavy cream
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
8 slices white bread, crusts removed
8 slices whole wheat bread, crust removed
chopped toasted almonds for garnish

In a blender, combine chicken, almonds, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Blend at low speed until spreadable. Spread one side of each slice of bread with mustard butter *(see recipe below) Spread chicken filling on buttered bread. Cut sandwich in half. Spread butter along one edge of sandwich. Press chopped almonds along edge to garnish.

*MUSTARD BUTTER

1/2 cup unsalted butter, cup
1 tablespoon mild French mustard
1 teaspoon lemon juice

In a food processor, combine butter, mustard, and lemon juice. Process until blended.
Set aside at room temperature.

Here’s part three of Hosting a Mad Hatter Tea. You can check out all four on Marcia’s Cottage YouTube channel.