Bring the mystery of the orient into your living room with a creative tea party that will have your guests begging for more. Possibilities are endless when you host an Asian themed tea party, from presenting an overview of Asian teas to replicating a Japanese tea ceremony.
Your presentation can vary depending on your guests and how formal or informal you would like the party to be. Either way, an Asian tea party is a great way to introduce many exotic Asian teas.
Activities
Depending on the overall feel of the party, choose among a variety of possible activities. Hosting a traditional Japanese tea ceremony can be fun and educational for your guests. If you don’t want to do something quite so formal, you can teach your guests various Asian customs regarding tea, such as traditional preparation methods, types of teas, how to pour and present teas, and Asian tea etiquette.
This approach can be unusual, lively, and memorable. It’s also a great opportunity to use different teapots and cups that are Asian inspired. If you are hosting a Japanese inspired party, you could include origami as one of the activities.
It’s fun, inexpensive, and does not require a lot of space. Like fortune cookies? Why not order a batch for your guests and share your fortunes round the table.
Decorations
Decorations can be simple yet elegant. To set the mood, purchase a variety of paper lanterns to create a warm ambiance. Use a lot of red and black, as these are customary colors and pair them with dragons, hanging wall fans.
Find some small parasols to place on each table, or use the small ones for decoration in your teacups. For added elegance, use specialty porcelain dishes and China as well as designer chopsticks. Look for cards that have “friendship” or other sayings printed using the authentic symbols to use for added ambiance.
Decorate the room and tables with flowers such as orchids and lotuses. Bamboo is an easy, inexpensive, and authentic decoration option.
In addition, if you already have them or are able to borrow or rent them, incorporate small water fountains, bonsai trees, or small rock gardens.
Music
Having a variety of Asian music playing the background is perfect for setting the tone of the party.
Visit the local music store for suggestions. You may want to use some type of compilation, or choose music from a specific region or country, such as Japan, Thailand, or China. If your theme is based on a specific country, choose music accordingly.
Invitation Ideas
You can really get creative with invitations, from purchasing ones that are shaped like a fan to using an origami invitation that guests can unfold to read.
Alternatively, you may be interested in invitations that have an Asian picture or symbol on them.
If you are hosting a formal party, invitations on specialty paper make a beautiful work of art. Your budget will influence the style of invitation you choose to use.
The good news is that there are many options available for all price ranges. Start with a local gift or party shop. There are lots of great companies available online as well.
Foods
The food choices for an Asian tea party are almost unlimited! For starters, offer a variety of sushi, which can be made to suit any taste, including mild, spicy, and vegetarian.
Stir-fry is easy to make for larger groups of people, and you could even prepare the food in a central area so your guests can observe. It’s entertaining and educational!
Asian foods rely heavily on rice and noodles, and there are many recipes to find that incorporate these, from soups to main dishes and deserts. Of course, you’ll still want to offer fortune cookies!
Whichever foods you choose, offer lighter food choices, as those that are too heavy can take away from the tea experience.
Teas
This event would be perfect with a delicate Oolong like Monkey Pick or a mystical Tung Ting. You might also wish to consider “display teas” which actually bloom when steeped in water.
These hand tied extravaganzas are sure to impress your guests. Order from www.numi.com.
If you are looking to impress your guests invite them to experience tea and its birthplace. You will have them begging for more.
Tea Party Girl asks What is your tea style? English, Asian, Indian, African?