In a small theater in London’s West End, I discovered Agatha Christie. Her mystery play “The Mousetrap” has been running continually since it opened 1952. It’s surprise ending reminds the audience that a great writer can always surprise you. When the curtain closed.. I was officially a die hard Agatha Christie fan.
The last 13 years my life has been devoted to all things tea. I quickly discovered that not only was Ms. Christie an avid tea drinker but she often wrote about it in her books. (she wrote 80 stories and plays in all!)
Here is a fun quote from “And Then There Were None”
“Will you pour out tea, Miss Brent?’ The elder woman replied: ‘No, you do it, dear. That tea-pot is so heavy. And I have lost two skeins of my grey knitting-wool. So annoying.’ Vera moved to the tea-table. There was a cheerful rattle and clink of china. Normality returned. Tea! Blessed ordinary everyday afternoon tea! Philip Lombard made a cheery remark. Blore responded. Dr. Armstrong told a humorous story. Mr. Justice Wargrave, who ordinarily hated tea, sipped approvingly.
Agatha Christie actually wrote a short story entitled “A Pot Of Tea” starring her young detectives Tommy and Tuppence in her collection “Partners in Crime.”
If hosting your own Agatha Christie tea party consider the following suggestions:
#1 The 1957 version of “Witness for the Prosecution” is fantastic. Gather your friends around the flat screen, sip tea and drink in the mystery. This play had a surprise ending that is sure to start avid discussions amongst your guests.
#2 Serve a hearty English Afternoon blend like Albert Square Blend from http://TeaSource.com
#3 Make classic English scones as described in detail at the Joy of Baking.com Follow this link for a video and written instructions. http://joyofbaking.com/scones.html
#4 Before the end of the film, ask your guests to write out “who done it” and drop it in a hat. Read the conclusions aloud, watch the end of the film and allow time to discuss.
An Agatha Christie tea party can be memorable without being complicated.
Need a great favor? Consider buying inexpensive paperbacks of some of Christie’s finest mysteries. These are often available on Amazon.com
Have you read these Tea Party Girl articles?
Tea Mystery Books You May Have Missed
The Top Ten Reasons a Daily Cup of Tea is Essential to Living
Tea Party Girl Asks: What’s Your Favorite Agatha Christie Book?