Entertaining with Tea

      Looking for a different way to entertain ?  Why not try an Afternoon Tea or a more robust High Tea. Either of these teas can be a more relaxed way to host family and friends. The most important things to remember when planning this type of party are to serve good tea, well brewed, and to keep the atmosphere inviting and stress-free. The format can be formal or informal, the time can be afternoon or early evening (for High Tea), and the service can be buffet or sit-down. The choice is yours and will be the determining factor in the type of food that will be served. Periodically we will have a suggested menu for a Tea Party along with Selected Recipes. Turn off your speakers if you do not wish to hear the music.

AN 'IRISH HIGH TEA' PARTY

Ireland is the largest tea consumer per capita than any country in the world. They take their tea VERY seriously! You won't find a convention, work meeting or other event that does not allow for a morning or afternoon tea break on the schedule! The slang for tea is "cha" in Ireland and the rich and poor alike love tea time. In the Irish customs, guests cannot self-serve themselves; someone must step in to officially become the “Mother” to pour out and serve the tea. If the host (hostess) is too busy, he (she) will ask the volunteer (the one to serve the tea), “Would you like to be the Mother?” first. Irish tea is always drunk dark, ''strong enough to stand on,'' as they say; ''puts starch in your spine.'' Traditionally, it was un-Irish to clean a teapot. For more tea you throw a handful of new leaves in on top of the old ones and follow with as much boiling water as the pot will hold; by the end of the day it will not be much.

Tea was first imported to Ireland in 1835 where it became popular with the wealthy crowd, but it wasn't until later in the mid 1800s that it spread to the rural people and all of Ireland was hooked. Small grocers were opened in the towns and villages and they started exchanging butter and eggs for tea and sugar.

In Gaelic "cupan tae" means cup of tea, and the Irish make it a strong cup. Irish tea is blended to be mixed with a lot of rich milk-up to 1/3 of the cup for some. The custom is to add the milk to the tea cup first, then pour in the tea. Irish breakfast tea is often a strong blend of Assam and Ceylon and most people would only drink it for breakfast, though the Irish love it strong and would use this blend all day long. Even during the traditional Irish wake, after a family member has passed away, it's expected that a pot would be continuously boiling to make tea for company.

Irish tea is served generally three times a day; 11:00 in the morning, 3:00-5:00 for afternoon tea and a high tea at 6:00 pm, serving as the evening meal. Many think of high tea as formal or fancy, but it's actually a working man's tea that serves as a meal. Afternoon tea is the fancier of the three teas-the one with scones, breads, jam, curds and other dainties.

For the perfect Irish High Tea party, use a pure white Irish Damask tablecloth with matching napkins (or use green napkins for more of an Irish flair). Place a potted Shamrock at each place setting (usually available at florists around St. Patrick's Day)  and place a grouping of green and white candles of all shapes and sizes in the center of the table. Play traditional Irish music softly in the background and ask your guests to be "a wearin' of the Green." Use your more rustic/county teapots and China or pottery dishes.

The Story of the Shamrock & The Wearing of the Green
by Cheri Sicard

The Shamrock (traditional spelling: seamróg, meaing summer plant) is a three-leafed clover that grows in Ireland. A common image in Celtic artwork, the shamrock is found on Irish medieval tombs and on old copper coins, known as St. Patrick's money. The plant is also reputed to have mystic, even prophetic powers-- for instance the leaves are said to stand upright to warn of an approaching storm. Legend has it that St. Patrick used the shamrock in the fifth century to symbolize the divine nature of the trinity when he introduced Christianity to Ireland. The seamróg is a big part of Irish history, as the Shamrock was used as an emblem by the Irish Volunteers in the era of Grattan's Parliament in the 1770's, The Act of Union. When it became an emblem of rebellion in the 19th century, Queen Victoria made wearing a seamróg by member's of her regiments punishable by death by hanging. It was during this dark time that the phrase "the Wearing of the Green" began. Today the seamróg joins the English Rose and the Scottish Thistle on the British flag and is an integral part of Saint Patrick's Day celebrations. "The Wearing of the Green" also symbolizes the birth of springtime. Irish legend also states that green clothes attract faeries and aid crops.

Read An Irish Tea Story.

SUGGESTED MENU for AN 'IRISH HIGH TEA' PARTY

* Recipes shown below

Potato and Leek Soup* served with Irish Herb Scones*
Smoked Salmon Mousse* with Irish Soda Bread
Dublin Lawyer* served with with sweet peas mixed with creamed new potatoes
Irish Tea Cakes*
Bailey's Irish Cream Cake*
 Barry's Irish Tea - Classic Blend