Meeting for tea: New entertainment frenzy

Meeting for tea used to be something that bored housewives did, while their children were out playing. Now it is trendy for an entire social event, a tea party is no longer for women above the age of 60 or below the age of six – it is an entirely trendy new time slot for the glitterati of today, and yet another excuse to show off new jewellery, purses and shoes!

Tea terminology is a little confusing, so here's a quick break down:

*A 'Cream Tea' is usually just scones with cream and preserves served with tea. 'Afternoon Tea' is traditionally sandwiches, scones and a selection of cakes, served with tea.
'High Tea', contradictory to popular belief, does not represent a classic British Afternoon Tea. Instead, it usually compromises of more savoury foods – a lavish spread, where the 'tea' is probably the most insignificant. 'Royal Tea' is a less widely used term signifying the addition of a glass of champagne to a traditional Afternoon Tea.

Dress
In India, a high tea is most often restricted to women. 'Lunch wear' is fine for an afternoon tea, but do ask your hostess if this is a tea or a sun-downer (another new entertainment slot), as a sun-downer usually goes well into the night, and a lemon yellow party frock may suddenly look very out of place. Nice shoes, fun accessories, a pretty hand bag and blown out hair; all go well for a tea time event. It is an excuse to dress a little more formal, so while jeans look great for luncheons, for a tea, you could team your jeans with a very fancy top, or swap them for a cute skirt or expensive looking shorts. Long dresses are tricky at this time of the day, unless they are strictly lounge wear and very casual. For those women who come from work, it is absolutely acceptable to attend in your work attire. Your host will be simply glad to have you there, and most often, it is easier to attend than a lunch is.

Décor:
Keep it light but fresh and pretty. Teatime décor should resemble afternoon tea at the Ritz, of course figuratively speaking. But one should get the experience of elegance and beauty. Soft ambient music, airy, fresh floral arrangements, pastel coloured food, and good china, are all teatime essentials.

F & B:
Tea! Make sure you have plenty of tea, coffee and other afternoon time drinks. If it is a themed party, your drinks could reflect the theme – pink champagne for a bridal or baby shower, etc. Wine, champagne or light cocktails add to the 'tea', and most women will indulge even at that time of day. The food should be a good mix of sweet and savoury. If you're going traditional, then scones, finger sandwiches and an assortment of cakes is enough. Safest option, pick a style and go full on with that. There is no such thing as a 'casual tea party'.

What Not To Do:
- Don't wear clothes that are uncomfortable to move around in. There is a lot of sitting and standing, so a too short or too tight dress will be uncomfortable and awkward.
- Be elegant, be pretty, but don't be sexy. Doesn't work with tea!
- Wear elegant, but comfortable shoes. Invariably you're either walking on plush carpeting or grass, either way, shoes need to be well planned.
- Do not stir your tea loudly. The spoon should not clink against the cup. Practice silent stirring.
- And as a hostess, if it is not a sit down tea, please ensure your guests have all been offered everything. Guide your guests to the tea table so they can sample your delicious spread.