Tea Buds, a name chosen by participants as we drink tea and share a different flower each month, is a group of women gathered around a decorated table set for tea.
There is always a cloth table cover, and always ceramic tea cups and saucers. This activity is intended as a women’s tea party with trimmings. A different topic is presented each month as well as a different flower or plant. Items are brought to represent the topic and, of course, the flower or plant is presented for viewing, touching, smelling, and enjoying. Hot tea is served along with a petite tea sandwich or small food item appropriate for the season.
This activity is best held at a large round table so that all participants may see each other and interact with everyone present. It is also much easier to present items when they can be displayed in the middle of a round table. This activity is well suited for higher functioning individuals as well as those in first stages of dementia or with mild developmental disabilities. It lasts about one hour.
China tea cups are saucers can be purchased at second hand stores and it’s fun to have many different patterns and styles. The same is true of the tea pots. Pots can also be purchased at a second hand store, just be sure you are getting a serviceable pot and not a decorative one.
The women enjoy the pleasure of sipping tea from “real” cups, and the presence of a teapot that “looks just like the one we had on the farm.”
Months and topics follow but use your imagination and the interests of your clientele to plan your own tea parties. I have been doing this for over five years and I have some women who have never missed a party!
Match teas with the snack or topic. Lemon Zinger tea for the lemon tree topic, Constant Comment tea for the pumpkin bars, Russian Tea with the fruit bread, iced tea during the hot months of July and August, Madagascar Vanilla Red Tea with the Easter bread, Orange Spice tea with the citrus, and Irish breakfast tea with the soda bread.
We invite you to enjoy Tea Buds, by clicking on the Month listed below, this will open a document for you to print and use for your parties.
Additional suggestions for your Tea Buds activity;
When starting your plans for this activity, it is good to have two things on hand; a large plastic storage tub for the cups, pots, and various other pieces you will gather, and a three ring binder for saving the many pages of information you will also gather for presentation at the parties. The tea pots and cups can be protected from breakage by padding with the table covers and napkins.
Mix and match the breads you use for the sandwiches. White bread is perfect for some but boring for others. Consider rye, pumpernickel, whole wheat, date, brioche, marble rye, or any combination of breads. Using half white and half wheat for the same sandwich adds interest. It’s always customary to remove the crusts before cutting into tea sandwiches and you can add a bit of fun and interest by cutting the sandwiches into shapes using cookie cutters. This is most neatly done if the bread is frozen. Once cut, place bread in a Ziploc to thaw.
Curd is a standard condiment at tea parties. It can be served on muffins, scones, pancakes, breads, etc..
Easy Lemon Curd Recipe
3/4 cup lemon juice (4 lemons squeezed) Finely grated lemon peel from 4 lemons
4 large eggs, beaten
2 cups sugar
1⁄2 cup butter, cubed
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, cool and store in a jar in the fridge.
