Bridesmaids Luncheon Idea: The Tea Bar

Whether a low-key garden party or a glitz-filled celebration at the Ritz, bridesmaids luncheons are the perfect time to resurrect beautiful (and healthy) traditions like tea time.

Tea has a long played a part in our global history. The Chinese and Japanese have included teas into both their daily regime and formal ceremonies for centuries, it has been enjoyed by the Dutch, French and English elite as early as the 1500s, and heavily taxed teas even triggered the American rebellion against the British in the Boston Tea Party.

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With such a rich, global history, adding tea to your Bridemaids Luncheon can make for any number of party themes: a quaint English Garden Brunch, an over-the-top Victorian Parlor Party or a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony. What better way to show off the wide variety of teas at your tea party than with a beautiful Tea Bar as the centerpiece.

How to create a Tea Bar:

CHOOSE 3-5 VARIETIES OF TEA.
Half the fun of a Tea Bar is choosing which teas will complement your Bridesmaids Luncheon theme.  There are thousands of varieties of tea, but don’t go overboard on the selection or guests will have a difficult time choosing.  Our suggestions:

• Green Tea – rich in antioxidants there are many varieties of this tea
• Rooibos (aka Redbush) Tea - a mild, herbal (caffeine-free) tea from South Africa
• Masala Tea – a black tea infused with spices and often served with milk and sugar, popular in India
• Jasmine Tea - a black or oolong tea with fragrant Jasmine flowers
• Licorice Tea – the sweet licorice root is popular in Mediterranean diets and is often used in treating upset stomachs and sore throats

SPICE UP THE BAR

Presenting a variety of spices, sweeteners and tea infusions in beautiful containers will not only make your Bridesmaids Luncheon pleasing to the eye, but pleasing to your sense of smell.  Ask the tea store what kind of spices will bring out the flavor in the teas you’ve chosen. Suggestions:

• Anise Star
• Cinnamon Sticks
• Allspice
• Cloves
• Hibiscus Flower
• Vanilla
• Orange or Lemon Slices
• Milk (don’t mix with the citrus fruits or it will curdle)
• Natural Sweeteners like Honey, Agave Nectar,  and Stevia Leaves

DON’T FORGET

• Presentation Table – presenting the teas in a buffet style atop gorgeous linens gives you lots of opportunities to create a presentation table that will surely be the centerpiece of the party
• Hot water – Either set out several unique tea pots on hot plates, or rent a traditional silver hot water dispenser
• Treats – mini appetizers, healthy pastries, and fresh fruit will make the Tea Bar one of the liveliest spaces at your Bridesmaid Luncheon
• Bridesmaid Gifts – A tea-themed luncheon can provide inspiration for Bridesmaids gift ideas:  Customize a tea cup with the wedding date,  gift beautiful tea pots that fit the theme of the tea party or present jewelry atop a gift basket full of loose tea.