Table Decorations

The decorations can be a simple or elaborate as you would like.

A navy blue tablecloth will make a beautiful backdrop to the silver and white colors of winter. This color also sets off even the simplest white dishes and makes them look special. If you like, scatter different sizes and shapes of snowflakes over the table.

Tie a large silver bow to the back of the chairs and if possible cover them with white chair covers.

Place cards can be made from small crystal frames that are about the size of a business card. Write each person's name on a white business card with a silver pen. The frames can be used a favors for your guest to take at the end of the tea.

For the centerpiece, place ice blue glass rocks in the bottom of a crystal bowl. Fill with water and float snowflake shaped candles in the bowl.

or

Place a small mirror in the middle of the table. Place a white poinsettia in a silver bowl on the mirror and flank each side with a white taper candle in a silver candlestick.

Winter Favors

snowflake candle

small snowglobe

silver gauze pouch filled with a tea ball and tea or tea bags

Menu

Chamomile Tea with Raspberries- Serve chilled chamomile tea with a couple of raspberries dropped into champagne glasses to the guests as they arrive.

Spinach and Roasted Red Pepper Salad

Roast Beef Sandwiches with Blue Cheese Dressing

Spinach, Red Pepper, and Feta Pita

Honey Dijon Chicken Croissant

Raspberry and White Chocolate Trifle

Petit Fours and pastries purchased from a Bakery

Activities

Gift Exchange: Each person attending the party will need to bring a wrapped gift. Since this is a tea, specify to bring a gift associated with tea (cup and saucer, tea, tea ball, tea bag holder, etc.) Set a limit to how much the gift should cost like $5.00 - $10.00. Everyone gathers into a circle with the gifts in the middle. Write the numbers from 1- the number of people playing on small slips of paper and place in a hat or other container. Let each person draw a slip to determine their turns for the gift exchange. The person who has the #1 picks a gift from the pile and does not open it. The person who has #2 can either pick the gift  #1 chose or choose a gift from the pile. The person who has #3 may take the gift from #1 or #2 or pick from the pile of gifts. Each gift may only change hands three times. The person with the gift on the third exchange keeps it. Once each person has a gift, everyone opens them at the same time to see what they exchanged away.

Gift Wrap Relay: You will need a box, wrapping paper, tape, and ribbon for each 2 person team. Each pair race to wrap the box and tie a ribbon around the box. During the race each person may only use one hand, so they must hold one arm behind their back. The hostess judges who did the best wrapping job in shortest amount of time. A small, special treat may be given to the winning pair.

Build a Gingerbread House: Purchase small gingerbread house kits and divide up into teams. Have fun decorating them or make a large gingerbread house as a group.

Wrapping Party: Bring all your gifts, paper, etc. and enjoy each others company while doing a holiday chore.