Preparing for a Tea Party

No spectacular tea parties today,
though I did sip tea last evening at the Lan Su Chinese Gardens.
I will tell you about that another day.
As I look at this picture, it reminds me of the times of preparation.
What do I do to prepare?
First, I need to have a reason for a tea party.
Maybe it is just to give opportunity for a visit with a friend or
maybe it is a special holiday event.
Second, I think about a theme.
Do I want to focus on flowers or have something fun for the little ones?
Or maybe it is something more elaborate, like putting on a full tea
such as Alice in Wonderland.  This is probably where I have the most fun.
Third, I start pulling out plates I might like to use to see how they fit with the theme.
This is the stage you see in the picture.
Fourth, I plan a menu that has a few easy things to fix and then something
that challenges me or something new.  With the planning of the menu, I
make a schedule.  The schedule starts often a few days before the party.
I make the sweets and tart shells that can be frozen.  I cut special
shapes in the bread and put them in the freezer.  Then as we get closer to the event,
I make the sandwich fillings.
Finally, the day arrives and I am prepared for those last minute touches.

Yes, it is a lot of work sometimes, but it is fun (at least I think it is).
I love being prepared and seeing the appreciation in the eyes of those that receive.
It is a gift I love giving.