Asian splendor “Organizing a traditional Asian-themed tea party”

Bring the mystery of the Orient into your living room with a creative tea party that will have your guests asking for more. The possibilities are endless when hosting an Asian-themed tea party, from presenting an overview of Asian teas to replicating a Japanese tea ceremony.

Your presentation may vary depending on your guests and how formal or informal you would like the party to be. Either way, an Asian tea party is a great way to introduce many exotic Asian teas.

Activities

Depending on the overall feel of the party, choose from a variety of possible activities. Hosting a traditional Japanese tea ceremony can be both fun and educational for your guests. If you don’t want to do something so formal, you can teach your guests various Asian customs regarding tea, such as traditional brewing methods, types of tea, how to pour and present teas, and Asian tea etiquette.

This approach can be unusual, lively and memorable. It’s also a great opportunity to use different Asian-inspired teapots and cups. If you’re throwing a Japanese-inspired party, you could include origami as one of the activities.

It’s fun, inexpensive, and doesn’t take up a lot of space. Do you like fortune cookies? Why not order a batch for your guests and share your fortune around the table?

decorations

Decorations can be simple yet elegant. To set the mood, purchase a variety of paper lanterns to create a warm atmosphere. Use lots of red and black as these are common colors and combine them with dragons and wall hanging fans.

Find some small umbrellas to place on each table, or use the small ones to decorate your cups of tea. For added elegance, use special china and porcelain plates, as well as designer chopsticks. Look for cards that have “friendship” or other sayings printed with the authentic symbols for added ambiance.

Decorate the room and the tables with flowers such as orchids and lotuses. Bamboo is an easy, inexpensive and authentic decoration option.

Also, if you already have them or can borrow or rent them, incorporate small water features, bonsai or small rock gardens.

Music

Having a variety of Asian music playing in the background is perfect for setting the tone of the party.

Visit your local music store for suggestions. You may want to use some kind of compilation or choose music from a specific region or country, such as Japan, Thailand, or China. If your theme is based on a specific country, choose the music accordingly.

invitation ideas

You can really get creative with invitations, from buying fan-shaped ones to using an origami invitation that guests can unfold to read.

Alternatively, you may be interested in invitations that feature an Asian image or symbol.

If you’re hosting a formal party, invitations on specialty paper are a beautiful work of art. Your budget will influence the style of invitation you choose to use.

The good news is that there are plenty of options available for all price ranges. Start with a local party or gift shop. There are plenty of great companies available online as well.

food

The food options for an Asian tea party are almost limitless! For starters, offer a variety of sushi, which can be prepared to suit all tastes, including mild, spicy, and vegetarian.

Stir-fry is easy to prepare for larger groups of people, and you could even prepare the food in a central area so your guests can watch. It’s entertaining and educational!

Asian foods rely heavily on rice and noodles, and there are many recipes to find that incorporate them, from soups to entrees to desserts. Of course, you’ll still want to offer fortune cookies!

Whatever foods you choose, offer lighter food options, as ones that are too heavy can detract from the tea experience.

teas

This event would be perfect with a delicate Oolong like Monkey Pick or a mystical Tung Ting. You may also want to consider “show teas” that actually bloom when steeped in water.

These hand tied extravaganzas are sure to impress your guests. order from numi.com.

If you’re looking to impress your guests, invite them to experience tea and its birthplace. You’ll have them begging for more.