Tea, tea, or tea??? Help?

[Texaschik]

Hello all. I'm hosting a luncheon and would appreciate any advice you could give. Every month someone hosts a luncheon for a group of 20, more or less, ladies. The luncheons are usually themed and always very lovely. I'm hosting the next one and have decided to host a "tea party" luncheon and would appreciate any suggestions. What kind of teas? What kind of food? TIA

I'd be inspired by a typical English 'afternoon tea':

Tea: Loose leaf, served in a teapot would be preferable. Twinnings 'English Breakfast' is a safe choice.

Food: sandwiches, scones with jam and clotted cream, small cakes and pastries.

I would Herve English breakfast, earl grey and peppermint.
Food wise finger sandwiches with dainty fillings, cucumber, smoked salmon and cream cheese, coronation chicken, roast beef horseradish mayo and watercress etc
Then scones with jam and cream, mini fresh fruit tarts, Victoria sandwich, fingers of lemon drizzle

And how about cakes with tea in them? E.g earl grey scones or earl grey and apricot cake?
I'm pretty sure I've seen a recipe somewhere for jelly that has tea in...

Oh and tea smoked salmon!!

Cucumber sandwiches, maybe an oolong or other smoky tea, if you can stretch to it, a few glass teapots and some 'unfolding flower' teas for the wow factor, www.theteamakers.co.uk/flowering-tea.html

Dainty little cakes, look at Claridges and the Ritz afternoon teas or tea dances for inspiration, not just for the food but for the ambiance.
It sounds like a lovely idea, hope your group really enjoy it.

Some fab recipes here www.bbc.co.uk/food/tea