Renny Darling's

Everyone enjoys the friendship and the warmth of a Tea Party. As everything can be prepared in advance, it is also a delight for the hostess. Little sandwiches, on their serving platter, can be tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator. Scones, spreads, cookies, can all be on their serving platters. When guests arrive, off come the plastic wraps and everything is ready.

The key words for a successful tea, are "keep the portions very small". Use the thinnest-sliced white bread you can find. Cut the cookies into small squares. It is important that you keep everything petite and delicate. This is not dinner, but a lovely afternoon repast.

I prefer to use tea bags when serving tea. It allows you to offer a variety of teas and your guests can choose their favorite flavor. Have plenty of hot water ready in a silver urn or in a kettle on the stove, to pour into attractive tea pots. Allow 1 tea bag for each cup of tea.