Tea parties aren't just for little girls anymore. Increasingly more brides-to-be are requesting their bridal showers be tea or coffee themed. Although coffee is still a strong trend, tea has grown in popularity along with flavor infusion technology. Those who are planning the bridal shower can take the tea party theme down the Asian path or the old English path. Both are very different, but just as pleasing.

Asian

An Asian themed tea party does not necessarily have to compliment the overall wedding theme; it can be a fun way to remember the occasion all on its own. Start with choosing elegantly styled invitations perhaps bearing Japanese Kanji signifying love, commitment or luck. Perhaps request your guests to dress in Asian styled clothing such as long tunics with baggy trousers or high necked Chinese dresses. Holding the shower at a Japanese restaurant is an option, but there may be very little flexibility for activities. A better option would be the home of a member of the wedding party or renting a hotel room. Decorating the space with Japanese origami garlands and paper lanterns will begin creating the right atmosphere. Have incense burning subtly in the background (too much will overpower the taste of food and drink). Red is traditionally a color of celebration in Asian cultures. Chinese brides wear red dresses and the color is often associated with honor, success, fortune, fertility, happiness and passion. So, if possible have a lot of red accents in the decor. Have your guests wrap their gifts in red paper, and do the same with any favors being handed out. Food for an Asian themed tea party should be simple and authentic. Sushi is a good choice, and there are several kinds reserved for wedding celebrations so do a little research before setting the menu. Serving Japanese tea is a must, and if available, having someone perform the Japanese tea ceremony would be a wonderful addition to the theme. In order to liven things up, hiring an Asian fortune teller may be a fun thing to do as well. When choosing favors for the guests to take home with them, consider Japanese tea sets, exotic tea concoctions in ornate tea sachets, miniature tea leaf scoops, or even large raw sugar stir sticks. The choices of tea-themed bridal shower favors are endless, and always well received.

English

The best environment for an English themed tea party is an old character house or a traditional English country garden. If those two options are not available, then perhaps a room in a vintage hotel or bed and breakfast would be a good location. The more Victorian the decor, the better suited to enhance the theme of the shower. When it comes time to decorate, use lots of pastels, antique china and old fashioned roses, Choose invitations that are simple, in the same colors those chosen for the wedding. If you are having them custom printed, try using old fashioned English instead of modern English. Just for fun, perhaps request your guests to dress in long flowing dresses, chiffon scarves, pearls or layers of beaded necklaces, white gloves, and large brimmed hats. Choose a menu with a lot of delicate cucumber or egg sandwiches, scones, homemade jam and clotted cream. Elegantly decorated petite fours and fairy cakes (cupcakes) are a must. Proper English tea cups are necessary, and the use of traditional teapots, creamers and sugar bowls is ideal. The English usually drink black tea, however a selection can be offered. For entertainment, English ladies would often chat over their cups or play games such as cribbage and whist. Charades was also a favorite past time among the 20-something ladies. Favors for an English tea party bridal shower are as easy as those for an Asian themed one. Tea filled sachets work well; Jordan almonds are a traditional gift, as are hand embroidered handkerchiefs.

Tea parties can be as modern as a Bodum tea press, or as traditional as a Royal Doulton teapot. Either wa{y, the bride will remember her shower as being unique and incorporating her love of tea with her wedding.