| Bring the mystery of the orient into your living | | | | specific country, choose music |
| room with a creative tea party that will have | | | | accordingly.Invitation IdeasYou can really get |
| your guests begging for more. Possibilities are | | | | creative with invitations, from purchasing ones |
| endless when you host an Asian themed tea | | | | that are shaped like a fan to using an origami |
| party, from presenting an overview of Asian teas | | | | invitation that guests can unfold to |
| to replicating a Japanese tea ceremony.Your | | | | read.Alternatively, you may be interested in |
| presentation can vary depending on your guests | | | | invitations that have an Asian picture or symbol |
| and how formal or informal you would like the | | | | on them.If you are hosting a formal party, |
| party to be. Either way, an Asian tea party is a | | | | invitations on specialty paper make a beautiful |
| great way to introduce many exotic Asian | | | | work of art. Your budget will influence the style |
| teas.ActivitiesDepending on the overall feel of the | | | | of invitation you choose to use.The good news is |
| party, choose among a variety of possible | | | | that there are many options available for all price |
| activities. Hosting a traditional Japanese tea | | | | ranges. Start with a local gift or party shop. There |
| ceremony can be fun and educational for your | | | | are lots of great companies available online as |
| guests. If you don't want to do something quite | | | | well.FoodsThe food choices for an Asian tea party |
| so formal, you can teach your guests various | | | | are almost unlimited! For starters, offer a variety |
| Asian customs regarding tea, such as traditional | | | | of sushi, which can be made to suit any taste, |
| preparation methods, types of teas, how to pour | | | | including mild, spicy, and vegetarian.Stir-fry is easy |
| and present teas, and Asian tea etiquette.This | | | | to make for larger groups of people, and you |
| approach can be unusual, lively, and memorable. | | | | could even prepare the food in a central area so |
| It's also a great opportunity to use different | | | | your guests can observe. It's entertaining and |
| teapots and cups that are Asian inspired. If you | | | | educational!Asian foods rely heavily on rice and |
| are hosting a Japanese inspired party, you could | | | | noodles, and there are many recipes to find that |
| include origami as one of the activities.It's fun, | | | | incorporate these, from soups to main dishes and |
| inexpensive, and does not require a lot of space. | | | | deserts. Of course, you'll still want to offer |
| Like fortune cookies? Why not order a batch for | | | | fortune cookies!Whichever foods you choose, |
| your guests and share your fortunes round the | | | | offer lighter food choices, as those that are too |
| table.DecorationsDecorations can be simple yet | | | | heavy can take away from the tea |
| elegant. To set the mood, purchase a variety of | | | | experience.TeasThis event would be perfect with |
| paper lanterns to create a warm ambiance. Use a | | | | a delicate Oolong like Monkey Pick or a mystical |
| lot of red and black, as these are customary | | | | Tung Ting. You might also wish to consider |
| colors and pair them with dragons and hanging | | | | "display teas" which actually bloom when steeped |
| wall fans.Find some small parasols to place on | | | | in water.These hand tied extravaganzas are sure |
| each table, or use the small ones for decoration in | | | | to impress your guests. Order from you are |
| your teacups. For added elegance, use specialty | | | | looking to impress your guests invite them to |
| porcelain dishes and China as well as designer | | | | experience tea and its birthplace. You will have |
| chopsticks. Look for cards that have "friendship" | | | | them begging for more.(C) Dawnya SasseDawnya |
| or other sayings printed using the authentic | | | | Sasse is the creator of the ultimate tea business |
| symbols to use for added ambiance.Decorate the | | | | training school allowing students to discover the |
| room and tables with flowers such as orchids and | | | | secrets of the tea industry,"quickly and easily" |
| lotuses. Bamboo is an easy, inexpensive, and | | | | without ever leaving home.Why do some people |
| authentic decoration option.In addition, if you | | | | succeed in the tea business? Discover how to |
| already have them or are able to borrow or rent | | | | "Unlock the Secrets of the Billion Dollar Tea |
| them, incorporate small water fountains, bonsai | | | | Industry from the Comfort of Your Own |
| trees, or small rock gardens.MusicHaving a variety | | | | Computer" and make your tea dream a reality. |
| of Asian music playing the background is perfect | | | | Free audio mini course article may be distributed |
| for setting the tone of the party.Visit the local | | | | freely on your website, as long as this entire |
| music store for suggestions. You may want to | | | | article, including links and this resource box are |
| use some type of compilation, or choose music | | | | unchanged. |
| from a specific region or country, such as Japan, | | | | Copyright 2006 Dawnya Sasse All Rights |
| Thailand, or China. If your theme is based on a | | | | Reserved. |