Tea and Ireland are practically synonymous. In fact, in Ireland more tea is consumed per capita than in any other country in the world. Tea is the favored drink of the Irish people, challenged only by Guinness (a stout Irish beer).
For a St. Patrick's Day celebration, an Irish tea party is a charming idea and a fun chance to try some new Irish teas, foods, and listen to some of the lovely music of Ireland.
Planning Ideas for a St. Patrick's Day Tea Party
Pick a charming spot for the tea. For a March afternoon tea, depending on the weather, a cozy warm spot in one's home may be used, or a garden party could be planned. Of course, one can also rent a small or large room for a special event.
- Making a list of friends and family who would enjoy an Irish celebration is a good idea.
- For an intimate tea party, three or four friends (plus oneself) is a good number.
- For a large event, a buffet or potluck might be more appropriate and easier to handle.
- For a light afternoon tea, 2:00 or 3:00 is a good starting time.
- A larger full meal could be served from 4:00 to 6:00.
- Mail special invitations well in advance, at least asking guests to hold the date.
- If special costuming (such as St. Paddy's colors like green and white) is desired, include this information on the invitations.
- An RSVP request assures the correct amount of food and chairs will be ready and waiting for guests.
- Add Irish decor to invitations, such as shamrocks or the flag of Ireland,
St. Patrick's Theme Table Settings and Tableware for Afternoon Tea
This is the time to use one's best Irish china dishes and pure white linens, if available. All-white dishes are also nice, with green or orange accents in the flowers or napkins.
- Using a fun “mix and match” of eclectic items that complement each other in color or theme is appropriate for a more informal affair. Even paper goods are fine and plentiful, especially for a large outdoor event.
- St. Paddy's-themed centerpieces or potted Irish shamrocks can be lovely on the tables.
- One Irish pub puts raw (unpeeled) potatoes in groups of three on each table with a paper Irish flag on a toothpick poked into one. Shamrock confetti is scattered around the potatoes on the table. It is very cute and inexpensive.
- Green and White balloons also work well for a festive gathering, especially if children will be invited.
Planning and Preparing the Irish Teatime Treats
In Gaelic (the ancient language of Ireland) "cupan tae" means "cup of tea," and the Irish enjoy a strong cup.
- Strong Irish tea is blended to be mixed with a lot of rich milk (up to 1/3 of the cup). The custom is to add the milk to the tea cup first, then pour in the tea.
- Serving a freshly baked Irish Tea Cake can be a special treat.
- There are also many recipes online for Irish Soda Bread or full St. Patrick's Day Meals.
Relaxing and Enjoying an Ireland Themed Tea PartyA 'wee' thoughtful keepsake gift for guests to take as they leave will make them feel special and loved, indeed. Some fun items to consider are small shamrock plants, tiny silver teaspoons, Irish tea towels, or some home baked shamrock shaped cookies wrapped in cellophane and tied with green ribbon.
Preparing thoroughly before guests arrive allows time for visiting and creating an atmosphere of joy and friendship. It is important that the host and/or hostess take time to enjoy the tea party. A happy hostess makes for a most pleasurable event.
Resources:
- For more ideas on planning a tea, see Afternoon Tea Party Planning 101.
- Another spring holiday related article includes Best Girls' Easter Tea Party Ideas.
- Barry's Tea Online
- Irish Tea Traditions Online
Janienne Jennrich - Janienne Jennrich, Topic Editor for Kids & Teen Parties and for Hair, is an award-winning freelance writer & webmaster.
