How do you write a proper invitation to tea?

Formal invitations may be extended and accepted by telephone, face-to-face, or by mailing them at least 10 days in advance. Depending on the geographic location, perhaps two weeks or longer in advance is not unreasonable. Invitations may be handwritten or printed on one of the many word processing programs now available on your computer or online publisher.

As you plan your tea event, invite a close friend or two to assist as pourers and set up a schedule of when each will be on duty dispensing tea. No one should pour for more than fifteen or twenty minutes.

It is an honor to be asked to pour tea. The guest pourer is considered the guardian of the teapot, which implies sterling social graces and profound trust.

Time
Traditional teatime is four o’clock; however any time between two and five o’clock is appropriate.  Simply call it afternoon tea. Do not call the event high tea unless it will be held at 5:00 or later.

Guest of Honor
When you extend the invitation, let your guests know whom you are honoring. Here are examples:


You are cordially invited to
An Afternoon Tea
Honoring Judy Jones
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Three O’clock
Blue Willow Cafe
625 Central Parkway
McLean, Virginia
Please respond to Victoria Smith at 555-1234



Children’s Tea Party Invitations
A Tea Party in Honor of a Bride-to-Be
A Baby Shower Tea

You are cordially invited to celebrate
Andrea’s Fifth Birthday at
An Afternoon Tea
Saturday, August 2, 2012
Three o’clock PM
123 Alexandria Parkway
McLean, Virginia
Please respond to Rebecca Shields, Andrea’s mother, at 555-1234



Please join us for an
Afternoon Tea Bridal Shower
in honor of
Linda Evans
Saturday, August 2, 2012
Three O’clock
Lynwood Country Club
777 Linwood Parkway
McLean, Virginia
Given by her bridesmaids
Please respond to Katherine Alexander at 555-1234



Please join us for a
Baby Shower Tea Party
in honor of
Expectant mother Tonya Westerfield
Saturday, August 2, 2012
Three O’clock
Blue Willow Restaurant
777 Central Parkway
McLean, Virginia
Please respond to Kathryn Smith at 555-1234 by August 1


From Tea & Etiquette by Dorothea Johnson and Bruce Richardson.  

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