Afternoon tea is back!
To help you throw a party your girlfriends will want to copy, Jeffrey Hattrick, Tea Maitre D',
The Ritz-Carlton, Phoenix has the following advice.
What makes for a great tea party?Hattrick says one aspect would be to offer a really well-made cup of hot tea, with the guest able to select from a choice of the many great flavors that tea can offer.
Teas delightfully address all the senses and can taste like fruit, flowers, herbs or spices - so the sensory experience of the tea itself adds a very fun element to the party.
Hattrick says It's also all about choice and having someone who can explain all about the amazing tastes, shapes and presentations of tea, along with the different preparation and presentation methods.
The food that comes with it is just as fun as well. It's all a very fun adventure, it's restorative, relaxing, and a great example of "the art of living" and having memorable, pleasurable moments.
What is the difference between Afternoon Tea and a tea party?According to Hattrick, Afternoon Tea, which is the popular experience offered at The Ritz-Carlton, Phoenix, is inspired by the beloved British tradition of having afternoon hot tea along with a presentation of finger sandwiches, sweets and fresh-made scones, all over a leisurely conversation.
For many, this can take the place of dinner, and in many countries it's a highly social experience enjoyed by men, women and children alike. A tea party is a little more unplanned, and really, anything goes.
Tea parties can involve such fun additions as mar-tea-nis and other libations that can turn taking tea into a cocktail hour with a twist.
Tea parties can also be great for birthday celebrations, seasonal and holiday activities such as the Teddy Bear Tea they offer at The Ritz-Carlton.
Is tea just for the older set, or are there new twists on the experience?According to Hattrick, all ages enjoy tea, and many of the Afternoon Tea guests at The Ritz-Carlton are young professionals who just want to kick back, relax and restore - which tea can readily do.
Holiday Teddy Bear Tea for kidsFor this holiday season, Hattricks says they're again offering the very popular Teddy Bear Tea; reservations for this fun family tradition opens on October 1, 2009.
Teddy Bear Tea dates are November 28 through December 23. This year, they are also adding a very exciting Jeffrey Bear Storytelling Contest which will be a special new treat for kids of all ages.
Jeffrey Bear is a very sophisticated yet playful little bear who loves to go on adventurous journeys. He loves to meet new people, always likes to drink tea, and sometimes gets into mischief with his friends. This year Jeffrey wants to travel the world, and guests have the chance to tell the story of his voyage.
Children and adults alike are invited to write a one-page (approximately 500 words) story about one of Jeffrey's adventures.
Perhaps he goes to the Orient or Paris, or maybe he makes his way across Arizona. Perhaps he takes a trip to a magical destination in his mind… or, you choose.
Submitted stories will be compiled into one book titled "The Magical Journeys of Jeffrey Bear" which will be read as part of the annual Teddy Bear Tea at The Ritz-Carlton, Phoenix in December.
In addition, the first 1,000 people who submit their story will receive a complimentary Jeffrey Bear of their very own.
Submissions must be hand-delivered directly to The Ritz-Carlton, Phoenix in order to receive your free Jeffrey Bear. Although they will do their best to include all of the stories into the storybook, an internal panel of readers will select the top five stories that will be read during actual story time at Teddy Bear Tea.
These five winners will receive a complimentary Teddy Bear Tea for two to be enjoyed during the 2009 holiday season. For more information, entrants should
email Jeffrey Hattrick or call 602-522-6643.
The Ritz-Carlton, Phoenix
2401 East Camelback Road
Phoenix, AZ 85016
(602) 468-0700
