How to Throw a Book Launch Tea Party

Dearest Gentle Reader, Romancing the Werewolf is now out in the world.

Do you know what that means?

Time for High Tea!

Here’s a sample of how to throw a high tea in honor of this or any other Parasolverse book (or any other book at all, I suppose)…

Invitation

You are cordially invited to a Parasolverse High Tea. There can be no more delightful way to enjoy the season than with delicious nibbles and a fabulous cup of tea.

Please attend {name of hostess/host} at {time} on the {day} of {month} at {venue} to enjoy good food, pleasant company, and scintillating conversation.

Guests are encouraged to wear hats in honor of Ivy or Biffy, carry parasols in honor of Alexia or Prudence, or even (gasp) cross-dress in honor of Madame Lefoux. BYOI (Bring Your Own Inventions) if you are maker and would like to expose others to your scientific method in steampunk style. Vampires and werewolves welcome, with the understanding that the former will keep their fangs to themselves, and the later will dress accordingly.

We hope to enjoy the pleasure of your company.
Sincerely,
Lady/Lord/Countess/etc. {your name here}

RSVP by footman, pigeon, or aetherogram.

P.S. Do not trust the ladybugs.

Venue
If your own abode is undersized, a backyard garden is a lovely place to host tea or, barring that, a public park or lakeside aspect.

Suggested Savory Comestibles

Sandwiches

• Cucumber (sometimes with cream cheese) – I like to add a dash of salt and dill
• Egg Salad
• Watercress (also good with cream cheese)
• Chicken Salad
• Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese & Chutney

Generally speaking I am very much in the British Mum’s camp: spread your sandy with lashing of butter – it protects the bread from getting soggy.

It is never a good idea to prepare the sandwiches too far ahead of time but if you do a clean, lightly damp dish towel spread over the arrangement will prevent them from drying out or being attacked by bugs

Other Savory Nibbles

• Hard Boiled Eggs
• Scotch Eggs with Chutney
• Sausage Rolls with English Mustard
• Savory Scones
• Pickled Onions
• Crackers & Good English Cheddar
• Mini Ploughmans: Stilton (or mild blue cheese) + 1/2 pickled onion on mini toast
• Cheese Sticks (arranged in a vase)
• Mini Quiche (Trader Joes are pretty good)

Suggested Sweets & Puddings

• Brownie bites with a dollop of whip cream, a raspberry or a sprig of mint
• Upgrade gingersnaps by spreading lime curd between 2
• Turkish Delight
• Strawberry Tarts
• Sweet Scones with Clotted Cream & Strawberry Jam
• Candied Lemon and Orange Peel
• Trifle
• Meringues (and their derivatives)
• Macarons
• Shortbread
• Fruit Mousse Cups with Cream (bought chocolate cups, filled with jam & whip cream stabilized with powdered milk mix add cocoa if you want, fresh fruit on top)
• Mincemeat Tarts
• Treacle Tart
• Baked Apples from Jane Austen’s Emma

The All Important Tea

Teacups

Now, if you do not own enough teacups and saucers you can encourage guest to bring their own. Ones that express individuality. This has benefits:

1. You do not have to store them all
2. Each guest can always identify his/her own cup
3. Conversational openers are provided

Tea

Twinings 1706 Strong. is high quality, not bitter, and hard to over brew. But it is expensive. I sometimes, sometimes, stock Earl Grey or Yorkshire Gold.

For oolongs I suggest my blue space tea, Deep Blue Abyss, it’s a fun time for all.

For more on tea, my one true love, I have a whole post here:

30+ Best Tea, Teapots, Teakettles & More: The Epic Tea Post from Gail Carriger

Whole milk

Guests who require alternatives should bring such things as *shudder* skimmed milk or *double shudder* soy on their own. However, I do actually like the Lactade whole milk, it’s a fun option and tastes nice in tea.

Dietary Quirks

No hostess or host should ever have to suffer the peculiarities of diet in others that the modern world has foisted upon us. Eccentricity is one thing, pickiness another thing entirely. Medical dietary restrictions of an un-tea-party-like nature dictate the guest see to their own health through self-care or absence.

More on parties?

• Book Party Tips
• Speaking of tea parties, here’s the original Parasolverse tea, the Soulless Book Launch Party at World Fantasy in San Jose on October 31, 2009.
• Cooking & Eating a Victorian Meal in Modern Times

Cooking & Eating a Victorian Meal in Modern Times

Did you know I occasionally gives away vintage teacups? Only to Chirrup members, because I love them bestest. Sign up here.

To read with your tea?

Find it here or Directly from me! 

Romancing the Werewolf ~ A Supernatural Society Novella

Gay reunion romance featuring your favorite reluctant werewolf dandy, the return of a certain quietly efficient Beta, and some unexpected holiday gifts.

GAIL’S DAILY DOSE

Your Tisane of Smart . . .

Tea Masters: Jasmine tea’s many secrets

Alsace traditions and tea

Book News:

Quote of the Day:

“‘Yes, sir,’ said Jeeves in a low, cold voice, as if he had been bitten in the leg by a personal friend.”

~ P.G. Wodehouse

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Tags: Beginning Writers, Event, Steampunk, Tea & Nibbles