My Tea Party
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My Tea Party Hosted by Jessica Ann Smith at the age of 5 With love from, Mommy and Daddy December 25, 2003 It was a nice, sunny
afternoon. Jessica
Smith of Plymouth, Michigan sat on the
porch swing listening to Mommy tell the story of
Queen Victoria's first tea party. 4 "It was a beautiful
afternoon just like today," Mommy said.
"Anna, one of the Queen's ladies-in-waiting was instructed to serve
tea and a little cake in her room." "The Queen enjoyed the delightful
experience and instructed Anna to continue to bring tea and cake every
afternoon." 7 As Jessica listened to Mommy
tell the story, she began to think she would
like to have a tea party and invite Amy, Kelly, and
Angie. 8 "Mommy, do you think that I could have a tea party just
like Queen Victoria?" "I think a tea party is a wonderful
idea, Jessica," Mommy
said. "I will help you plan your
special tea party." 11 "Before you send
out your invitations Jessica, we need to decide
on when to have a tea party, and what you want to serve your guests," Mommy said. Jessica sat down at her
table and began to think and write down what she
could serve. 12 "I will have an
Afternoon Tea at two o'clock. Should I
serve tender biscuits hot from the oven with jam and butter, or English
Muffins?" Jessica asked. "You mean scones and crumpets." "Mommy,
I am sure that we can serve both. What
would you like to drink? There are many
varieties of tea. I would like
Raspberry tea, Cherry and Grape Ginger Ale and chocolate milk," replied Jessica. 15 Finally, the big day
arrived. Amy,
Kelly, and Angie helped Jessica decorate
the room with ribbon garlands and bows. 16 Amy helped set the table with china, glasses, and
silverware. The finishing touch was a
beautiful spray of roses on the center of the table. 19 Mommy entered the room with a very large box. As she lifted the cover of the box, she said, "Before you
can attend a tea party, you must be properly dressed." A dress, boas, tiaras, jewelry, shoes,
gloves, and purses of all colors and styles filled the box. 20 "Oh, Jessica. Look,
you can be the princess," said Kelly. Kelly placed
the tiara on her head. The girls began to dress up in their special clothes. 23 "Mommy is going to show us how to make tea" said Jessica. "First, you will need to boil the
water in a kettle. Be sure to use cold
tap water, as it is fresher, and let it run for a minute. One secret for a good tea is not to use warm
water," Mommy said. 24 "Next, add hot
water to the teapot until you are ready to pour in the boiling water. This will keep the teapot warm and it will
already be warm when you add the tealeaves.
Add 1 tablespoon of tealeaves in teapot. Pour boiling water over tealeaves. Allow brewing for 3 minutes.
This will allow the tealeaves to reach their optimum 2 6-ounce servings,
and flavor. This is considered the
perfect brewing time." 27 Jessica, would you, Amy, Kelly, and Angie
like to help me make the Watercress sandwiches?" asked Mommy. Mommy gave
them the recipe and all of the ingredients to make the sandwiches: Use 1 small bunch of watercress, 6 slices
white bread with crust removed. Butter
the insides of both slices of bread for each sandwich. 28 When all of the
preparations for the afternoon tea were finished, Mommy
announced, "Tea is served. But
before you eat, be sure you know your manners." 31 Table manners for
Children Wash your hands before
sitting down. Leave toys, books, and
pets behind. When you sit down, place
the napkin in your lap. Sit up straight and
don't slouch. Ask politely for dishes
to be passed. Never reach across the
table. Wait until everyone is
seated and served before starting to eat. If grace is said, wait
to eat until it is completed. Don't giggle during
grace. Keep your elbows off the
table. Never chew with your
mouth open. Never talk with food in
your mouth. Use utensils quietly
without banging them on the table or plate. You should place your
knife on the edge of the plate when not in use. Slice butter from the
butter dish and place it on your butter plate or other plate. The butter knife should
stay with the butter dish. Never wave or throw
utensils. Keep your knife out of
your mouth. Never play with your
food. Never grab food from
other's plates. Ask politely for seconds
if you want them. Asked to be excused from
the table. Remember, good manners
are important and make meals more enjoyable. You will be proud if you
practice these rules at home.