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A tea party? What a great idea!

If you've always enjoyed a bit of glamour or a fancy afternoon tea time, you'll be pleased to know that tea parties are coming back into style.

So put on your best flowery print dress, set an elegant table with silver and doilies, and enjoy a social afternoon with friends and family in a time-honored English tradition.

Interestingly, taking afternoon tea actually began with the French in the 17th century. The tradition was soon adopted by the British as their very own and by the 19th century Victorian era, the social tea wasa well-established custom fit for royalty.

Today, whether you're planning a casual luncheon, a Mother's Day brunch, a summer high tea in your backyard, a wedding shower or a more formal affair -- inviting everyone to tea continues to evoke an aura of gentility and sophistication.

Modern tea parties can range from Mother's Day celebrations, to casual get-togethers,
to neighborhood fundraisers or even lavish business networking events.

Happily, planning a menu for a traditional tea is simplicity itself, calling only for a delicious combination of sweet 'n savory found in small tea sandwiches (with the crusts removed and cut into quarters), scones with jam and clotted cream, and assortment of dessert bites and, of course, properly brewed tea!

Just up ahead, discover more about the tea party traditions and the secrets to brewing the perfect "cuppa" along with related resources on planning and hosting the perfect tea for any occasion for friends and family...

More about tea parties around the Web:

High Tea - Menu and Recipes - Make your own scones, lemon curd, Devonshire cream, cucumber sandwiches, plus additional pages of traditional tea sandwich recipes, and photos of a proper afternoon tea table setting.

UK Tea & Infusions - Tea anyone? Get your fill with health facts, history, as well as planning, preparation and recipes for kids' tea parties.