Summer Theme Entertaining-Tea House of the August Moon
Summer Theme Entertaining
You’ve been to, or had, the standard summer get togethers and now it’s time for something different. The title suggested by an old movie serves as the inspiration for a party built around pan-Asian appetizers and small tastings of dishes. A tea ceremony involves precise, time honored rituals. This party is all about casual dining and conversation.
Easily customized to suit your guest list, this could be a buffet, seated dinner, or an appetizer and drinks gathering. Elaborate decorations are unnecessary, but having a few carefully chosen accessories and an attractive presentation for the food prepared in advance will help set the festive mood. It’s perfect for outdoor entertaining.
Consult the menu of your favorite take-out restaurant for inspiration or to order in. Make some simple appetizers yourself from scratch or purchase frozen and ready to cook. This works well as a co-op party and is particularly effective for introducing newcomers or groups of people. Ask guests to bring an appetizer from their favorite restaurant to share-a great way to initiate conversation. Assemble serving plates and platters in advance if guests will be contributing so you may plan your tablescape. Be sure to identify the dishes to help guest who may have food allergies.
August Tea
Decorations may include floating a single flower and leaf in a shallow bowl of water along with tiny floating oil globes (available in candle shops). Use large real or silk tropical leaves as accents, placemats or runners. Contemporary or Asian inspired lanterns, candle holders, mats, planters, serving pieces or figurines may be combined with a few iris, cannas, mums or orchid blossoms to create your Tea House of the August Moon tablescape.
Invitations will intrigue your guests if you compose your invitation in a font like Tempus Sans ITC on parchment looking paper. Then wrap it around chopsticks, tie with cording or ribbon and if you like, finish with a wax or paper seal with an Asian character stamp.
Pam Faulkner, Faulkner House Interior Redesign
