Tea party at home?

Tea party at home? (Full Version)

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[Poll]

Tea party at home?

That sounds fun and I would try something like that at least once.

46% (14)

I wouldn't host one but I would love to attend one

30% (9)

I wouldn't have one or go to one.

10% (3)

I love tea parties with friends and/or family! I'd do it often

13% (4)

Total Votes : 30

(last vote on : 10/13/2008 12:37:34 PM)
(Poll will run till: -- )

Message

Mrs.Dawgfan -> Tea party at home? (9/23/2008 5:50:13 PM)
Just getting some general feedback. Also, share what you think would be cool at one these things or your general feedback. The concept is bringing the "afternoon" tea party to your home. The service would include all linens, fine china, food and of course, fine tea. It will also include being served. This the general premise. It could be for showers (or any occasion), for your business or just a simple fun girls time together. * Please keep in mind this is not asking if you would do this in other people's home but whether you would like that kind of service available to you.

Mrs.X -> RE: Tea party at home? (9/24/2008 1:58:04 AM)
Are you thinking of starting a business like this? I think it's a great idea. If I could afford something like that, I would totally do it. Baby/bridal shower would be so perfect for something like this, or Mother's Day, or a friends' b-day.

Mrs.Dawgfan -> RE: Tea party at home? (9/24/2008 3:29:28 AM)
Yup. [:)] I'm a gal full of ideas and this is just one that really sticks out for me. So basically the idea is to bring the afternoon tea party in people's home. I am sure that not everyone has their own fine china or linens and afternoon tea places can get pretty pricey. So I would find a way to make it cost less. I am thinking about this as a side job really (not unless it get's popular enough). I also have sold hand sanitizers in the past. Wouldn't it be cool to offer this to people if they want favors? Any other feedback or ideas you think would be cool? Just think about if you were to do it. Let's say you want a fun girls time together. You invite a few of your girlfriends and a few female relatives. What cool options would you want for this business to offer?

BlessedAngel1983 -> RE: Tea party at home? (9/24/2008 3:57:37 PM)
I love tea and the thought of afternoon tea sounds wonderful! I would so do this for a bridal luncheon. Or even for my little girls birthday party.

Mrs.Dawgfan -> Please vote! :) (9/24/2008 4:00:13 PM)
And all in the comfort ot your (or your friend's) home! Wow, lot's of views. Only 10 poll responses. lol

Restored_Heart -> RE: Please vote! :) (9/24/2008 4:43:47 PM)
Sounds like a neat idea.... especially if combined with a baby shower or bridal shower......

paulsbride -> RE: Please vote! :) (9/24/2008 9:52:56 PM)
I think it is a great idea, and I know a lot of women that would do it. I personally wouldn't hire someone to do this, but that's just me. I do love the idea!! As part of the service you could offer to do a little talk about tea - I organized a ladies event at church once and asked this old Scottish lady (who adored tea) to talk - absolutely fascinating the things she told us! So maybe you could do some research on it, find a good way to present it, and offer to be the "entertainment" at functions too (if they wanted that!)

ames01 -> RE: Please vote! :) (9/24/2008 10:39:17 PM)
I think this sounds like a neat idea! I love to go to the tea room, but like you mentioned, it's too expensive to do that very often. I don't think I would host a party in my own home because of space issues, but I would attend one at a friend's home. I agree with the ladies who said that this would be a great idea for a bridal or baby shower. Tea parties are kind of entertainment in and of themselves, so there wouldn't necessarily have to be shower games if the people didn't want them. One thing worth considering is that people might not be as willing to pay for something like this in the current economy, as they might have been a few years ago. But, since you said you are just thinking of it as a side job, that may not be a huge issue for you. It does sound like a lot of fun. [:)]

Mrs.Dawgfan -> RE: Please vote! :) (9/25/2008 1:37:53 AM)
Thanks for the feedback so far! Paulsbride, yes, giving a little history lesson about the teas is a great idea! I do want to make this reasonable for people. That is why I am thinking about offering different packages starting at $15/person and up to $25. Here's some of the package ideas I thought of so far... - A Royal Hawaiian theme (combining English and Hawaiian). Hawaii has the only royal palace in the US. - A traditional English theme. - A Japanese theme I researched a bit and the average cost is in the $20+ range for most places here. The most elaborate are the ones in the nice hotels. Mine would just be the same but in the comfort of a home or office.

spitzu -> RE: Please vote! :) (9/25/2008 6:48:35 AM)
I'm not sure it's something I'd personally do, since I'd enjoy planning it myself. However, I think there could be a market for it. Even in a slower economy, there are always people with money who want to spend money. There will always be those people, no matter what's going on... your job is to find them. I think it could work. [:)]

Georgia-Peach -> RE: Please vote! :) (9/25/2008 7:57:54 AM)
Definitely not something I would host or do myself, but I would definitely attend one if a friend was hosting and invited me.

momma_bee -> RE: Please vote! :) (9/25/2008 8:01:31 AM)
My first thought was the Girl Scouts - there is a Manner's badge and many troops travel to tea parties to complete the badge. But, that is more than I would spend per girl in a troop. I would't spend that much for a shower, but I might for a birthday party or social luncheon. We have had them at civic groups and will be doing something as a fund raiser, so there must be a market. I just fall into the group of people that would want to do it myself.

Mrs.Dawgfan -> RE: Please vote! :) (9/25/2008 3:05:45 PM)
Thanks! I can see people who don't have their own fine china and linen doing this too...or very busy people...rich people who prefer being served. lol I think what sets this apart from just any other party is the formality. I picture that the person wanting this does very little. All the customer has to do is just open up her home or office (make it clean!) and enjoy and be a part of the party. I, as the owner of the company would do everything. I'm getting excited about it and hubby fully supports me. He's also helping me stay accountable by supporting me only if I am serious about it. I have a track history personally of not being encouraged enough to pull forward. His support and help is just what I need! I love being married. [:D] Oh and I would be more than happy to offer discounted prices to non-profit organizations. And since it's themed mainly around women, I would love to support women causes. For example, a woman who is putting her life back together after years of drugs or abuse. She deserves a nice tea party for herself and friends. [:)] Have you been to eBay lately? They got some very NICE china! Good prices too. I'm impressed.

moon_mouse -> RE: Tea party at home? (9/25/2008 3:25:06 PM)
I might do this if I were hosting a shower or party for a guest of honor this might appeal to. But, it's not something I'd do for my own event. It's just not my style. I like the theme idea, though. A historical/cultural theme makes the whole tea party idea more appealing than just the garden variety (pardon the tangential pun!).

ChelseaRae -> RE: Please vote! :) (9/25/2008 3:26:36 PM)
I think it is a really fun idea! I'm another one who would rather plan it myself because I really enjoy that but if one of my friends had one I would definitely attend and I'm sure I would love it! We have a couple of tea houses here where you can go and pick from hundreds of different teas and have cute little sandwiches and they are always packed so I agree, I think there would be a market for it as well. [image][/image]

Mrs.Dawgfan -> RE: Please vote! :) (9/25/2008 3:46:30 PM)
My "signature" package would be the Royal Hawaiian theme, celebrating the Royal Hawaiian Kings and Queens of those days. A Hawaiian quilt patterned (or Hawaiian flag) table linens and china. The desserts would have tropical ingredients and some of the teas would be local gourmet teas which also have tropical flavors. The Japanese theme...well they have gorgeous china as well and of course mainly Asian gourmet teas. Japanese pastries are very similar to European too.

peculiar_lady2 -> RE: Please vote! :) (9/25/2008 5:00:52 PM)
I wouldn't pay that much for it if I did choose to (which I probably wouldn't...I would plan it myself). I also personally don't see much of a market for it around here or in my circle of peers. Also what you are proposing is something that someone might choose to do once or twice in a lifetime (for very special occasions)...so take that into account also. It is a very precise market. If I were wanting to start this type thing I would definitely expand to fit a more versatile market then just this one type on venue. As for linens and china, check with rental agencies to see what their price is for renting certain types of place settings...it may be cheaper then owning these things yourself and having to store or replace them

Mrs.Dawgfan -> RE: Please vote! :) (9/26/2008 3:52:32 AM)
Good points Sarah. As for the renting...you'll be surprised at what you can find out there online at great prices. It wouldn't take too long for me to break even and pay off the owned goods I invest in. I've figured it out and renting would actually cost more. After paying off the initial investments, the profit margin would work better vs. rental. The only non-fixed investments would be the tea and food. It will be all about how and who I advertise to. The best people to advertise to I think are people who have a high likelihood of doing this. I don't mind a specific market at all. The focus is specific and the market is targeted. And it can work in unison with my plans to just do it on the side part time. [:)]

MaybeTomorrow -> RE: Please vote! :) (9/27/2008 1:25:33 AM)
I think this is a great idea and would definitely attend such an event. I'm like some of the other girls where I'd enjoy being part of the planning though. I can see where this would work if you live in a large metropolitan area and especially in colder climates (though I live in central Texas and drink hot tea throughout the year). I think your most prosperous months would likely be autumn and winter for obvious reasons. And if you could get the support of some local tea shoppes and cafes and bookstores, you could probably get free publicity through them and there are always corkboard advertisements in such establishments. Another advertising option is to talk to some local B and B's...maybe partner with them for weddings or women's retreats...to host a tea one evening during the trip. You could share a portion of the profit with the B&B and they could advertise your services on their websites and brochures for free. I like the idea of you providing all the china and linens and tea options. Would you also use a formal tea service? Would you make the pastries yourself or would you purchase them OR would that be a party decision(maybe you could lower your price if they were willing to provide their own snacks)? What about seating? When I picture tea time, there are usually several quaint tables - so would you also provide tables and seating or is that the responsiblity of the hostess? (I've seen some small, but perfect for tea, sized tables. they are made of particle board and don't have actual legs, but cover them with linens and no one would ever know...this could be good if you are doing this alone and need stuff for easy setup/breakdown - plus they're cheap!). Another them: Moroccan theme. Serve different flavors of chai tea, baklava, and other delicacies.

Mrs.Dawgfan -> RE: Please vote! :) (9/27/2008 3:47:02 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: MaybeTomorrow I think this is a great idea and would definitely attend such an event. I'm like some of the other girls where I'd enjoy being part of the planning though. I can see where this would work if you live in a large metropolitan area and especially in colder climates (though I live in central Texas and drink hot tea throughout the year). I think your most prosperous months would likely be autumn and winter for obvious reasons. And if you could get the support of some local tea shoppes and cafes and bookstores, you could probably get free publicity through them and there are always corkboard advertisements in such establishments. Another advertising option is to talk to some local B and B's...maybe partner with them for weddings or women's retreats...to host a tea one evening during the trip. You could share a portion of the profit with the B&B and they could advertise your services on their websites and brochures for free. I like the idea of you providing all the china and linens and tea options. Would you also use a formal tea service? Would you make the pastries yourself or would you purchase them OR would that be a party decision(maybe you could lower your price if they were willing to provide their own snacks)? What about seating? When I picture tea time, there are usually several quaint tables - so would you also provide tables and seating or is that the responsiblity of the hostess? (I've seen some small, but perfect for tea, sized tables. they are made of particle board and don't have actual legs, but cover them with linens and no one would ever know...this could be good if you are doing this alone and need stuff for easy setup/breakdown - plus they're cheap!). Another them: Moroccan theme. Serve different flavors of chai tea, baklava, and other delicacies. Thank you for the tips! I do live in a large city, Honolulu. It's always warm here but I think the reason why afternoon tea is getting popular here is because it's different. As for your questions... I would be the server. In terms of food, I could handle making the salads and petite sandwiches. For the pastries, I want to support the local business here and/or recruit fresh graduates from a community college from the culinary arts program. I would have tables available for people who need them. They sell tables at Costco with foldable legs. I will see if they have the smaller ones. A Moroccan theme is a nice idea too! To start off though, traditional English or Royal Hawaiian (which mainly is an English theme). A friend of mine and I are going to an afternoon tea place next week to check it out. [:)]

JJB1222 -> RE: Please vote! :) (9/27/2008 5:46:42 PM)
When my DH and I go house hunting, I always comment on the whether the house has a formal living room or not. My dream house would have one with a pretty white sofa, floral drapes and pillows, and a silver tea set for tea parties. I love the idea! I have even started a collection of these pretty glass appetizer plates that come with matching tea cups. I see them at second hand stores and antique stores all the time. I just hope I get to use them some day. [8\|] I'm taking my oldest daughter to a mother-daughter tea in a couple of weeks. It should be really fun for both of us to get dressed up and spend the afternoon with other "ladies".

HisCovenant -> RE: Please vote! :) (9/27/2008 5:52:35 PM)
Love attending tea parties!!!! I love the beauty, the little tastes, the little treats, the special feeling (because you are using your best linens and china for me...) I just love it all. I frequent our City's tea room as often as I can find a companion... and I've even been known to go alone in the early afternoon after the lunch crowd leaves. But I don't have the gift of hospitality and am introverted, so hosting one is a struggle. I wish I was more gracious as a host and didn't stress so much so I could host one. I've learned some techniques for calming myself down and preparing ahead, but I still struggle with being a hostess. There's also the problem that when I invite, people don't come or RSVP.

Mrs.Dawgfan -> RE: Please vote! :) (9/29/2008 2:28:30 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: JJB1222 When my DH and I go house hunting, I always comment on the whether the house has a formal living room or not. My dream house would have one with a pretty white sofa, floral drapes and pillows, and a silver tea set for tea parties. I love the idea! I have even started a collection of these pretty glass appetizer plates that come with matching tea cups. I see them at second hand stores and antique stores all the time. I just hope I get to use them some day. [8\|] I'm taking my oldest daughter to a mother-daughter tea in a couple of weeks. It should be really fun for both of us to get dressed up and spend the afternoon with other "ladies". Sounds like this business idea would be fun for you too JJB. :: Interesting thing happened at work today. I had conversations with two clients about afternoon tea. The first was a client I designed a custom frame for (it was a wedding invitation) before and she came in again to do another one. She talked about how the wedding went. It was gorgeous. The groom is British and he made English hats for all the ladies that attending. The hats were very nice. He made ALL of them in just a month! So our conversation started there. I told her about my idea and she said she would see if any of the ladies still want their hats. Apparently she is interested in helping me by being my test group. Another couple came in. The husband is British. They did a big custom and the wife said, "Wow, this means we can't have our afternoon tea today." First time I have heard those words from clients. lol

HisCovenant -> RE: Please vote! :) (9/29/2008 3:03:02 PM)
I just realized you changed your user name. [sm=icon_smile_faint.gif] I'm so clueless!! Sounds like your business idea may take off!

Mrs.Dawgfan -> RE: Please vote! :) (9/29/2008 5:45:05 PM)
I may change it back cause DH likes my old one. He's so used to it. lol The lady was really nice HC. Ok, so for my test party, I'm thinking of this... For the salad, a Waldorf salad. For the petite sandwiches, two kinds...a curry roasted chicken salad sandwich and a roasted pepper and hummus sandwich. For the tea, I had this at my wedding...TEA FORTE For the test party, I am not sure what I will do with the desserts yet. I will either already be in contact with someone to make them for me or make something myself. I don't have much experience in baking so it will have to be simple. What do you think?

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