Tea Tasting Brunch

Usually, tea is an afternoon thing. But flipping tradition on its head is lots of fun – so put the kettle on for a tea tasting brunch. Invite your friends with vintage tea note invitations; include the date, time and a request for guests to bring a bag of their favourite loose leaf teas – it’ll ensure you have more variety in your selection.

For decoration, purchase a pretty tea cups and a teapot at the dollar store and use them as vases for your floral arrangements. Then get crafty – find ribbon and tea towels that you like; glue the ribbon onto the sides of the towels with fabric glue; once dry, lay the towels side-by-side down the centre of your table or use them as placemats.

Traditional teas are usually served with “finger” sandwiches. Do the same for your tea tasting brunch, incorporating a two or three breakfast sandwiches (French toast, crepes wrapped around eggs and ham/bacon) and two or three lunch sandwiches (Roast beef; Turkey, sliced tomato and basil pesto; Cucumber slices with a cream cheese, lemon zest and dill spread).

Now, for the tea tasting instructions:

• Pour tea leaves in small, shallow bowls and put them on the table with tasting notes
• Give everyone a measuring teaspoon and empty tea bags
• Take turns designing blends, scooping a total of 1 to 2 tsp of tea leaves into a bag
• No right or wrong way to blend – combine what you think smells good together.