Tea Party Catering Has Arrived With Spring, Thanks Downton Abbey!

It's Officially Spring!                                               

Even though in Columbus, OH, it's not feeling much like spring yet, the signs are here.  Little flower buds pushing through the dirt, an extra hour of daylight, and hopefully warmer temperatures.....(we can only hope).  For Taste Of The Best Catering, spring also ushers in a new year of food trends.  The first 3 months of the year are packed with various food shows that highlight what we'll see trending for the upcoming year, in food and cooking.  And 2013 will be an exciting year for food!

One of the front runners in the 2013 Food Trend Pack, is Tea!

Tea has officially got its SEXY back, and is growing up with a whole market niche of specialized equipment, brewers, and gourmet artisan tea lines.  Tea is stepping out of the shadows of it's big brother, Coffee, and taking center stage, with the help of pop culture phenomenons like the hit series "Downton Abbey".  This popular British TV show has inspired a new-found interest in Tea Parties!

Tea Parties are the NEW Brunch!    
Well.....maybe not the new brunch, but it's definitely becoming a popular requested theme here at Taste Of The Best Catering, and we LOVE it!

If you think about it, a traditional "High Tea" service has all the components of an awesome catered party.  Lots of variety, with filling tasty little bites of sweet and savory tidbits, fresh fruits and canapes, with a soothing assortment of teas to choose from.  Also, the nature of a tea party inspires "grazing", meaning your guests can serve themselves, when they wish, from an assortment of choices, making the party atmosphere more casual in tone.  Also, because of the small portion size of menu options, the meal overall is kept light. This type of menu theme is perfect for:                                     

• Bridal Showers
  
• Bride-To-Be Tea - The perfect introduction for all the ladies of the bride.
  
• Rehearsal Tea - Instead of a rehearsal dinner, why not have an afternoon rehearsal tea!
  
• Birthday Parties
  
• Garden Parties - For some reason, this theme is a perfect fit with Garden Parties.  I don't know why, but when we think of tea, gardens come to mind........
  
• Mother's Day - Gather all the mothers in your life, and celebrate the day with "High Tea" instead of brunch!
  
• Baby Showers - The mother-to-be and her guests can enjoy tasty bites and soothing decaffeinated tea, as she opens her gifts, and celebrated her coming bundle of joy!
  
• Women's Club Luncheons - What's better than sitting around with your ladies, chatting, munching, sipping, and networking!
  
• "Downton Abbey" Viewing Party - You know who you are!  If this is one of your favorite shows on TV right now, like so many other people, then this party is a MUST for you!  Gather your fellow D.A.'ers, and recreate a part of one of your favorite shows.  How can you resist?

Taste Of The Best Catering Has Created a 

"Downton Abbey Themed" Tea Party Menu.

Now, Columbus, OH residents can join in the "Tea" food trend revolution AND throw a elegant memorable party all at the same time!  From an assortment of traditional British tea time hors' doeuvres, as well as some Taste Of The Best Catering twists on the familiar!  Our Catered Tea Party Menu has a variety of options for you to choose.

Pick any 3 Sweet or Savory Scones:          ($4.00-$5.50pp)                                      

• Real Blueberry-Lemon Scones
• Apple-Cinnamon Spiced Scones
• Orange-Cranberry Cream Cheese Scones
• Gruyere Cheese, Sweet Apple & Sage Scone
• Crispy Bacon, Swiss & Scallion Scones
• Rosemary-Cheddar Scones
• Sun Dried Tomato, Basil & Feta Cheese Scones

Pick any 3 Petite Tea Sandwiches:  

($3.00-$4.50pp)                                        

• Cucumber & Dill Infused Butter 
• Coronation Chicken ( Cumin Spiced Chicken w/Mango Chutney Spread on sweet bread)
• Avocado & Egg Salad
• Peach Chicken Salad
• Pumpernickel & Smoked Salmon Pate Pinwheels
• Pesto Chicken on Petite Rounds w/grape tomato 

Pick any 2 Sweets or Tarts:   ($2.50-$3.50 pp)

• Twice Dipped Strawberries (dipped in Milk Chocolate, then creamy hazelnut)
• Watermelon Kiwi Twills w/white chocolate drizzle
• Chocolate Dipped Marshmallows
• Strawberry Cheesecake Volcanoes
• Cranberry & Lemon creme mini tarts w/brown sugar sprinkle

Pick any 2 Egg Bites:  ($1.75-2.50 pp)

• Ham, Asparagus & Cheddar Mini Quiche
• Red Onion, Tomato & Red Pepper Provolone Mini Quiche
• Bacon, Swiss & Scallion Mini Quiche
• Buffalo Chicken Deviled Eggs
• Avocado Chipotle & Bacon Deviled Eggs
• Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs
• Tarragon Deviled eggs with Capers & Crispy Ham

The package can include assorted gourmet teas, with cream, lump sugar and honey.  We also offer all the designer disposables necessary for your tea and food service.  For a more formal feel, you can rent our real china and carafe service.  Or we can provide the food and YOU provide the tea!

If you'd like more information about our Tea Party Catering Package, please call us at 614-358-4559, or visit our website, and fill out our "request for quote" form.  Someone will contact you within 24 hours to discuss the details of your tea party menu.

Let Taste of the Best Catering help you usher in Spring, with a "High Tea" Catered Party!  A unique and memorable experience, bringing a 19th century British tradition together with 21st century catering!

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