Melbourne is known for its tea industry. The city is home to many of the world’s most famous tea brands, including Teavana and Twinings. Melbourne is a great city for tea lovers, with an abundance of high-quality tea shops offering a wide variety of teas from around the world, so a cutesy tea shop in Melbourne seems like the best place to get everything required for your tea party. Besides, it’s no wonder that Melbourne is so well suited to tea production; its climate is ideal for growing tea. And here are some tips on how to set up a tea party yourself:
1. Teapots and Cups Need to Be Spotless
A tea party is a social event that takes place in the afternoon. Someone with many friends usually hosts it, so your tea service must look as good as possible. Meanwhile, the most important thing for setting up your tea party is to make sure that everything you use for serving and drinking is spotless. And tea stains are easy to remove from cups and teapots if you follow these simple steps:
- Scrub with a mixture made from 1 teaspoon of salt mixed with two tablespoons of lemon juice;
- Rinse with boiling water, and then dry thoroughly before use!
2. Tea Leaves Should Be Fresh, of Course!
As a tea-lover, you probably know that the quality of your tea is important. All tea shops in Melbourne provide good quality tea leaves, and it’s worth buying fresh leaves and using them up as soon as possible. And when buying tea leaves for a party, look for ones that appear bright green and crisp. When brewed, these will have a fresh aroma and flavour than faded-looking leaves that are on the verge of going stale.
3. The Water Should Be Freshly Drawn
As far as tea parties are concerned, water is the most important ingredient. The reason for this is that tap water may contain chemicals or minerals that can affect the taste of your tea. So, if the tap water has a funny smell or taste, you should boil it first before using it in your tea-making process. And if you don’t have time to boil the water, consider filtering it through a Brita filter or similar device.
Another option for those who don’t want to go through all that trouble is simply using bottled mineral water instead of the tap (the latter being the recommended method). Mineral waters are usually less expensive than filtered or distilled water. They’re easy to find at any store in Melbourne with an extensive selection of beverages, like Whole Foods Market and Trader Joe’s
4. It Should Not Be Directly Exposed to the Sun
Tea leaves should not be directly exposed to the sun. Sunlight can cause the tea leaves to lose their colour and change their taste, so they should be stored in a dark, dry place. Furthermore, tea leaves should be kept in an airtight container. Tea is best stored in glass jars with lids that can seal tightly and remove moisture and other impurities that could damage your tea leaves over time.
5. The Temperature of the Water Should Coincide With That of the Tea Being Brewed
The water temperature should coincide with the brewing temperature of your tea. Generally, water should be hot yet not boiling, which is around 80 degrees Celsius (176 degrees Fahrenheit). This will ensure that your leaves are brewed at an optimal temperature and prevent burning or scalding them.
6. A Tea Party Should Be Planned With Fine Details in Mind
A tea party is not just about food and drink but also about having fun with friends and family; it’s a social event. So, remember to consider what will make your guests comfortable when planning your tea party. You’ll need chairs or stools for everyone to sit on, but you may also want blankets for those who get cold easily or even tablecloths for decorating purposes (so that spills don’t stain any furniture).
If you are looking to start a tea party, there are many things that you will need to consider. While the basics of setting up a tea party can be quite simple, certain components will help make it truly special.
