As the custom has evolved, tea time is usually scheduled from mid to late afternoon. It's a between meal snack that is a lot more elegant than a bag of chips from the vending machine. It needn't be extremely fussy, although the meal often includes savoury, bite size sandwiches, scones or biscuits, and sweets (along with a good pot of tea, of course!) Both men and women enjoy afternoon tea in England, and it's often used as a function for entertaining business clients.

When you'd like to host a party that isn't as involved as a dinner party, a tea party can be the answer. It's an ideal format for a bridal or baby shower, a retirement party, a birthday celebration, or time to catch up with good friends. The food is prepared before your guests arrive, and is either presented buffet style, or by passing plates of goodies at the table. The only thing you need to serve is the tea itself, leaving you plenty of time to relax and enjoy your guests. Your guest list can include dozens of people or only one good friend with whom you'd like to share an intimate conversation. It can be a very formal affair as you'll find at some of the more elegant hotels, or it can be as casual as a pot of tea and some cookies.

Let us not forget that Tea is also good for you! Green tea is used in diets and can benefit you in your physical health. It was used by the Chinese but now it is introduced to Americans. It's ingredients combine EGCG with certain enzymes to prevent cancer cells. Studies have shown that combining caffeine with green tea extracts helps burn calories. Chamomile Tea is a natural way to calm yourself or put yourself to sleep. Try it! It really works. For more on the benefits of drinking tea just Google it!

We are fortunate to live in Paradise and be able to have a Tea by the ocean on a lawn under a large shade tree or in any location of your choice!

"There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea."