I was reminded that it is Red Hat Day today by Sandy, at ALL Holiday Cafe. She has some great background on what it is, and the history of it.

So, as any day is a great day for an impromptu tea party, here are some ideas to get you started. Just call your friends, tell them to clear their schedules (yeah, right…) and go have a blast.

The first thing that I like about Red Hat teas is that they are so not meant to be serious. Poke fun at aging. I mean, after all, some of us will never wear a bikini again but what we may lack in stomach muscles we have gained in confidence and technique, right?

I had posted a series on hosting a Red Hat Christmas tea back in November. It was in three parts…

Part one Decorating

Part two The Menu

Part three Tea Suggestions

Now, of course that was then, and this is now. For an impromptu Red Hat Party it needs to be quick, easy, and if your budget looks like mine right now..inexpensive (cheap). If you have collections of beautiful china then go for it…but if not…try this:

Grab Purple paper plates and red napkins at the party store..if you have a little extra cash buy some play necklaces in those colors to decorate with…Feathers work well too, so if you happen to be at Hobby Lobby then pick up a bag of those to toss around the table. You can add to the sparkle with red/purple confetti.

Try some of the following foods. Keep in mind I am thinking impromptu here so there is not a lot of preparation:

Pink Hat Party Dip

1 c sour cream

8 oz cream cheese

1/2 c sugar

1/4 c raspberry jam

1/2 c raspberries

Mix everything but the raspberries in the mixer at medium speed. Chill. Garnish with fresh raspberries and chocolate curls. Use it as a dip for Lorna Doone cookies and fresh fruit.

Fruit Pizza

1 package refrigerated sugar cookie dough, or one recipe homemade

1 jar Marshmallow fluff

1 package cream cheese

assorted fruit, peeled and sliced

1/2 c pecans or walnuts chopped

1/2 c chopped chocolate

On an ungreased baking sheet, or pizza pan, smooth the cookie dough into a 1/4 inch thick layer. Bake for 10 minutes.

Mix marshmallow cream and cream cheese. Spread over the crust. Chill. Decorate pizza with slices of fruit and sprinkle nuts and chocolate over top.

Red Hat Tea Punch

• 4 cups boiling water
• 10 Celestial Seasonings Red Zinger tea bags
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 liters of gingerale or Sprite
• 12 oz apple raspberry juice

Mix all ingredients except gingerale (or Sprite). Chill. Add the soda just before serving.

Serve Rooibus, or black current tea to keep with the red/purple theme.

Most of all, celebrate being uniquely you.

Images: Morguefile

Post from: Kettle and Cup