- 1). Call a few friends or send them email invitations using a Web site such as Evite, since paper versions can easily be lost among Christmas cards that come in the mail (see Resources below).
- 2). Create a festive atmosphere. You've probably already decorated your house with ornaments, a Christmas tree and holiday d¨¦cor, so simply complete the picture by playing holiday music softly in the background, lighting a fire in the fireplace and illuminating the room with candles.
- 3). Spread the teapots, cups and snacks on the dining room table, but let guests sit on couches and chairs to host a less formal event. Cover the table with a pretty runner and create a centerpiece with tall vases filled with items such as dried cranberries, pine cones and cinnamon sticks.
- 4). Serve a selection of teas that suit the season. Look for varieties spiced with cinnamon and cloves or flavors such as orange or gingerbread, which you can find online at the Adagio and Celestial Seasonings Web sites (see Resources below).
- 5). Make delicious snacks to serve with the tea. In addition to simple finger sandwiches, crackers and cheese, consider baking scones flavored with holiday themed ingredients such as cranberries. See the Food Network's Web site for a delicious recipe.
- 6). Keep the kids entertained during the party while the adults sip tea and chat by the fire. Give children kits to make foam gingerbread men from Oriental Trading's Web site so they can create ornaments to hang on their Christmas tree when they get home(see Resources below).
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