Dispense with Dinner and Enjoy High Tea

Now you may think I have gone just a bit mad like Alice in Wonderland for even suggesting skipping dinner and having High Tea instead. But hear me out...

Being cooped up I declare it's time for adding some creativity to your late afternoon with a special meal. Throw a High Tea Party for your family and get everyone involved. Stress the need everyone needs to dress up a bit and no whining allowed. Set a a fancy table with dishes seldom used. Enlist the family to make some finger foods. Suggested recipes at end of blog posting. Each person needs to bring a favorite tea quote. Challenge family to play tea trivia seek out the internet for ideas. 
If you are only a party of two this idea can work too, nice for a meal change. A party of one-trust me on this just changing up your place setting and adding some fun foods will improve your mood.  

Tea drinking is believed to have originated in China about 5 centuries ago. Not until European traders sailed to China in 17th century did tea finally arrive in Europe. Tea came to America with Dutch and English colonists. Revolutionary War hero Paul Revere made a living producing silver tea sets. And tea made it to the history books as a symbol of liberty when the colonists who were frustrated with English taxation sent pounds of tea into the harbor as a protest.
The invention of the afternoon tea party was credited to Anna, Duchess of Bedford around 1840. She was a lifelong friend of Queen Victoria. She began taking tea with sandwiches and cakes as a way to tide over hunger till evening meal. She shared this custom with friends and family.
So grab a fancy hat if you just happen to have one and be creative with your available foods. 
Suggested kid friendly foods to inspire you.

Mini Corn Dogs

Mini Pancakes Stack with Fruit 

Peanut Butter and Jelly Kabobs

Tortillas Roll-ups with Pretzel Sticks 

Mac and Cheese Cupcakes
and for the "big people" Asparagus Egg Salad Tea Sandwiches with Avocado 

Cook's Notes: Timesaver: Cut crusts off bread and make asparagus ahead of time. Be sure to pat asparagus dry with a paper towel. Recipe from Food Network Magazine April 2020. Recipe makes 2 large sandwiches cut into triangles (8 total) . 
Ingredients: 

• 1/2 bunch of thin asparagus stalks cut into 2 inch pieces. 
• 5 large hard boiled eggs, peeled and diced
• 1 large avocado, peeled and mashed
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt and 1/4 cup mayonnaise or Miracle Whip
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1 tablespoon each lemon juice and Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon each parsley flakes and dill weed
• Season with salt and pepper to taste

Directions: 

• Make egg/avocado filling and refrigerate several hours. 
• To assemble: spread filling on one slice, top with asparagus pieces 

• Top with another bread slice, cut in half and recut each half into 2 triangles. 

Be sure to let Ever Ready know in comment box if you happen to host a family High Tea Party. I was able to buy my husband into this idea -so we are having a party for two!