Surprise Tea for Two!

Nov 12, 2009

Rent A Tea Party received a call  to set a table for two for tea from a small caterer located in Anaheim Hills. She goes on to tell me that her client is a sweet husband who wants to surprise his wife with a romantic tea for two, knowing that this is one of her favorite relaxing things to do.
 The table is set and food looks delightful, Surprise! She is overwhelmed with joy and love that her husband took the time to plan something that she loves.
 This was so fun to plan, but more important is was fun to bring two people together who love each other  over a cup of tea!   



Call us to plan a surprise tea for two for you!
800-270-7431
www.rentateaparty.com

Catered by Cyndi Galley

One Year Anniversary! Who is Rent A Tea Party

Oct 13, 2009

Rent A Tea Party

By

Cyndi Galley
Called Productions


Walking in with a black summery, but elegant summery shorts-outfit, I sat at this quaint conference table centered with an elevated cake plate with a flowers and snacks on top, quite impressed as I met with Tricia Van Doren, owner of Rent-A-Tea-Party.   Modest and definitely a necessity, her business is tucked away amidst an ocean of business buildings in Fullerton, CA-this one being no different from the outside.  Needed, because I am one who has done everything but open my own tea-house (although it is true the thought has crossed my mind!); Modest, because you are quite surprised at the what lies beneath.

Birthed out of years of collecting tea-pieces, and stemming from Tricia throwing a bridal shower tea party, a star was born!  “The bridal tea party was such a hit with the pieces I had, that I began renting out all of the pieces as they are not only beautiful, but quite unique, as well.”  Voila, enters Rent-A-Tea-Party.
As I met with Tricia I realized this was a woman who not only has a passion for the seasoned tea-drinker, but also for the novice.  “Not only are the advantages to my tea-party rentals that it is low-cost, there are so many other pluses ranging from it being a time-saver , to also keeping ladies from not having to worry about breaking their heirloom tea cups.”  True. True and true.  Have you ever thrown a tea-party?  Or at least thought about it?  Though exciting, I can tell you from experience that even throwing a party for ten brings me to my knees in fear of hearing the breaking of at least four pieces I would never want to break.  Ever.
Tricia went on to explain that renting the tea-pieces and fine china from her eases fears such as that.  She also described her business as one created to help in the task of all the planning and preparation that takes a lot of time for most.  She likes to consider herself a one-stop shop, providing even linen and silverware, if needed.  “Basically when you come to me, I make it very easy for you in all areas—in terms of shopping, pick up and your time—it’s basically hassle-free once you’ve made that initial phone-call.  I know that planning tea-parties can be stressful, so I’m here to make it simple.  The nice thing about it is that we can do it via phone or e-mail.” 
Listening to the low-cost facts,  I wondered if the tea china would show to be in all-white with gold or would they be fairly plain pieces to be able to rent at the prices that Rent-A-Tea-Party does;  Turns out I couldn’t have been further from the truth.  Carrying a breath-taking collection of tea cups, saucers and tea pots, Rent-A-Tea-Party has all the makings of a five-star experience.  Full of color, pastels and intricate designs, there were more than a handful of choices that were so beautiful I could only wish that at that very moment I was having tea with the girls unveiling delightful stories that only come with the aromas of Ginger Peach steaming from my tea cup.  Sorry, some stories are made for tea cups only.  As for Tricia, she made light of my assumption, fully aware that even some of the well-known local tea-houses don’t carry some of the beauties she has available to rent out to her customers.  “It's low-rental, but my pieces are still quite gorgeous--so that you have the experience of the fine china, minus the cost and worry about your pieces breaking--especially for the ones handed down from previous generations. " 
When asking Tricia how she is able to ensure the satisfaction of the customer in terms of what she picks out for them, she assured me that the process is quite simple--taking no more than a phone call.  “Most of my customers help by providing pictures of their color schemes and theme of the party.  From there, I can create what collections would compliment their party.  They have always been more than satisfied.  It’s what I love and what I do best.”   Listening to Tricia share about her business and watching her glow made me realize that there are people who truly love what they do.  And from the looks of it, she’s got all of the kinks worked out. 
Another learned beauty of the business is that the customer has choice to pick up their tea pieces, however Rent-A-Tea-Party is also able to deliver for a one-time delivery fee.   They also do offer set-up where one of her staff can come and set-up the tables for a set-up fee, saving her customer the time, thus lightening some of the preparation load.  To which she noted that pick-ups are usually scheduled on Fridays, and returned on the Monday after the party.
Although she is not a stickler on having each individual piece washed, Rent-A-Tea-Party does have a policy that all pieces are to be free of food or drink, wiped down and repackaged in the containers we supplied to them.  “Most customers leave the washing up to Rent-a-Tea-Party...and we are just fine with that!  In fact, we prefer that to ensure proper care and washing.”
In terms of a reservation time-frame, Tricia noted that if the tea items are available for your party date, tea-pieces and china can be reserved in as little time as up to a week in advance.  Tricia does clarify, “However, I wouldn't necessarily recommend that as some of my parties scheduled have been for up to 150-people.”
“On my website it states that everything they find available to rent are things that I would use at my own tea-party--that makes it special for them, and to me!”  My thoughts, exactly.

Tea Party Rental - From 2-150 people

Oct 2, 2009

Summer High Tea in August -Two Companies Meet!

Sep 17, 2009


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105 degree weather did not stop a 50th Wedding Anniversary High Tea in Orange County this past week. I had the privilege to partner with Orange County Event Planner Joanna Hendrie Events and Fêtes to set the stage for an iconic High Tea complete with Silver Samovar, linens and umbrella topped tables and using Rent A Tea Party for teacups, dessert plates, teapots and tiered stands.
The 75 guests supped on tea sandwiches – a smoked salmon and dill, a sun dried tomato and crème fraiche, a sweet onion and mascarpone cheese on raisin brioche and Madeira and red current chicken. Also, high tea is not complete without the --- the savories: Mini chive biscuits and country ham, cherry bread and hazelnut port butter, pate and cornichons on baguette, and mini croquet monsieur. Sweet petite cookies – macaroons, blueberry shortbread, French Crème brownies, and bite size lemon square shared each of the guest tables with Joanna’s trademark organic farm fresh strawberries and Chantilly Crème – the strawberries crowned our dessert plates and were scattered among Rent A Tea Party's tiered servers of savories, sweets and sandwiches.
The tea she served for the day was a green tea called Casablanca and an Oolong from Ceylon called Peaches Cream served with fresh apricot scones.
The anniversary gateau was a two tiered chocolate ganache cake with chocolate fudge filling and piping and served with a sparking wine from the South of France.

Joanna is in Newport Beach and for more information and Tea Menu ideas please go to joannahendrie.com
Joanna Hendrie
Joanna Hendire Events & Fêtes
PMB 414, Orchid Avenue
Corona del Mar, California 92625
Telephone/ 949-644-8689
E-Mail/
JoannaHendrie@gmail.com
Hours/ By Appointment
I'm so excited that this is a new beginning between two companies that want to share the love of tea!

Too Hot for Tea

Jul 17, 2009


A quick little shout-out for all you tea-lovers out there...


Recently someone called me to get information on renting tea pieces for her Summer Tea. A bit concerned about mixing the hot weather with hot tea on an August mid-day, I asked myself, "How do you have a tea party in August?" Being the tea connoisseur that I am, I came up with the following:


I created a centerpiece with two cake stands, eight teacups and small potted roses that I put into the teacups. For that extra sweetness, wrapped cookies or small desserts in between the teacups would be very simple, but beautiful! Know that with this little creation, one would have, both, the pretty teacups and the lovely tea party! to keep the chill in the air, just add an ice tea glass and an ice teaspoon to your table instead of a teacup and demi spoon. For the beverage, an addition of pretty glass pitchers with ice cold tea and slices of lemon floating instead of teapots would be a guarantee to beat the heat!


So don't cancel your tea party. Rather, embrace the the tea theme--after all, it's your party and you can do whatever your heart desires! Your friends and family will still enjoy the beautifully-set tea table, decor, scones, drinks and will be thankful for the thrill of the thirst-quenching drink.

Hope you have the perfect tea party!

James Gray Gallery June 14, 2009

Jun 24, 2009






Hello,
I wanted to share my recent event with you!
I was contacted by the director of James Gray Gallery in Santa Monica to rent my tea items for a birthday tea party for her client. It was a month long planning but a fun experience I couldn't pass it up. It was a success! The clients loved the tea settings and everything looked beautiful. I hope to work again with the James gray Gallery.