Emma Sharp, Contributor

Scones and jam served at the Madhatter's Tea Party. - Contributed

When last did you have a proper English tea party? You know the kind - with sandwiches, scones, home-made jam and cream.

Some weeks ago, I volunteered to help with the Kingston Polo Club's Christmas Madhatter's Tea Party. I insisted that I make sandwiches and scones because if one is going to have a tea party, one must do this thing properly. A couple ladies kindly offered to shop for and donate the ingredients and I got to do the fun part - cooking! The remaining food - sausage rolls, patties, cakes, brownies and cookies - would be generously donated by others, including Rachael Henriques of Rachael's Gourmet Cookies.

Baking and boiling started two days before the event. Ask anyone who lives with a chef - we just can't get away without using every pot, pan and utensil possible. As for the mess we make! Don't worry, we really are very good at cleaning up - the flour from every cupboard door and the bubbled over jam all across the floor - especially with friends to help!

Sandwich fillings were cooked, sauced and seasoned the day before, and left in the fridge for the flavours to amalgamate overnight, and the final assembly was done on the morning of the party, with the help of more friends.

Wondering what the fund-raising is for? To complete the International Jumping Arena, gut and rebuild the club's kitchen and roof, and landscape a practice polo field so that the existing one can be used solely for matches when international teams come to Jamaica.

Hats worn to the party were judged, the bucking bull was ridden, tea and mimosas were sipped and the food was thoroughly enjoyed by all (or so it seemed)! Then it was time for Santa to arrive on his donkey-drawn cart. Well, the children went crazy and Santa presented each of them with little bags of goodies that kept them occupied until it was time for the parents to take their sleepy heads home - and the children went with them of course!

Emma's Tea Party Menu

Cucumber and Chive Cream Cheese Sandwiches

Egg and Cress Sandwiches

Mexican Tuna Sandwiches

Scones with Home-made Strawberry Jam and Freshly Whipped Cream