Who says tea parties are just for kids? Spoiler alert: they’re not! Channel your inner fancy child and dive into a world of floral hats, dainty treats, and cups of something steamy..or iced..or spiked..who's judging?!
Whether it’s for a birthday, bridal shower, or just because your china set was feeling lonely, it’s time to host the chic, grown-up tea party of your dreams!
Why Host a Tea Party? (Because, Why Not?)
If you need a reason to throw a tea party, I’ve got a few (but really, who needs one?):
- Nostalgic Vibes: Remember the days of tea parties with dolls? Bring that magical fun vibe into your home..grown-up style!
- Fancy Feels: There’s something about sipping tea from a dainty cup that just makes you feel a little fancier.
- An Excuse to Dress Up: Floral prints, pearls, lace gloves—whatever makes you feel Bridgerton-esque!
Planning Your Tea Party: The Five W's (aka, The Secret Sauce)
You can’t just throw a tea party together on a whim (well, you can, but where’s the fun in that?) So let's plan properly. First things first...
1. Pick a Theme!
Themes are your tea party’s secret sauce. It gets everyone involved and excites them for the event!
- Classic English Tea: Bust out the lace doilies and pinky fingers; we’re going full Downton Abbey here.
- Garden Party: Think florals, fresh greenery, and a lot of butterflies.
- Mad Hatter’s Tea Party: Everything mismatched and slightly bonkers! Perfect for a quirkier crowd.
- Vintage Glam: Channel your inner vintage queen with pearl necklaces, feather boas, and some seriously fancy hats.
Decorations: Sprucing Up Your Space
Decor doesn’t have to be over the top. Keep it simple, elegant, and a little bit quirky.
- Fresh Flowers Everywhere: Scatter roses, peonies, or whatever’s blooming. Bonus points if you use flowers you picked yourself.
- Cute Tableware: Hit up the thrift store for vintage china. You won't believe what you will find.
- Twinkly Lights & Candles: Add a bit of ambiance with soft lighting that’ll make everything look a little more magical even in the daytime.
Games & Entertainment
Your tea party isn’t just about sipping and nibbling. Add some fun with light-hearted games:
- Tea Tasting Challenge: Who’s got the most sophisticated palate? Serve up a tea flight and have your guests guess what flavors there are.
- Best Hat Contest: Let’s be real..everyone loves an excuse to wear a fabulous hat. Give out a prize for the most creative one! It's giving me kentucky derby vibes.
- Live Music Vibes: If you’re feeling extra, hire a local musician or just pop on a Bridgerton playlist for some regal tunes.
2. The Why: The Heart of Your Tea Party
Is this party for a birthday, a bridal shower, or just because it’s Tuesday and you’ve got a hankering for cucumber sandwiches? Whatever the reason, keep your “why” in mind—it’ll guide your choices.
3. The When: Tea Time is Anytime
Traditionally, afternoon tea happens between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM. But that's just a "suggestion". You can totally throw a “Brunch & Tea” or “Twilight Tea” party if you're feeling it! I have tea cocktail ideas below! 🙂
4. The Where: Location, Location, Location
Pick a place that feels right! Indoors, outdoors, under a tree, or even in your living room (just make it cute).
- Weather Backup Plan: If you’re outside, keep an eye on the skies. No one likes soggy scones.
- Keep Bugs at Bay: Citronella candles, essential oils or bug spray will help greatly.
- Food Safety: No one likes a warm tuna sandwich. Keep cold things cold, hot things hot. Chafing dishes are best for this. (Did you know you can use them to keep foods COLD too?!)
5. The Who: Your Quirky Cast of Characters
Invite your friends, your grandma, whoever you think will appreciate the classy, nostalgic vibe.
Host a Tea Party with Tea (Duh!): Selecting Your Brews
Tea is the MVP here, so make it ALL about the tea...while you "spill the tea" of course. 🙂
- Classic Must-Haves: English Breakfast, Earl Grey, and Green Tea, because you just don’t mess with tradition.
- Herbal Heroes: Chamomile, Peppermint, and Hibiscus for those who prefer to keep things caffeine-free.
- Seasonal Sips: Make sure to serve teas according to the season! Lavender Lemonade Tea is best in the summer or Pumpkin Spice Chai in the fall!
Tea Prep Like a Pro
- Brew It Right: Nobody wants a bitter cup. Pay attention to steep times and water temps. Use a cute sign with instructions on how to brew tea if you'd like.
- DIY Tea Station: Let guests mix and match loose leaves, add honey, lemon, or even a little splash of something stronger.
- Tea Flights: Give your guests the "sommelier" experience. Serve teas in mini cups for sampling. Pretend you’re at a high-end tea bar!
Tea Pairings: The Food That Steals the Show
Tiny foods make everything cuter and more delicious. Mix up your menu with a balance of savory bites and sweet treats.
Savories
- Classic Tea Sandwiches: Think cucumber, smoked salmon, and egg salad. Cut them into cute shapes for extra style points.
- Funky Canapés: Cheese and fig crostinis, smoked salmon bites, or mini quiches will make your guests feel extra fancy.
- Mini Savory Pies: Little handheld pies filled with spinach, feta, or mushroom and brie—tiny but mighty.
Scones & Sweets
- Scones with All the Fixings: Jam, clotted cream, and maybe a lemon curd to keep things zesty.
- Macarons & Petite Pastries: They look pretty, they taste amazing, and they make everyone feel like they’re in a Parisian café.
- Biscuits & Cookies: Shortbread, biscotti, and any other bite-sized sweet you can think of.
Tea Table Set-Up: Instagram-Worthy Arrangements
- Tiered Stands: Pile them high with goodies, it’s the tea party staple for a reason.
- Floral Tablecloths & Pretty Plates: Set the scene with light, pastel colors, and vintage tableware.
- Fancy Glassware: Add a few crystal glasses for your sparkling water or tea cocktails (we’ll get to those in a sec).
Extra Special Touches: The Icing on Your Tea-Party Cake
Little details make all the difference! So here’s some tips to make your tea party feel extra special.
Invitations That Wow
- Ditch the Texts: Send a real, physical invitation for that “I’m serious about this tea” vibe. Canva has gorgeous templates if you want to DIY it.
Place Cards & Menus
- Fancy Place Cards: Add a touch of elegance and guide people to their spots with personalized cards.
- Printed Menus: List your teas and snacks on a mini menu. It’s a tiny touch that goes a long way. (This one is from Zazzle!)
Thoughtful Party Favors
- Tea to Go: Mini tea tins or honey jars are cute and practical. Your guests will thank you later.
- Aromatic Sachets: Lavender sachets are classic, smell great, and make perfect little take-home treasures.
- Tea Jars: These little tea bundled tea favors are so cute. You can make them yourself or get them off Etsy here!
Guest of Honor Ideas
- Decorate the Throne: Make the guest of honor’s chair a little extra with florals or a “Queen of Tea” sign.
- Name a Tea: Blend your own tea and name it after the guest of honor. It’s like a perfume, but for your tastebuds.
Tea Etiquette 101: Polished, but Make It Fun
You don’t need a degree in Tea-ology to get this right. Here are some etiquette tips with a twist:
- Pouring Duties: Traditionally, the host pours first! 🙂
- Stir with Style: Stir gently without banging the sides of your cup like a drum solo. Lol!
- The Pinky Dilemma: Pinkies down, my friend. No need for those outdated tea stereotypes. (Unless you want to be posh for a day!)
Beyond the Tea: Spiked Tea Options
Not a tea lover or want to offer somethign more? Easy to do! Expand your drink menu to include some tea cocktails and other fun options that pair well together.
Tea Cocktails
- Bourbon & Mint Iced Tea: This is a classic combo that most love! Sweet tea with a little kick is perfect for a sunny day.
- Gin & Chamomile Spritz: A floral, fizzy dream in a glass. Just add gin and bubbly water to chilled chamomile tea! This would be delicious with most teas like hibiscus or lavender tea too!
- Chai White Russian: This would be a delicious mix. Take your classic white russian and add some steeped chai tea!
Tried the recipe? I'd love to hear your thoughts below!