How to Host a Tea Party: Tips, Tricks, and Tasty Treats

Are you ready to indulge in the timeless elegance of a tea party? From dainty tea sandwiches to delectable desserts, we've got all the secrets to hosting an authentic tea party that will enchant your guests.

Whether it's a Mother's Day celebration, a bridal shower, a birthday party, or simply a gathering of friends, a tea party is the perfect way to create cherished memories and indulge in delicious treats.

Let's dive into the art of tea party hosting and discover how to create an affair that's as beautiful as it is delicious.

An Authentic Tea Party Platter

No tea party is complete without an exquisite array of treats, from savory sandwiches to sweet delights. We believe in the magic of a well-curated tea party platter, brimming with bite-sized wonders to tantalize the taste buds.

We also like to keep party planning simple when we can, so if you're not the Martha Stewart type you can head over to a place like Trader Joe's, or your favorite grocery store, and stock up on lots of bite sized snacks such as: 

• mini scones
• lemon bars
• macarons
• shortbread cookies
• chocolates
• madeleine cookies

However, this can also be a great time to showcase some delectable treats if you ARE the baking type.  Pick one or two of your favorite recipes and add them to the spread.

If you've ever had freshly baked scones before you know that they are THE best with some butter, strawberry jam and whipped or clotted cream. 

 

 

 

You'll also need to add to your shopping list the ingredients for the tea sandwiches.  Select an assortment of breads and toppings for classic combinations like: 

• ham & cheese with mini dill pickle
• strawberry jam & peanut butter
• cucumber & cream cheese

 

TEA SANDWICHES PARTY TIP: Get Creative with Shapes!

Transform your tea sandwiches into whimsical delights by using cookie cutters to create fun shapes. Whether it's hearts, stars, or flowers, these adorable sandwiches will add an extra touch of charm to your tea party platter.

You can even get the kids involved in cutting the shapes out the bread.  Let them get creative and have some fun with it.

 

Building an Authentic Tea Party Platter: The Proper Order

Now that you have all your delightful snacks ready to go, it's time to assemble your tiered platter. Did you know there's a specific order for arranging the items?

Here's what it looks like:

Bottom Tier: Start with the Tea Sandwiches. These savory bites set the tone for your tea party and should be placed on the bottom tier for easy access.

Middle Tier: Next up, the Mini Scones, accompanied by Strawberry Jam, Whipped Butter, and/or Clotted Cream. For a touch of elegance, garnish with a few fresh strawberries to delight your guests.

Top Tier: Last but certainly not least, the Desserts. Indulge in decadent treats like lemon bars, macarons, shortbread cookies, and chocolates.

While traditional tea etiquette dictates that the sandwiches are enjoyed first, followed by the scones and desserts, we won't blame you if you dive straight into the irresistible desserts on the top tier.

 

 

Tea Selection

Elevate your tea party experience by offering a diverse selection of teas to cater to different tastes and preferences. Include classics like Earl Grey and English Breakfast, as well as herbal blends like chamomile and peppermint.

Consider providing tea tasting notes to guide guests in their selection and enhance their appreciation of the teas.

If you're hosting a tea party for a kid's birthday, you can also make this part fun by serving Strawberry tea or fruit infused tea that their little refined tastebuds will enjoy.

  

Tea Etiquette

Whether you're aiming for a more casual tea party or you want to host something a little more elegant, try sharing some basic tea etiquette with your guests.  At the very least it's a fun element to add, and if it's a more formal event, it can help your guests feel more comfortable and confident.

Here are a few simple rules to get you started: 

• Teach them how to hold a teacup properly: when drinking your tea, you pick up the cup and saucer together, holding the saucer with one hand and the cup with the other 
• Stir their tea gently without clinking the spoon against the cup
• Use the saucer to catch any drips or spills
• Encourage guests to take small, delicate sips, and
• Engage in polite conversation while enjoying their tea.

 

Tea Party Decor

Set the stage for your tea party with enchanting décor elements that evoke a sense of charm and elegance.

Create a centerpiece using a tiered cake stand filled with decorative items like teacakes, sugar cubes, and fresh fruit.

Adorn the table with fresh flowers, or re-usable crepe paper flowers like the ones from the Riles & Bash Streamer Backdrop Kit.

 

 

You can also add delicate lace tablecloths, and vintage teacups and saucers.

 

Consider incorporating themed decorations to complement the occasion, such as pastel hues and floral motifs for a springtime tea party or vibrant pinks and purples with this Riles & Bash Streamer Backdrop Kit. 

 

You can even create a unique streamer chandelier with this kit.  There are so many possiblities!

 

 

Music for your Tea Party

Enhance the ambiance of your tea party with soft, soothing music playing in the background. Choose instrumental tunes or classical melodies to create a relaxed and refined atmosphere that encourages conversation and enjoyment. Consider creating a playlist of calming music or selecting a streaming service with curated playlists specifically designed for tea parties or elegant gatherings. 

 

Tea Party Activities

Keep your guests entertained and engaged with a variety of delightful activities that complement the tea party theme.

Set up a DIY tea blending station where guests can create their own custom tea blends using a selection of loose-leaf teas, herbs, and spices.

photo: Camille Styles

 

Provide recipe cards and blending guides to inspire creativity and experimentation.

Alternatively, host a tea tasting session where guests can sample different teas and learn about their origins, flavor profiles, and brewing techniques.

For a hands-on activity, organize a cookie decorating station where guests can decorate sugar cookies with royal icing and edible decorations in fun and festive designs.

 

Tea Party Dress Code

Encourage guests to embrace the elegance and sophistication of the tea party theme by dressing in attire that reflects the occasion.

Invite them to don their finest dresses, suits, and accessories, or suggest a specific dress code such as garden party chic or vintage-inspired attire.

Provide inspiration and guidance with a mood board or style guide featuring fashion ideas and outfit suggestions that capture the essence of the tea party theme.

Encourage guests to express their personal style and creativity while adhering to the overall aesthetic of the event.

 

Personalized Touches

Add a touch of personalized charm and creativity to your tea party with thoughtful details and custom touches that reflect your personality and style.

Create handmade invitations or e-vites with elegant designs and customized wording that sets the tone for the event and builds anticipation among your guests.

Consider incorporating personalized elements into the décor, such as monogrammed napkins, custom place cards, or hand-lettered signage that adds a personal and meaningful touch to the overall aesthetic of the tea party.

Provide guests with small tokens of appreciation or party favors to thank them for attending the event and commemorate the occasion.

Consider thoughtful and practical gifts such as miniature jars of homemade jam, artisanal tea blends, or elegant tea infusers that serve as mementos of the tea party experience and remind guests of the special moments shared together.

photo: Something Turquoise

 

With these Tea Party tips and tricks prepare to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of tea party hosting.  Cheers to good company, delicious treats, and cherished memories!