Come together over tea and delectable treats with these tea party ideas.
Whether you’re planning a birthday celebration, graduation party, or a casual get together with friends, these ideas will help you host an incredible tea party.
Tea Party Ideas
From party themes to food ideas, below are some simple tea party ideas to transform your gathering into a delightful and unforgettable event.
Tea Party Themes
Although having a niched tea party theme isn’t a requirement, it can help anchor the decorations, entertainment, and food menu.
There are so many different types of tea party themes that you can choose from.
Whether you want a classic garden tea party or something with a more modern twist, customize the party based on your style.
Check out these fun themes that you can use to anchor your tea party:
Picnic Tea Party
Your tea party doesn’t have to be super formal and revolve around a table.
Bring your party lower to the ground with a cozy picnic-like setup on the floor.
Garden Tea Party
Embrace the splendid beauty of nature and take your party outside, with a garden tea party.
Whether you host your party in the backyard, park, or any outdoor space; think about the following during your planning stage:
- Set up in a comfortable location that limits interference from pests ( ants, flies, bugs, etc.)
- Opt for an area that offers some level of shade from the harsh sunlight
- Check the weather forecast beforehand to mitigate poor weather from interrupting the party
- Use weights to weight down your table setting
Around the World Tea Party
Invite your guests on a global tea journey with an around the world tea party theme.
You can decorate your space with world maps and various cultural elements. As you offer a variety of teas and treats representing various countries.
Vintage Tea Party
Step back in time with a nostalgic vintage tea party theme.
Picture lace tablecloths, classic tea party refreshments, and antique tea cups to set the vintage tone.
Parisian Tea Party
Infuse your tea party with a French flair with a fun parisian party theme. Featuring French pastries, a selection of delicious teas, and chic decorations.
Pastel Tea Party
A pastel theme is a dreamy choice that brings a whimsical and soft ambiance to a tea party.
Delicate pastel decorations, guests adorned in pastel colors, and a menu featuring pastel-colored treats can help create a visually stunning tone for this theme.
Tea Party Food Ideas
Tea parties are centered around engaging conversations and enjoying good company. In terms of your party’s menu, make sure that it reflects those tones.
Also, don’t forget to opt for foods that are easy to enjoy without creating too much mess.
Tea Sandwiches
Dainty finger sandwiches or tea sandwiches are a delightful and classic tea party food idea.
This food option is super easy to prepare. Simply choose a variety of fillings for the sandwiches such as egg salad, cucumber and cream cheese, smoked salmon, etc.
Trim the crust off of the sliced breads and cut them into minimalist shapes such as small squares or triangles for an added elegant touch.
Sweets
Add a touch of sweetness your tea party with an assortment of delectable sweets.
Here are some amazing desserts that you can incorporate into your menu:
- Pastries
- Mini donuts
- Cupcakes
- Tartlets
- Fruit tarts
- Cookies
- Muffins
- Macarons
Tea
One of the fundamental food elements of a tea party is the tea.
Offering a variety of tea flavors is an amazing way to cater to different tastes and preferences.
Also, don’t be afraid to branch out of traditional hot tea. If you and your guests don’t like hot tea, simply opt for refreshing cold/iced tea selections.
Plus, iced tea variations can provide delicious cooling on warmer days.
All in all, if you’re opting for iced tea, simply substitute tea cups for glassware.
Veggie Crudité Platter
A Crudité is a fancy French term for vegetables and dip.
To create your platter, arrange a variety of fresh vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes on a platter; along with a selection of dips. (Dressings, hummus, etc.)
Contemporary Sandwiches
Just because this is a tea party, doesn’t mean that you’re limited to tea sandwiches.
Contemporary sandwiches such as the ones down below can pair great with tea flavors, and add a modern twist to a tea party.
- Avocado toast
- Bagel lox sandwich
- Caprese sandwich
- Turkey/ham sandwich
- Chicken sandwich
- Sandwich wraps
Scones
Scones are another tasty tea party treat.
To get the best flavor out of the scones, consider serving them warm and accompanied with a delicious fruit jam and butter.
From plain to lemon poppy seeds, there are so many different scone flavors out there. You can offer one type of flavor or a variety to cater to diverse tastes.
Fruits
Fruits are a yummy way to balance the richness of all of the sweets and pastries.
Whether it’s on a charcuterie board or skewers, take advantage of seasonal fruits and have fun with the display arrangement.
Quiche
Mini quiches are a great option for your party menu, especially if the tea party is hosted in the morning.
These savory delights pair perfectly with a cup of tea and are very filling in keeping guests full throughout the party.
Non Traditional Food Ideas
From mini meatballs to chicken skewers, have fun with your party’s menu and offer “non traditional” food items that your guests will love.
Entertainment Ideas
In terms of entertainment, plan activities that encourage socialization and relaxation among your guests.
For instance, you can organize a DIY craft station where guests can create their own signature tea blends.
Another great activity is setting up a tea party bouquet bar. Not only is this a fun activity but is also a beautiful party favor.
To create the bouquet bar, set up a variety of flowers, greenery, and vases and watch guests eagerly assemble their personalized floral arrangements.
Music
Music is a phenomenal entertainment element that can lighten and set the mood for the tea party.
Regarding your party’s playlist, consider what tone you’re going for and play tunes that help set the environment.
For instance, gentle acoustic songs, instrumentals, and classical tunes are:
- Great for creating a calm and soothing environment
- Provide the perfect serene backdrop for table conversations
For a fun and playful tone to your party, upbeat sounds and songs that guests can sing-a-long to are perfect options.
Lastly, have fun with your playlist and remember that you can adjust the musical tone throughout the party.
For instance, you can play gentle instrumentals while everyone is eating then later on play upbeat songs tand dancing.
Tea Party Decoration Ideas
Table Setting
Pinterest is a great source for visual inspiration for creating an elegant table setting.
A crisp tablecloth, an accent table runner, saucers, teapots, flowers, tea cups, and stands are some of the items that you can include in your table setting.
Food Display
You can set up a designated food table or incorporate it into your table setting.
Cake stands, tiered stands, trays, and serving platters are great pieces that will help create an enticing display to your food selections.
