With stacks of scrumptious sandwiches, sweet treats, and never-ending cups of tea, a classic tea party is always a crowd-pleaser. But while being a guest is a breeze, playing host is a whole different story…
So, if you’re on hosting duty, and your to-do list is a little (okay, a lot) overwhelming, we’re here to help you check a few things off. Whether you’re planning a sophisticated afternoon with friends or a whimsical gathering for little ones, we’ve rounded up ideas for tea party themes, drinks, décor (and of course plenty of delicious food).
Just quickly before we dive into the planning, here’s a sneak peek of our lovely send a smile cards:
These are perfect to bring along as a little thank you to the host (especially when paired with a thoughtful gift).
Well, with all that out of the way, it’s time to get on with some party planning, don’t you think? Cue our guide to hosting the ultimate tea party!
1. Set your theme
The perfect place to start is by brainstorming some tea party themes. This will set the tone for your invites, décor, and all-important menu. If you’re stuck for ideas, here are a few timeless favourites:
- Summer garden party: Think floral tablecloths, fresh flowers, and plenty of sunshine (fingers crossed). Just serve up an assortment of sandwiches and sweet treats, and give guests the option of refreshing iced tea too.
- Alice in Wonderland: For a quirky and whimsical affair, why not throw your very own Mad Hatter’s tea party? Invite guests to dress up as their favourite Alice in Wonderland characters, and set the scene with oversized chairs, playing cards, and mismatched teacups.
- Vintage tea party: When it comes to tea party ideas for adults, why not go simple and classic with a vintage-inspired tea party? We’re thinking lace table runners, vintage crockery, and on-theme music. Finger sandwiches and mini cakes are a must too.
Remember, the best thing about a tea party (minus the scones) is that you can tailor it to almost any occasion. You could throw a Mother’s Day afternoon tea, or celebrate a milestone birthday with numbered balloons, banners, and a three-tiered cake.
2. Plan your tea party menu
A perfect tea party includes a balance of sweet treats and savoury bites, so make sure you’ve got a table filled with all the classics. These include:
- Mini finger sandwiches (just pop an assortment of fillings inside)
- Fresh scones with jam and clotted cream
- Small cakes and pastries
- Plenty of tea! (Earl Grey goes well with lemon drizzle and English Breakfast pairs perfectly with sandwiches).
When it comes to tea party menu ideas for adults, a bottle of fizz is a lovely touch. Or for little ones, fresh lemonade and fruit juices will go down a treat.
3. Send out your invites
With the theme and menu sorted, it’s time to invite some guests. We love the idea of sending out some on-theme paper invites; this is a great way to give guests a taster of what’s to come! Or, if it’s a more casual gathering, just drop everyone a simple message. No matter how you invite them, remember to include the following:
- The date and time
- Location
- Dress code or theme details (if necessary)
- RSVP info (if needed)
4. Don’t forget the décor
Now this is where your tea party really starts to take shape. We’d recommend getting super creative with your décor, hanging bunting from trees and blowing up balloons for a pop of colour.
If you’re hosting outside, low tables, floor cushions, and picnic blankets work perfectly, creating a cosy and relaxed vibe. And if you’re setting up inside, lay the table with a pastel tablecloth, lace doilies, and a floral centrepiece.
Oh, and don’t forget, a triple-tiered serving tray is a quintessential tea party staple. Just place finger sandwiches on the bottom, scones in the middle, and sweet treats on top for a picture-perfect display.
5. Games and entertainment
When it comes to tea party ideas, it can be a nice touch to have some games and entertainment planned (especially if you’re hosting for little ones). Classic garden games are bound to keep everyone happy, or you could set up a crafting table for some creative fun after everyone’s eaten.
Hosting for friends? Have everyone decorate their own teacups! All you’ll need are some plain porcelain or ceramic mugs, as well as some paints, stencils, and brushes.
Tea party top tips
With all the basics covered, we thought we’d leave you with a few final tips on how to host the ultimate tea party. These little touches can turn a run-of-the-mill gathering into something a tad more special.
1. It’s all in the finishing touches
While the classic tea party staples are crucial, the little details are what guests are going to remember. So, make sure to dedicate some party planning time to those all-important finishing touches.
Hand-written place tags can make sure guests feel welcome, with things like fresh flowers tucked into napkins, vintage teaspoons, and menu cards really tying everything together.
2. Make sure there’s plenty of food
One thing’s for sure, it’s far better to have leftovers than to run out of cake at a tea party. So, we’d recommend preparing a little more food than you think you’ll need, then if there’s any left over, you can box it up for guests to enjoy later.
3. Party favours
Speaking of tea party takeaways, it can be a lovely touch to gift each guest a party favour before they leave. Some thoughtful ideas include:
- Mini jars of jam or honey
- A tea bag in a pretty pouch (with a personalised note)
- A small posy of fresh flowers
- A vintage teacup and saucer (these are super affordable in charity shops)
4. Don’t forget to enjoy it
There are a million and one things to do when you’re playing host, but remember to sit back, relax, and indulge in some delicious treats too. Once everyone’s digging into the sandwiches, grab a plate and do the same. You definitely deserve it.
And there you have it: a guide filled to the brim with tea party ideas. From bunting and balloons to mouthwatering sweet treats, there are a bunch of ways to make your gathering feel super special. So, go ahead, prep the scones and pop the kettle on, it’s over to you now!
Loved these tea party themes and ideas and looking for more insights? Just head over to the thortful blog. There you can read about sweet 16 party ideas as well as how to throw a surprise party!
