Did you know that afternoon tea has been a cherished tradition in English history since the 1800s? It all began with the 7th Duchess of Bedford, who got hungry around 4:00 p.m. and wanted something small to tide her over until the late dinner hour. Her cravings inspired the afternoon tea ritual which has been carried on for centuries.
Today, afternoon tea is still a timeless and classy way to bring family and friends together. The best part? It doesn’t require a royal budget or endless hours of prep.
Ready to steep yourself in the details? From the decor to a menu with a modern twist, here’s your guide to hosting the ultimate tea party:
The Visuals
Start with a theme to tie everything together. Try a classic English high tea, a whimsical garden tea party, or a vintage-inspired afternoon.
Table Setting: Layer textures like lace over crisp white or pastel tablecloths to add depth. Mix bold, graphic napkins with classic teacups and saucers for a modern twist.
Centerpieces: Consider traditional floral arrangements or use teapots as vases or mini vases to scatter single items for a casual yet chic look.
Pro Tip: Blend old and new—vintage tea sets with gold-rimmed glassware or sleek serving trays. It’s the mix that creates intrigue.
Curate a Menu to Impress
A great tea party menu balances savory bites, sweet indulgences, and stellar tea.
Savory Bites: Go beyond the traditional cucumber sandwiches with mini quiches, smoked salmon with dill on rye, or savory tarts for variety.
Sweet Treats: Scones with clotted cream and jam scones are a must, but also add petit fours, macarons, and a decadent cake or tart as the centerpiece dessert.
Teas: Offer variety, from a classic Earl Grey or English Breakfast to a fruity herbal blend. Include milk, honey, sugar, and lemon for personalization.
Pro Tip: Pre-brew a signature iced tea like lavender lemonade or spiced peach for those who prefer a cold option.
Add a Mimosa Bar
Tea is the main act, but a mimosa bar adds festive fun that guests will love.
Setup: Arrange champagne flutes on a tiered stand alongside sparkling wine or cider for non-alcoholic mimosas. Offer a mix of juices like orange, grapefruit, and pineapple served in clear pitchers or carafes.
Garnishes: Elevate the bar with fresh berries, edible flowers, and sprigs of mint.
Decor: Decorate the mimosa bar with fresh flowers or greenery to tie it into the tea party theme. Use small chalkboards, printable signs, or tent cards to label each juice and garnish.
Pro Tip: Add playful details with sugar-rimmed glasses or glitter drink stirrers - perfect for photo opps.
The Details Matter
Small touches bring your party to life.
Brewing Tips: Loose-leaf teas brewed fresh in teapots create a more authentic experience. Provide timers to perfect steeping.
Serveware: Use tiered trays to display treats with savory bites on the bottom, scones in the middle, and sweets on top. Metallic utensils add a polished look. Remember a tea strainer with a drip bowl, tiered stand to display your finger sandwiches and treats, and to-go boxes for guests.
Pro Tip: For an engaging activity and great conversation starter, set up a tea-tasting station with small cards for guests to note their favorites.
Do Fun Activities
Tea parties can be more than pinkies up and polite conversation. Keep guests entertained with unexpected activities.
DIY Tea Blends: Let guests create their own tea blends using loose leaves, dried fruit, and herbs.
Tea Trivia: Share fun trivia, like how green tea was once pressed into bricks and used as currency.
Photo Booth: Create a vintage-inspired photo booth with parasols, gloves, and oversized hats as props.
Arts & Crafts: Set up a bouquet-making station for guests to make floral bouquets or a hat/fascinator contest.
Pro Tip: Send guests home with party favors of mini jars of local honey or potted herbs.
Plan Like a Pro
A relaxed host makes for happy guests. Stay ahead with these tips:
Plan your menu a week in advance.
Shop 2–3 days before and prep as much as possible the night before.
Set up your table and decor the morning of the event.
Greet guests with a freshly brewed pot of tea.
Consider a takeaway for guests (loose-leaf tea packets, floral bouquets, homemade jam) and plan ahead based on the number of people attending.
Here’s another fun fact: Tea parties were once the perfect opportunity to show off the latest fashions and trends in tableware. Hosts used every detail to dazzle their guests, from ornate china to creative centerpieces. Take a page from history and make your tea party a visual and sensory experience.
With careful preparation, you can use these tips to turn an afternoon into a memorable experience for birthdays, bridal showers, or simply because teatime is always a good way to gather and celebrate.
Cheers to hosting with style, grace, and a dash of sparkle!
To learn more, download the free Ultimate Dinner Party Playbook.
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