How to Throw a Tea Party That Feels Straight Out of a Storybook

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There’s something about a tea party that’s just so charming! It might be the dainty teacups, or the mini sandwiches and desserts, or how when you get everything just right it feels like you are transported back in time. All your worries are gone and you can enjoy the simple delights of sipping tea and enjoying the company of the people you care about most.

Whether you’re planning an elegant bridal shower, a charming birthday brunch, or you’re just looking for a reason to dress up and use pretty teacups, this guide will walk you through how to throw a tea party that’s not only easy, but also unforgettable.

In this post we’ll cover:

• Creative tea party ideas
• A practical tea party checklist
• Inspiration for tea party themes, décor, and menu ideas
• And a shortcut to make the whole process easier (psst – I made a free kit for that!)

Why Tea Parties Are the Ultimate Gatherings

Tea parties are a timeless way to create an immersive experience that feels really special. They can easily turn an average afternoon gathering into something whimsical and fun, that will create lasting memories. If you’ve been lucky enough to have been to one you know how a themed gathering not only inspires people to create their own fun events, but it’s also the go-to answer when people ask about their weekend on Monday morning!

Another great thing about tea parties is that they are so versatile. They are the perfect theme for events like:

• Bridal Showers
• Baby Showers
• Mother’s Day Brunches
• Garden Parties
• Birthdays
• Just Because

By slightly switching up the décor you could easily throw a tea party book club meeting or craft group!

Step 1: Choose Your Theme

Floral Tea Party

Perfect for a spring get-together, think pastels and fresh flowers everywhere. Add to the ambiance with floral candles and soft music. For some fun added surprises, add flower blooms in ice cubes, tea blends, and even on cookies!

Vintage English Tea Party

The classic, picture lace tablecloths, antique tea cups, and classical music. This theme is great for a book club set in the Victorian era. Make it extra fun by having a formal dress code with beautiful floral dresses and fascinators.

Bridgerton Inspired Tea Party

Add some regency flair with pearls, fans, and string quartet music. Dress up as your favorite character and spend the afternoon gossiping and sipping tea!

Vintage Traveler Tea Party

This fun theme includes teas from around the world, exotic snacks, and global décor. Stack old luggage to make stands for party supplies, and use vintage looking maps for placemats.

Rustic Farmhouse Tea Party

This beautiful theme includes wildflowers, burlap accents, and a breezy, boho dress code. Keep the food simple and nature inspired with things like naked cakes, olive oil cupcakes, and sandwiches with fresh veggies.

Step 2: Plan the Perfect Menu

Your menu doesn’t have to be complicated, but variety is key. Aim for a mix of savory and sweet, with multiple tea selections. Remember that classic tea party food is small and is meant to be nibbled on.

Savory Bites

• Tea sandwiches cut into small triangles – some of the most popular are cucumber and cream cheese, egg salad, and ham and mustard
• Mini quiches
• Smoked salmon canapés
• Chicken salad on croissants

Sweet Treats

• Scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam
• Mini lemon tarts
• Macarons
• Shortbread cookies
• Petit Fours

Tea Selections

• Classic: English Breakfast or Earl Grey
• Herbal: Chamomile or Hibiscus
• Floral: Lavender or Rose
• Fun: Sun tea or Peach iced tea

Tip – for a classic look, invest in 3-tiered trays like this one!

Step 3: Set the Scene with Gorgeous Décor

Creating the right ambiance is half the fun. Whether indoors or out, a few thoughtful touches go a long way. Here are some vintage tea party décor and setup ideas.

• Table linens: Go for lace, floral patterns, or soft solids like blush or cream.
• Centerpieces: Use teapots as vases! Fill them with roses, baby’s breath, or wildflowers.
• Place settings: Mix and match teacups and saucers, and don’t forget cloth napkins.
• Lighting: String lights, candles, or lanterns set the mood, especially for evening events.
• Finishing touches: Add handwritten name cards, framed quotes about tea, or little favors like honey sticks or floral sachets.

Hosting a garden tea party? Add parasols, picnic blankets, or even a low table setup for a cozy boho feel.

Step 4: Add Fun and Personal Touches

While sitting around catching up is always a good time, make your event even more memorable with some games and activities.

• Tea Tasting: Go with a theme like the vintage traveler party or buy a loose tea leaf kit like this one to make your own blends.
• Make Your Own Fascinator or Flower Crown: Set up a station when people arrive with fake flowers and other accents and wear them for the whole party.
• Tea Leaf Reading: See what the future holds by reading each other’s tea leaves. You can find a handy guide for common shapes and their meanings in my free Tea Party Hostess Handbook!
• Lawn Games: Channel your inner Bridgerton and play a game of croquet!

Step 5: Invitations and Timeline

Your tea party starts the moment the invite arrives. Whether digital or printed, choose tea party invitations that reflect your theme and let guests know what to expect (and what to wear!).

Planning Timeline Example

• 4 Weeks Before: pick day/time, make guest list and send invitations, plan table, order décor and tableware.
• 2 Weeks Before: create playlist, plan activities and games, order fresh flowers for centerpieces
• 1 Week Before: deep clean and prep your space, confirm RSVPs, make grocery list
• 2-3 Days Before: go grocery shopping, start decorating
• Day Before: prep food, chill cold drinks, set up table
• Day Of: brew tea, put out place settings and tableware, set up games and activities, enjoy!

Want to Host Without the Stress?

Let’s be honest – planning a tea party sounds so fun – until you realize just how many small details there are. That’s why I created the Tea Party Hostess Handbook, a beautifully designed, done-for-you guide that helps you plan your perfect party with ease.

Inside you’ll find:

• customizable and printable invitations and thank you cards
• shoppable décor inspiration
• menu ideas with tea pairings
• printable tea leaf reading guide
• printable master planning checklist
• and so much more!

This how-to guide has over 50 pages of valuable information so whether you’re a first time tea party host, or a seasoned party planner, you can take the guesswork out of the equation and just focus on the fun!

Final Thoughts: Tea Parties Are More Than Just Tea

At the heart of every tea party is connection. It’s about creating space to celebrate, savor, and share joyful moments with people you love. With a little planning, a few vintage touches, and a whole lot of charm, you can host a tea party that feels like something out of a fairytale.