I love the charm of tea parties. A tea party is such a delightful way to bring people together and create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Are you thinking of throwing a tea party soon? Tea parties are so versatile and are the perfect kind of party for all sorts of special occasions. It doesn’t even matter if you’re a party planning pro or if you’re starting from scratch– You can’t go wrong with a warm and sweet tea party to gather friends or family. (Side note: Check out my 50 excuses to throw a tea party!)
If you’re on the lookout for ideas for your gathering, you’ve come to the right place. I’m going to share a ton of fun theme ideas, as well as some general tips for hosting a tea party that will leave your guests charmed and delighted. Whether you’re going for a casual tea-blending bash or a sophisticated black and white affair, I’ve got you covered.
Do you want to throw an epic tea party that will have your guests raving and asking about the next one? Even the most creatively themed tea party could fall flat if you don’t have the basics down. Not to worry, here are a few general tips to get that party whipped into shape.
What makes a tea party special? Tea and cake, right? Wrong! Your guests, of course! No tea party would be complete without a group of people who are ready to socialize and have a good time.
One of the most exciting parts of planning a tea party is designing and sending out invitations. This is your chance to make your guests feel special and get them hyped up for the party to come. A thoughtful invitation can go a long way… If you can manage to send out real invitations in the mail, it will make your guests feel that much more important, and they’ll also be more likely to attend.
In your invitations be sure to include guidance such as what to wear, how hungry to be upon arrival, and, of course, the theme! You might say, for example, “Smart casual dress code, especially pastels, florals, and flowy attire. Consider bringing sunglasses and a hat since we’ll be out in the garden! Light finger foods will be served.” This information is a huge help to your guests and will make sure they feel prepared and confident on their way to your party.
Before you can send out invitations, you need to know your guest list. Don’t underestimate the importance of a well-crafted list, since it can make or break your party. Decide how many guests you’d like to invite… Are you going for a more intimate vibe, or a bigger one? What is your budget for the party? Make sure you have the resources to host your intended size of gathering, including table settings and/or seating.
Once you know your party size, you still have to choose who to invite. Keep in mind that your guests don’t need to all know each other, although it’s helpful to have a friend or two in attendance for each guest, or else allow a plus one. It’s your job as a host to bring everyone at your party together and make sure nobody feels left out or awkward, so plan your guest list accordingly and plan on being an attentive host once the party actually begins.
If there’s one thing everyone can count on at a tea party, it’s tea. But not all tea is created equal, and not all people like the same tea. The best thing you can do as a host is to find high quality tea for your party, and have a few different options for your guests. It’s also a great idea to have herbal tea available or even lemonade or cocoa (depending on the season), in case you have a guest who isn’t actually a fan of tea.
Make sure you choose tea varieties and blends that are appropriate for the season. If you’re serving a flavored tea, fruity and floral blends make the most sense during spring and summer, while vanilla or spiced black teas are a staple of colder months.
You might also serve iced tea in the summertime, especially if your party is outdoors. Overall, make sure you have a few high quality tea and beverage options for your guests to choose from, so everyone ends up satisfied and can quench their thirst. Having milk, sugar, and honey available is also a good idea– Or cream, if you’re like me.
And now, here are some theme ideas to get your creative juices flowing… Let this list inspire you to create the best ever tea party!
Choose a classic tearoom or a venue dripping with vintage charm to transport guests to a bygone era. This theme is so much fun as a host! You get to decorate with antique teacups, delicate lace tablecloths, and vintage floral arrangements– So intoxicating! Let your guests know about the vintage theme and encourage a traditional vintage dress code. For music. put on some classic vintage records to embrace the theme. If you really want to go all out, you could even consider incorporating a live jazz band or a classic string quartet to enhance the ambiance.
Food: Indulge in the charm of traditional tea sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and dainty petit fours to really lean into the vintage vibes.
Tea: Classic teas like Earl Grey or Darjeeling are perfect for a vintage party!
Transform an indoor or outdoor space into an absolute wonderland with whimsical decorations and vibrant colors. Don’t be afraid to dive into the unexpected with eccentric and colorful decor, featuring mismatched tea sets for that whimsical touch. Set up a photo booth with props inspired by Alice in Wonderland characters for fun memories.
Food: An Alice in Wonderland Tea Party is the perfect excuse to have some fun with the menu! Playful treats like "Eat Me" cupcakes and whimsically crafted tea party pastries are called for.
Tea: Offer exotic and fruity tea blends to add a touch of Wonderland magic.
Embrace the beauty of nature with an outdoor garden or backyard setting, where flora becomes the backdrop. Garden tea parties are a classic, and a well-planned one can be so memorable and iconic. Surround the space with lush floral arrangements, pastel tablecloths, and natural elements for a garden-inspired ambiance. You could provide sun hats for guests if you’re expecting a sunny day!
Food: Savor the freshness with salads, classic tea sandwiches, and fruit tarts that complement the garden theme.
Tea: Opt for light and floral teas like chamomile or jasmine. An iced option is a great idea if it’s hot out!
This one is a favorite idea of mine… I really need to host a Masquerade Ball Tea Party! Set the stage in an elegant venue with an air of mystery and sophistication. Adorn the space with masquerade masks, rich colors, and the soft glow of candlelight for an enchanting atmosphere. Encourage guests to come in elegant attire, and consider supplying sparkly and mysterious masquerade masks for your guests to wear!
Food: Indulge in gourmet finger foods and decadent desserts.
Tea: Choose bold and robust teas like Assam or Chai.
Transport your guests to a magical woodland setting adorned with fairy lights, lanterns, and the enchantment of the forest. This theme is close to my heart, as it brings me back to warm summer nights with twinkly lights and lanterns at my childhood home. The basics are fairly simple, and you can go the extra mile to add that woodsy feel by decorating with mossy centerpieces, earthy tones, and maybe even whimsical woodland creatures. If your location allows for it, scatter soft blankets around for guests to cozy up in the enchanting forest setting.
Food: Serve rustic berry pastries, fruit skewers, and charcuterie-style crackers, meat, and cheese.
Tea: Opt for earthy and herbal blends like peppermint or forest berry.
I still remember my first Literary Tea Party. Tea and books are often loved by the same people, so it makes sense to throw a tea party incorporating both! Choose a cozy library or other book-themed venue for this occasion. Adorn the space with literary quotes and vintage books for a cozy bookworm atmosphere. If you’d like, incorporate book club-style discussions or literary trivia to engage guests. Poetry recitations can also be a great form of sophisticated entertainment.
Food: Enjoy literary-inspired treats that bring stories to life. If you know your guests well, choose a book they’re familiar with and use it to inspire your menu.
Tea: Offer literary-themed tea blends or classic English Breakfast.
It’s time to exude sophistication and class. Embrace modern chic in a sleek and monochromatic venue, with black and white table settings and simple place cards. Encourage guests to dress in black and white for a sophisticated monochromatic effect. Make sure your party favors are black and white too! Last but not least, require everyone to dye their hair black or white before attending (just kidding!).
Food: You guessed it– Serve black and white-themed treats. Blackberry and yogurt cups, black ice cream, and sesame crackers with cream cheese and olives are a few ideas.
Tea: Offer two tea options… a black tea and a white tea. Oh, how I love when tea fits so perfectly into a party theme!
Bon voyage! Embark on a travel-themed adventure with decor featuring maps, and flags from various countries. Include interesting teaware from around the world, and adorn the table with a globe as a centerpiece. Entertain your guests with trivia or with stories about each country to make it a fun and enriching experience.
Food: Explore international flavors with snacks and teas representing different regions of the world.
Tea: Offer a global tea selection, including Chinese green tea or Moroccan mint tea.
Enchant guests in a castle-like venue or garden. Decorating with tulle and sparkles is really the way to go to create an enchanting atmosphere that brings dreams to life. You can provide tiaras and/or magic wands for your guests if you’d like. Incorporate a fairy tale storytelling corner or a mini treasure hunt for added whimsy. Fairy tale themes aren’t just for children– they’re perfect for anyone who wants to leave reality behind for an enchanting party!
Food: Indulge in magical and whimsical treats.
Tea: Offer enchanting blends like chamomile with edible flowers or magical fruit infusions.
Just want to have some fun with tea and friends? Host a party where everyone can experiment with blending their own special tea. Set up a tea blending station with jars of loose tea leaves, dried edible flowers, and herbs. Make a sign with some recommended recipes in case your guests need some inspiration, and get blending!
Food: Provide simple finger foods in a variety of different flavors, so your guests can enjoy experimenting with tea and food pairings as well. Think pickles, cakes, cheeses, and quiches!
Tea: Offer a variety of loose tea leaves, herbs, fruit, spices, and edible flowers for guests to create their own custom blends.
Okay, what an adorable party this would be! Create a cozy indoor setting or a garden adorned with teddy bears, bringing a playful and whimsical touch to the atmosphere. Set up a small teddy bear picnic area for added charm, and invite your guests to bring their own bears to join in on the fun! This is a versatile theme that would be perfect for a kids’ tea party but also would be a lot of fun for adults who are children at heart!
Food: Serve teddy grahams, gummy bears, bear-shaped finger sandwiches, and other sweet treats that resonate with the theme.
Tea: For a children’s tea party, offer a selection of kid-friendly teas like fruit-infused or caffeine-free blends. For adults, consider a cinnamon spiced tea– that just screams teddy bear to me.
Tea parties don’t have to be fancy and formal. Host a delightful picnic in a scenic park, garden, or even your backyard, embracing the casual and carefree picnic ambiance. Use picnic blankets, cushions, and low tables, creating a relaxed and comfortable setting. If the weather is sunny and there aren’t big shade trees, you might consider providing sun hats for your guests, or putting up a canopy. Encourage guests to bring their favorite picnic blankets for a laid-back and enjoyable tea gathering.
Food: Prepare portable and picnic-friendly foods like tea sandwiches, fresh fruit, and bite-sized desserts.
Tea: Opt for refreshing iced teas in portable containers for easy sipping, or bring hot tea in insulated tumblers if the weather is cool enough.
I’m always dreaming about a romantic date night tea. You could host this in any romantic indoor or outdoor setting, such as a rooftop, garden, or a cozy corner at home, for an intimate date night. This tea party could be simply a party of two, a special night for you and your other half, or it could be a party with other couples as well. Set a romantic ambiance with candles, twinkly lights, and red roses. Create a playlist of romantic tunes, consider a tea-infused cocktail station, and encourage guests to get all dressed up for the romantic occasion.
Food: Indulge in gourmet finger foods, decadent chocolate desserts, and other aphrodisiac-inspired treats for an adorably romantic experience.
Tea: Serve aromatic and luxurious teas like jasmine pearls or rose-infused blends. Assuming the party is after dark, make sure to have a caffeine free or low caffeine option to avoid disrupting sleep that night.
In this article we've gone over the 3 most important hosting tips for a stellar tea party, as well as 13 creative tea party theme ideas.
I love tea parties so much, and if you’re thinking about hosting one, I say go for it! There aren’t enough tea parties in the world today, and I’m sure your guests will be so delighted to attend. I hope you’ve found this article inspiring. Now you’re all ready to get started on your party planning! Good luck!
Evelyn Boyer
© 2023 Always Time for Tea. All rights reserved.
All content on this blog is the property of Always Time for Tea and is protected by international copyright laws. The content is intended for personal, non-commercial use only. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution is strictly prohibited.
This blog post may contain affiliate links. This means that (at no additional cost to you) if you click on a link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission. We only recommend products and services that we carefully research and genuinely trust. Thank you for your support!
"Thank you for visiting my blog!"
~Evelyn
© 2024 Always Time for Tea. All rights reserved.
All content on this blog is the property of Always Time for Tea and is protected by international copyright laws. The content is intended for personal, non-commercial use only. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution is strictly prohibited.
Newsletter
Subscribe now to recieve a weekly tea lifestyle guide! (Pretty please check your spam/promotions if you don't see it in your inbox right away!)