Consider your guest’s schedules when planning a tea party. It may be difficult to have a party during the afternoon during the week when people are working. A weekend would be ideal if you plan to have it in the afternoon.
When you send everyone invitations, you’ll get them excited that they’re all special guests for a posh event. That common ground makes it easier for them to break the ice if they don’t all know each other yet. It is, of course, okay to invite more than eight people. Just make sure to have enough tea and snacks available. You can ask your guests to bring items, like extra tea or desserts.
It will also be helpful and decorative to set out tablecloths. White linen or lace tablecloths are traditional, but you can also purchase disposable tablecloths if you want to make it easier to clean. A tea party is a very hands-on event, so start by providing china, tea cups and decor that will wow your guests for sure. What they see and feel at your tea party will set a tone of elegance. The more effort you put into creating a stunning ambiance, the more likely the event will be a smash hit and a fun memory that everyone talks about for years to come.
You can serve iced tea if you’re having the tea party during a warm part of the year. You can also buy drinks such as coffee and lemonade for those that don’t like tea.
Some common types of sandwiches served as tea parties are salmon club, crab, smoked salmon and avocado, and carrot and raisin. A few classic scone flavors are lemon drizzle, walnut, and cherry. Cookies and cakes are also nice to have out after sandwiches are served. Put jams out to pair with the scones. Strawberry, rhubarb and ginger, and jumbleberry are some options for jam flavors. Don’t forget about the macarons!
You should set out tea pots and tea cups for the tea. Set out trays and cake stands for the food. You should also have plates and cutlery available to either be picked up next to the food, or placed at the tables. Place napkins, doilies, and name signs out if you want people to sit in certain places. Name signs are also a wonderful touch because it helps your guests put a name to a face and have an easier time socializing or even building brand new friendships.
Set out coffee or any other drinks you anticipate your guests may want. Take this time to look around the room one more time to make sure everything is ready. If the guests serve tea themselves, they can chat with each other about how fun the little ritual is. They can even swap stories about other tea parties they’ve been to, their favorite ways to prepare tea, or their favorite flavors of tea.
You can suggest a dress code in your invitations if you wish for your guests to dress a certain way. Elegant ensembles are a great way to get strangers to start up conversations and compliment one another. Themed outfits also give them a chance to discuss the inspiration behind their attire.
You may not be available to greet each person as they walk in. If you can’t, greet them as soon as you’re available. Warmth and familiarity are wonderful ways to show people how much you care about them as honored guests. You’ll also prove you that cherish them as friends.
Make sure anything they would need with the tea, like honey, sugar, and milk is out on the table.
If the party is for very young children, consider common nap times. Parties at night would probably not be the ideal time for children.
A popular theme like a fairy tale, storybook, or movie also gives all the kids a chance to bond over their favorite scenes and characters. They might even make new friends!
You can find websites that have downloadable invitation templates. Some are free, but others cost money. If you hand out colorful and whimsical invitations, then you’ll definitely spark a lot of enthusiasm and get the kids excited about the event if they already spend time with each other as buddies.
You can buy tea sets made for children. Many of them, however, are expensive and easily breakable. You can purchase supplies at party stores, like Party City. You can also purchase supplies online. Just make sure you purchase the items in enough time for them to be delivered by the date of the party.
Consider if parents will be staying when planning the food and tea. If some parents will be staying, buy hot tea, cold tea, and wine.
If possible, ask the parents about potential allergies when planning the menu.
For an Alice in Wonderland theme, you could set out the book and place figurines from the story out on the table. For a Chinese theme, put out chopsticks for the food and hang up Chinese lanterns.
Not only is setting out costumes inclusive, but it also gives kids common ground to chat about why they chose the characters they did.
Make sure to have plenty of napkins available in case of spillage.
You should place the leaves in shallow bowls and put out spoons for the tea leaves.
For a mystery tea party, the host has a booklet that includes the instructions, script, name tags, and place cards. Each guest has a character and role to play according to the script. A mystery is acted out and solved by the guests. For an Alice in Wonderland theme, send out invitations telling guests to “not be late for a very important date with the white rabbit. ” Decorate the area several mismatched tea pots and cups, clocks, paper lanterns, and quotes from the book. Play chess and lawn croquet. Ask guests to show up dressed as characters, like the Mad Hatter and Alice. [5] X Research source
Costumes are also awesome conversation starters. Whenever you have a mixed crowd, it’s important to give them a fun topic to talk about. Your guests will definitely love discussing their festive attire.
You can also find tea party playlists online. Set out a CD player, record player, or connect your iPod or smartphone to speakers to play the music.
