You’re not old if you’re past the rave party stage in your life and all-night outings–you’re probably just: an adult! While putting on your PJs and binge-watching your favourite show sounds like the perfect Friday evening plan, from time to time we all need to gather with the people we love accompanied by good food and drinks. Enter unique tea parties!
Made of small thoughtful pieces combined to make your guests feel appreciated and honoured, tea parties are becoming the millennial way to have fun. The food, beverages and setting are different from usual and more elegant than clubbing, making this gathering a unique way to take time out of busyness, slow down, relax and enjoy. These parties are excellent for Mother’s Day and bachelorette groups.
3 Tips for a Lovely Tea Party
Do you want to host a tea party but aren’t sure how? There are more ways to do it. Sticking to the tea-drinking etiquette can help you achieve the traditional tone of the strict-rule tea-drinking experience you see in Bridgerton or read about in Jane Austen’s novels. Modern and personal tea parties allow greater freedom for enhanced uniqueness. However you choose to do it, remember to have fun! Regardless of the tone or topic you decide on, the following tips can help you.
1. Set It Up
A well-arranged table where you can serve a flavourful tea accompanied by the right snacks makes the perfect setup, the number one thing for a successful tea party.
The Table
A sophisticated tablecloth, whether made of crisp, clean linen or one that reflects the party theme, is a great starting point for your table and will set a sophisticated tone for the rest of your tea, tableware, and décor. A gorgeous tea set is essential to make it authentic and create the perfect tea-drinking experience.
Most well-equipped tea shops online provide classic and modern tea cup sets, and a short online browse can help you find a trustworthy one that also sells lovely tea cup sets in bulk. That’s incredibly important for finding quality pieces at affordable prices, especially if you’re throwing a big party, as you’ll need many teapots and cups. Choose one based on the tea party's theme and the range of tea you intend to serve.
Whether shopping for tea cup sets in bulk or regularly, opt for non-porous materials such as glass, ceramic, cast iron, and fine bone china. They come in a variety of forms, sizes, and designs. A quality bone china set with a teapot and cups in a classic form and flower pattern can be the finest choice if you're having a typical English tea party. Select a black cast-iron tea cup set, which works best for making black and green teas, for an Eastern flair. A beautiful glazed ceremonial set that includes a lead-free bowl, a handcrafted whisk, and a tea scoop made of sustainable bamboo is essential if you intend to serve matcha.
Regardless of the shape of the table, you should keep the teapot close to you for convenience because you will be the one pouring the hot drink for your visitors. Sugar and cream carafe bowls should be kept handy. Each place setting should have a teacup, saucer, teaspoon, snack plate, napkin, and any additional utensils that visitors will need for the refreshments. For a versatile table style, combine teaware and tableware styles, or pair them to provide an appealing look.
The Tea
Get the tea brewing and start pouring! Rather than using individual tea bags, it’s best to serve from a teapot for a more refined experience. To do it right, first, pour boiling water into your teapot to warm it up—this simple trick helps keep your tea hotter for longer. Then, add your loose leaves or tea bags, pour in hot water, and let it steep. If you’re using loose leaves, ensure to strain them before serving.
Offer a variety of teas to suit different tastes. Classic choices like English breakfast, peppermint, jasmine, Darjeeling, and black Ceylon are always a hit. And don’t forget the extras! Provide different sweeteners such as honey, brown sugar, and sugar cubes, along with a splash of milk for those who prefer it. A well-thought-out tea selection ensures everyone finds their perfect cup.
The Snacks
Keep it simple with the utensils—tea party treats are best enjoyed with your hands! Classic options include tea sandwiches, scones, muffins, and cakes, with scones, traditionally served alongside jam, clotted cream (a thick, full-cream British favourite), and a good brew of tea.
Use a tiered cake stand to display your food beautifully for a traditional touch. A good spread features a variety—cucumber, ham and cheese, salmon with cream cheese, and egg salad are all timeless picks, often served separately or on the lowest tier.
The second tier holds heartier baked treats like scones and muffins, meant to be enjoyed after the savouries but before the final sweet course. The top tier is reserved for delicate desserts.
2. Stunning Décor to Set the Scene 
The right décor can elevate your tea party from simple to spectacular. Start with a theme—classic English garden, vintage chic, or whimsical Alice in Wonderland. Fresh flowers in dainty vases add a touch of elegance, while fairy lights or candles create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Table settings matter just as much. Choose elegant tablecloths, lace runners, or pastel placemats to match your theme. If you want to go the extra mile, add personalised place cards or handwritten menus for a charming touch.
3. Fun Games to Keep the Conversation Flowing
A tea party isn’t just about sipping tea—it’s also about having fun! Lighthearted games can add an extra layer of enjoyment and keep guests engaged. Try a tea-tasting challenge where guests guess different tea flavours or play ‘Guess the Quote’ with famous lines from classic literature.
For something more interactive, a “best-dressed” contest can encourage guests to embrace the theme and show off their most stylish outfits. If you’re hosting a bridal or baby shower, a heartfelt trivia game about the guest of honour is always a hit. And of course, if you want to keep things simple, a round of charades or Pictionary with tea-related words is a guaranteed laugh.