How to Select a Theme for a Tea Party

Create an old English garden party by setting a Victorian-era theme. Picture ladies wearing white or lace gloves and holding dainty napkins and handkerchiefs to conjure up ideas. Go a step further and pay tribute to a famous person like 18th-century author Jane Austen. Have a copy of her famous novel "Pride And Prejudice" on hand to read from and label tables after her other works. But whatever you decide, have all the details match your theme.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Idea of the overall budget
• Tableware
• Notebook

Explore Ideas for a Theme

1. Brainstorm ideas to select a theme. Think about what you want to accomplish. If you want to make your party different fore go the English tea party and formulate another idea.
2. Hold a modern era tea party such as an '80s- or '70s-themed event. Ask your guests to come dressed like their favorite singer from a particular era, such as Madonna. Decorate and set your tables accordingly using black lace gloves, unique teapots, and funky glasses for tea cups.
3. Have a spring-themed tea party. Request each guest wear a hat with flowers. Decorate each table with spring flowers. Select little flower bulbs to give as favors and have citrus-flavored teas and drinks.
4. Evaluate when to have the tea party, as this could affect your theme. Find ideas for themes and party planning tips at Evite (see Resources below).

Select Details of the Theme

5. Consider your budget. If you do not have enough china or dishes for the size of the event, visit thrift stores to purchase inexpensive pieces. Or mix different patterns of table-settings for a funky look.
6. Have a table decorating contest. When you send out invitations, get volunteers to come up with a theme for a particular table. This person will be responsible for the place-settings and decorations. This is a good way to save money and have fun.
7. Have place-setting cards that match your theme. Include a quote from a famous person who is significant to the theme on each card (such as Queen Elizabeth or Jane Austen). Get quotes by topic or author at FamousQuotes.com (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• Pick flowers for your tea party right from your own yard to save money. Tulips in vases make elegant table arrangements.
• Take into consideration who you will be inviting when you plan your theme. You might invite a light-hearted bunch that would be open to new ideas, or you might choose a more conservative group. Whatever the case, gear your theme appropriately.

Who Can Help:

• Find Decorators & Designers Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.