How to Host a Tea Party

A tea party is perfect for many special occasions, from bridal showers and baby showers to garden parties and holiday gatherings. Tea parties can be formal or casual. The most important part of planning a tea party is being a gracious host and making your guests feel welcome with plenty of good food and drink.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Choose Invitations

1. Select a small group of people who will get along and complement one another's personalities. Between 6 and 10 guests is a good number for a tea party.
2. Select handmade invitations, embellished with pressed flowers or made from rice paper or other beautiful stationery.
3. Include all the pertinent information about the party such as time, location, RSVP date and phone number.
4. Explain the theme of the party and the occasion (for example, a baby shower, mother's day tea or holiday bridal shower).
5. Mail the invitations four weeks in advance of the party date.

Choose Decorations

6. Select a color scheme for your tea party to help guide the rest of your decorations.
7. Set up two tables: one for the buffet and one for dining.
8. Cover each table with tablecloths. Layer different colors and patterns for a luxurious look.
9. Select seasonal flowers and place them in vases throughout the room.
10. Make place cards that match your tea party theme, such as writing guests names on real leaves for an Autumn theme or on plain glass ornaments for a Christmas tea party.
11. Set the dining table with linen napkins or good quality paper. Add pretty china, polished silver and sparkling crystal glasses.

Choose a Menu

12. Select one or two teas with similar flavoring, such as Ceylon tea and Earl Grey.
13. Offer guests an assortment of dainty sandwiches with seasonal fillings, such as ham and asparagus for a spring tea party, or roast beef and Dijon mustard for a winter tea party.
14. Prepare one seasonal soup, such as pumpkin bisque for an autumn tea party. Accompany soups with oyster crackers or small biscuits.
15. Select desserts that are delicate and bite sized. Heart-shaped scones with strawberry jam are perfect for a summer tea party, while apple tarts are a good choice for an autumn tea.
16. Send guests home with favors of assorted teas in cellophane bags, tied with pretty bows.

Tips & Warnings

• In Victorian times, flowers were never placed on the table, as their scent might overpower that of the food and tea. Instead, place flowers around the perimeter of the room.

Who Can Help:

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