How to Serve & Invite People for a Tea Party

Invite some good friends over for a tea party.

An old-fashioned tea party is still a stylish and classy way to entertain a few good friends. Sitting with close friends over tea, light conversation or even the latest juicy gossip has long been a pleasure for women. Follow the proper etiquette for inviting and serving your guests at a tea party to make your social gathering a complete success.

Things You'll Need

• Invitations
• China tea set
• Linen napkins
• Variety of teas
• Decorative basket or silver serving bowl
• Teapot

Instructions

1. Make a guest list and scrutinize it carefully to make sure everyone on the list gets along, or hasn't had the chance to meet yet. Tea parties are a fun way to meet new friends.

2. Purchase and fill-out some invitations. Choose fancy invitations for a formal indoor tea party, or some floral printed cards for a garden tea party.

3. Fill out and send your invitations at least two weeks before the party. Include the date, time and address of the party. Include the dress-code for the party by adding a line at the end of the invitation such as, "This occasion is formal" or "Dress for a garden party."

4. Set a table, whether indoors or out, with your tea set. Include a sugar bowl, saucers and teacups. Fold linen napkins and stuff them into the teacups so the edges fan out of the cup. Place a vase of fresh-cut flowers at the center of the table for decor.

5. Fill a basket with tea bags of all kinds. Offer fruity flavored teas, mild teas, and black tea. Consider trying some new varieties along with the teas you already enjoy. Place them in a decorative basket for a garden party, or a silver serving bowl for a formal tea.

6. Keep the hot water going with a teapot on the stove. Refill the teapot as the party progresses so you don't run out.

References

• The Tea Party Club: Tea Party Invitations