A tea party for adults is a wonderful excuse to dress up, eat pastries and spill some tea with your girls (or guys). Today, we chat about how to throw a fun-filled tea party that all your friends will enjoy!
From decorations, menu, and post-dinner games, we have everything you need!
Elegant Decor Ideas for Your Tea Party
I was ten years old when I got my first catering job.
Dressed in black, with a fake moustache drawn on and only my sister and mom for backup, we worked my youngest sister’s tea party. High tea was served for a dozen five-year-olds, complete with fancy tea cups and a teapot-shaped birthday cake.
Because of this core memory, it was only a matter of time until one of us finally hosted a tea party.
That time has finally arrived!
My sister had the wonderful idea of having dessert set out already when we arrived, something I would highly recommend. Also on the table were two options of iced tea. She had steeped a mixed berry tea and mint honey tea, adding some extra fresh mint to the pitcher. Dinner was still a while off, so we happily feasted on tea and desserts.
She completed the table with a simple plaid tablecloth, pretty napkins and cookies set out on plates. We each had a small saucer and cup – perfect for tasting multiple types of teas!
Having chilled tea options, especially in the warmer months, is a must!
The Menu: Finger Foods and Sweet Treats
While pregnant, egg salad sandwiches were one of my biggest cravings. I’m still very happy to see them show up on the table, especially in finger-sandwich form.
She had prepared several finger sandwiches, including ham and Swiss croissants, egg salad and spinach on wheat bread, and a cucumber sandwich with cream cheese and spicy jam filling. Additionally, she also prepared bacon and cream cheese-wrapped asparagus and served mini quiches.
This is the perfect time to bring out your favourite finger foods! Don’t underestimate how much time and prep they can be. Adding in a few “just toss in the oven” items will allow you to focus on some more intricate pieces.
She made blueberry scones with whipped maple butter. I’ve seen whipped butters online, and they are very much worth the hype. The next time we enjoy a Maple Dinner party, it will be going on the menu!
Lastly, for the aforementioned desserts, she kept it simple (this was a weekday!) and bought powdered doughnuts served with fruit kabobs and other little cookies.
Tea Taste Test & Spilling Tea
At one point, the question “What are you supposed to talk about at tea parties?” was raised. We are a group of people who rarely have a quiet moment between us when together, but it did feel like there may be some specific topics we needed to discuss as part of the experience.
Gossip was what was ultimately decided. We went around sharing gossip. To gamify this, make your guests guess if this is a piece of gossip you have heard or if you made it up.
Lastly, we had a tea taste test where we had to guess the flavour of the teas. Each of us had brought different teas to try, so we had about six different types.
When all was said and done, I think I had about eight different flavours of tea throughout the evening.
What To Bring: Thoughtful Gift Ideas For Your Host
A tea party is typically very cutesy, so lean into that. A box of your favourite teas, a flower bouquet or a cute little tea steeper are all going to be hits.
Have you ever been to a tea party as an adult? I’d love to hear about it!
