Want to host a tea party but not sure where to begin? Follow these simple tips to plan a lovely afternoon or high tea in five easy steps.
The calendar is moving fast—May is almost here and Mother’s Day is right around the corner. If you’re still deciding how to celebrate, consider hosting a tea party to make Mom’s day special.
Imagine dressing up in a pretty spring hat while sipping a warm cup of tea. Whether you enjoy entertaining often or this will be a special one-time event, a tea party is a delightful way to gather friends and family.
We’re AnnMarie and Anne, two moms who love sharing simple, budget-friendly ideas for decorating, recipes, DIY projects, and life with older teens. Every month we join friends for a virtual supper club to share tablescapes and menus—this month our theme is tea parties. We’re also excited to welcome Brendt from She Gave It a Go as our guest host; her blog is full of faith, family, and farmhouse-style inspiration.
If you’re visiting from Jen at Midwest Life & Style or you’re new here, hello and welcome!
Why Host a Tea Party
Tea parties are versatile and fun, and they don’t need to be complicated or costly. They work any time of year and suit many occasions—Mother’s Day, birthdays, Galentine’s gatherings, baby or bridal showers, or a relaxed girls’ night. Tea parties are appropriate for a wide range of ages, from little ones to adults.
It’s helpful to know the difference between afternoon tea and high tea. Afternoon tea—also called low tea—is the classic tea party image: light sandwiches, scones, and tea served while seated in low chairs or on sofas. High tea is a British, working-class tradition, served at a table in higher chairs with heartier dishes after a long workday. Many modern gatherings mix elements of both: light fare served at a table, which is exactly what we did for our event.
How to Set the Table
Start with your best dishes. For this tablescape we used wedding china to create an elegant but approachable place setting. A dark charger beneath the plates adds contrast and anchors the look, while warm-toned flatware complements gold accents on the china.
Folded cotton napkins placed beneath the cutlery help the metalware stand out. For a relaxed, farmhouse touch, tie the napkin and flatware with a burlap ribbon or similar rustic accent. Mixing delicate china teacups with more casual elements creates a balanced, inviting feel.
Styling the Tablescape
Blend traditional and farmhouse pieces for a modern, casual tablescape. Natural materials—wood risers, linen runners, and greenery—bring texture and warmth to the table. Use cake stands and wooden risers to display teapots, creamers, and sugar bowls at varying heights.
Two-tiered trays or tiered cake stands are perfect for arranging finger foods and pastries. Scatter a few unique tea bags or small decorative items across the tablescape to add interest. Skinny linen runners woven down the center create a layered, relaxed look without overwhelming the table.
Place rustic serving pieces—mini cutting boards, round wood boards, and small baskets—around the table. When the food is part of the display, it doubles as your centerpiece and frees up space for small decorative accents like faux greenery orbs in tiny wood baskets.
What to Serve
Light snacks work best for a classic tea party. Think tea sandwiches (egg salad, tuna salad, pimento cheese), roll-ups, and small savory bites. Pastries such as scones—blueberry or chocolate, for example—are classic choices. Sweet treats like chocolate-dipped macaroons are another lovely option.
If you prefer a healthier menu, plan items that fit your dietary preferences; many of the finger foods and scones can be adapted to low-carb or keto styles without sacrificing flavor.
Hosting an Adult Tea Party
For grown-up gatherings you can make a “tipsy tea” by adding a boozy cocktail or spiked tea served in oversized mugs. These adult beverages are great for a brunch-style tea or a relaxed afternoon with friends—just keep them separate from the classic teacups for clarity.
Whether you plan an afternoon tea, a high tea, a low tea on the sofa, or a tipsy tea for adults, thoughtful small touches—comfortable seating, pretty tableware, layered textures, and tasty bites—will make your gathering memorable.
More Inspiration
If you’d like more tablescape ideas, we share monthly collaborations featuring friends who bring their own styles to the tea party theme. Rachel from The Pond’s Farmhouse, Stacy from Bricks ’n Blooms, Michele from Vintage Home Design, Jen from Midwest Life & Style, and our guest host Brendt each offer beautiful examples and fresh inspiration.
We hope these ideas inspire you to host your own tea party—simple, elegant, and full of charm. If you have questions or want suggestions for your menu or styling, leave a comment and tell us where you’re visiting from. We’d love to hear from you.
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