High Tea Party Ideas For Adults
If you’re anything like me, you adore finding new, exciting ways to gather friends and family for a memorable time. So why not host a high tea party for adults. Yes, you heard it right, adults! Because who said tea parties are just for kids?
Let’s brew up some fun, sprinkle in a dash of elegance, and stir in heaps of laughter to create the ultimate adult tea party that even the Mad Hatter would envy. Ready? Let’s spill the tea on making your tea party the talk of the town!
How to Host a Tea Party for Adults
1. Pick a Posh or Playful Theme
First things first, let’s chat themes. A theme can turn your tea party from “nice” to “Woah, when can we do this again?” faster than you can say “pass the scones.” Are you feeling fancy? Go for a “Downton Abbey” vibe with vintage teacups and pearls. Or, if you’re in the mood for something more relaxed and fun, how about a “Mad Hatter” party with wild hats and colorful decorations? The sky’s the limit!
2. Dress to Impress (or to Express!)
Encourage your guests to dress according to your theme. Nothing says “I’m here for a good time” like showing up in a flapper dress for a Roaring ’20s tea party or donning a fascinator for a British-inspired afternoon. It’s all about having fun and maybe stepping out of your everyday wear into something a little more fabulous or outlandish.
3. The Tea: From Classic to Quirky
Now, let’s talk about the star of the show, the tea! Sure, you can serve classic flavors like Earl Grey or English Breakfast, but why not mix it up with some fun blends? Think “Chocolate Mint” or “Lavender Chamomile.” Set up a “blend your own tea” station for an interactive twist. And for those who might want a little extra kick, offer some tea-infused cocktails!
4. Scrumptious Snacks: Beyond the Ordinary
Move over, cucumber sandwiches (okay, maybe keep a few of those, they’re a classic for a reason). Let’s get creative with our snack game. Mini quiches, flavored scones (think: cranberry-orange or cheddar-chive), and adorable tea cookies shaped like teapots make for a delightful spread. And for a cheeky nod to our childhoods, how about some upscale PB&J bites? Gourmet and nostalgic!
5. Set the Scene: Decor and Ambiance
Your decor sets the mood, so whether you’re going elegant or eclectic, make it magical. Use lace tablecloths for a touch of sophistication or bright, mismatched tableware for a burst of fun. String lights, floral arrangements, or even playful centerpieces (like teapots brimming with flowers) can add that special touch. And don’t forget the music, whether it’s classical tunes to soothe or jazz to keep things lively.
6. Fun and Games: Let Loose!
Who says adults can’t have fun with games? Plan a few activities to keep the vibe lively. A hat contest for the most outrageous or elegant headwear, tea trivia, or even a simple game of croquet in the backyard can spark laughter and create unforgettable moments.
7. Take-Home Treasures: Favors to Remember
Send your guests home with a little something to remember the day. Personalized tea bags, mini teacups, or homemade cookies wrapped in pretty packaging can make for the perfect parting gift. It’s a sweet way to say “Thanks for making this day fabulous!”
8. Capture the Memories: Snap Away!
Don’t forget to document the fun. Whether it’s a designated photo area with props (think: feather boas, oversized sunglasses, and fancy hats) or you’re snapping candid shots throughout the party, these photos will be treasures. Share them with your guests afterward for a lovely reminder of the tea-lightful time you all had.
Tips for Hosting an Adults High Tea Party
So let’s get into the nitty-gritty of throwing an absolutely fabulous tea party for adults. We’re talking about the kind of party that will have your friends texting you for weeks, saying, “Can we please do that again?”
So, grab your notepad, a pen that makes you feel fancy, and let’s plan a tea party that’s bound to be a hit. Here are some tips, including the all-important question: How much food do I actually need? Plus, some fun food ideas to get your menu started!
Tip #1: Know Your Numbers
When it comes to food, the golden question is, “How much?” Nobody wants hungry guests, but we also don’t want to be eating leftovers for a month. A good rule of thumb for a high tea is about 3-4 pieces of each type of food per person. This includes your savories (like sandwiches and quiches), scones, and sweets. People tend to nibble and try a bit of everything, so variety is your friend here.
Tip #2: Savory Before Sweet
Start with the savory. Think beyond the traditional cucumber sandwich and branch out to things such as some mini caprese skewers with a balsamic drizzle? Or tiny puff pastry tarts filled with goat cheese and caramelized onions? Remember, we’re adults here; we can handle more than one flavor at a time!
Tip #3: Scones are Non-Negotiable
Scones are the backbone of any tea party. But who says you have to stick with plain old raisin? Get wild with flavors like lemon-poppy seed or cheddar and chive. And don’t forget the clotted cream and jam, because if you’re going to do scones, you’ve got to do them right.
Tip #4: Sweet Endings
After the savories and scones, bring on the sweets! Miniature desserts are the way to go because they’re just so darn cute. Think bite-sized lemon curd tarts, chocolate-dipped strawberries, and macarons in flavors that make your taste buds dance (hello, salted caramel and pistachio).
Tip #5: Don’t Forget Special Diets
We’ve all got that one friend who’s gluten-free, vegan, or navigating some other dietary restriction. Make sure there are options for everyone, so no one’s left munching on the garnish. Today, there are tons of recipes out there that cater to just about any need, and trust me, your friends will notice and appreciate the effort.
Tip #6: The Element of Surprise
Want to truly stand out? Add an unexpected element to your tea party. How about a DIY bubble tea station for a modern twist? Or savory scones with unique fillings like bacon and maple, or feta and spinach? Surprise your guests with your creativity and watch their delight as they discover each new flavor.
Tip #7: Presentation is Everything
We eat with our eyes first, so make it a feast for the senses. Use tiered cake stands to display your treats, mix and match teacups for an eclectic vibe, or go for a color theme. Little touches, like flowers in teapots or personalized name cards, can make your guests feel extra special.
Tip #8: Tea Selection
While food is a big part of the high tea experience, let’s not forget about the tea itself! Offer a range of teas, from the classic black and green teas to more adventurous blends like white tea with pomegranate or a spicy chai. Consider having a little “tea menu” so guests can choose what tickles their fancy.
How to Set up an Adults Tea Party Table
Setting up a table for your adult’s high tea party is not just about putting food on a table; it’s about creating an experience that dazzles the eyes and delights the senses. Here are some tips to turn your high tea table into a captivating scene straight out of a storybook.
Tip #1: Choose Your Canvas Wisely
First up, pick the right table. You want something that’s not too crowded but has enough space to display your tasty treats. A long table can work beautifully, allowing you to set up everything in an easily accessible manner. Cover it with a tablecloth that complements your theme, lace for elegance, bright colors for fun, or floral patterns for a classic high tea vibe.
Tip #2: Layer, Layer, Layer
Think of your table setup as a three-dimensional painting. Start with a base, your tablecloth, then add layers. Use tiered cake stands for your sandwiches, scones, and sweets; they not only save space but also add height and grandeur to your table. Place a variety of platters and trays around these for your other treats, ensuring there’s a little something within reach of every guest.
Tip #3: A Teapot for Every Taste
What’s a tea party without an array of teapots? If you have a collection, now’s the time to show it off. Each teapot can contain a different type of tea, black, green, herbal, fruit-infused which gives your guests the pleasure of choice. Arrange these teapots near the center of the table, making them the crown jewels of your setup. Don’t forget to include a little label or a fancy tag with the name of each tea, so guests know what they’re pouring.
Tip #4: The Finer Details: Utensils and Napkins
Every artist pays attention to the details, and so should you. Ensure there are plenty of teaspoons, cake forks, and knives for spreading jam and cream on scones. Cloth napkins add a touch of sophistication and can be folded or rolled creatively to enhance your table’s visual appeal. A napkin ring or a simple ribbon tied around each can add an extra pop of color or elegance.
Tip #5: Flowers and Foliage
No high tea table is complete without a touch of nature. Flowers and greenery can transform your table, adding life and vibrancy. You don’t need elaborate floral arrangements; even simple bouquets or single stems in small vases can make a big impact. If your theme allows, consider edible flowers as part of your decorations, pretty, and practical!
Tip #6: Lighting and Ambiance
The right lighting can make your high tea table feel magical. If your party is in the afternoon, natural light is your best friend. But if it’s later in the day, or you’re indoors, soft, diffused light works wonders. Fairy lights, candles (safely placed, of course), or even a string of lanterns can add a warm, inviting glow.
Tip #7: Personal Touches
Finally, sprinkle your table with personal touches that speak to your unique style or the theme of your party. Place cards with guests’ names, handwritten menus, or a small favor beside each setting makes your guests feel special and valued. These details show the thought and care you’ve put into creating a memorable experience.
Tea Party Games for Adults
Who says adults can’t have just as much fun, if not more, with party games? High tea parties provide the perfect backdrop for some fun and laughter. Here are some fantastically fun game ideas that will have your guests giggling over their teacups and creating memories that’ll last long after the last crumb of scone has been devoured.
1. Teacup Treasure Hunt
Hide tiny treasures around your party area, think miniature tea packets, cute teaspoons, or even little notes with quotes about tea. Give your guests a list of the treasures to find. The first one to find them all, or the most within a set time, wins a prize. It’s a great way to get everyone mingling and exploring your party space.
2. Hat Parade
Encourage your guests to arrive in their most outrageous or elegant hats. Mid-party, have a hat parade where everyone gets to strut their stuff and show off their headgear. You can have categories like “Most Elegant,” “Most Outrageous,” and “Best DIY.” Let everyone vote on their favorites, and award the winners with fun, tea-themed prizes.
3. Tea Leaf Pictionary
This one puts a tea-themed twist on the classic game of Pictionary. Prepare cards with phrases or words related to tea (like “Mad Hatter,” “Earl Grey,” “scone,” etc.). Split your guests into teams, and have them take turns drawing while their team guesses. The team with the most correct guesses wins. It’s a hilarious way to see who can doodle the best cuppa!
4. “Spill the Tea” Storytime
Gather ’round for a storytelling game where “spilling the tea” is taken quite literally. Each guest takes a turn drawing a card with a prompt for a funny or embarrassing story related to a theme (e.g., “worst date,” “school blunder,” “cooking disaster”). After everyone has shared their stories, vote on the one that was the most entertaining. This game is fantastic for lots of laughs and getting to know each other better.
5. Tea Tasting Blindfold Challenge
Turn the art of tea tasting into a competitive game. Blindfold your guests and have them taste a variety of teas. They must guess the type of tea or specific flavors in a blend. The person with the most correct guesses wins a prize. It’s a fun way to engage the senses and test everyone’s tea knowledge.
6. Scone Sculpting
Who knew scones could be so versatile? Provide some ready-made scone dough and challenge your guests to sculpt it into creative shapes before baking. Offer categories like “Most Artistic,” “Most Realistic,” and “Most Tea-Themed.” It’s a great way to get hands-on and have a bit of creative fun. Plus, you get to eat the results!
7. Tea Trivia
Test your guests’ tea knowledge with a round of tea trivia. Compile questions about the history of tea, types of tea, tea etiquette, and famous tea quotes. Split your guests into teams and see who emerges as the tea trivia champions. It’s both educational and entertaining!
We’ve zipped through a whole bunch of super tips to help you throw the most amazing grown-up tea party ever. From dressing up your table to look like a million bucks, to whipping up snacks that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance, we’ve covered it all.
So, grab your favorite teapot, call up your friends, and get ready for a tea-rrific time. Remember, it’s all about sharing smiles, sipping tea, and making those fun memories. Let’s make your tea party the one everyone talks about. Heres to throwing the best tea party in town!
