Tea Party Planning

How to Plan a Tea Party: A Fun Guide for Kids and Grown-Ups

Ah, the magic of a tea party! Whether you’re setting up for a bunch of giggly kids or inviting friends over for a cozy afternoon, tea parties are like a little slice of happiness. But if you’re like me, maybe you’ve found yourself staring at that tea set, wondering, “Now, how exactly does one play a tea party?” Don’t worry, I’ve been there too, my friend.

Here’s a fun, simple guide on how to host a tea party that will keep everyone entertained, from little ones pretending to sip fancy tea to adults who just need a break from the daily grind. Grab your teapot and let’s get started (and by “let’s,” I mean get your kids involved to do some of the work, right?).

1. Set the Scene with Some Fancy Tea Vibes

Before we even think about playing, we’ve got to make it feel like a tea party! Whether it’s in your living room, the backyard, or even the kitchen table, the key is all in the details. My secret to success? Make it as over-the-top or as simple as you like, trust me, kids don’t care if your tea party is Pinterest-perfect.

Here’s what I usually do:

Tablecloth or Picnic Blanket: Depending on the mood, lay out a fancy tablecloth (you know, the one you only bring out for “special occasions,” aka whenever company’s over), or a cute blanket if you’re taking it outdoors.
Teacups and Saucers: If you have a fancy set, great! If not, plastic or mismatched ones work just as well. I mean, we’re probably going to spill anyway, right?
Decor: Flowers (even the fake ones) or little napkins folded “fancy” can go a long way. My kids love when I plop a few stuffed animals into chairs too, they’re our extra “guests.”
Music: I like to throw on some classical music to make it feel extra special, or if I’m feeling extra fun, we’ll do Disney tunes. You can go from Beethoven to Frozen in a heartbeat—no rules here!

2. Dress the Part (It’s Half the Fun!)

This is where the giggles really start. Encourage everyone to dress up! Even grown-ups, because why not? I once wore my fanciest sun hat to a tea party with my daughter, and she laughed for 10 minutes straight.

2 little girls wearing pink feather boas

For the kids:

Hats: Big, floppy sunhats or even baseball caps decorated with flowers (we made some with paper flowers once, and they were a hit!).
Fancy Dresses or Outfits: Dust off those Easter or Christmas outfits—tea parties are the perfect excuse to wear something special.

For the grown-ups (or if you want to play along):

Silly Accessories: A feather boa, oversized sunglasses, or just a fancy apron can make it feel like you’re part of the royal tea party.

3. Serve the ‘Tea’ (Spoiler: It Doesn’t Have to Be Tea)

Now, here’s the thing, actual tea might not be everyone’s cup of… well, tea. So don’t worry if the thought of serving Earl Grey makes your little one scrunch their nose.

Kid-Friendly Tea Ideas:

Juice: I love using apple juice or lemonade in the teapot because it looks like “real” tea, but the kids will actually drink it.
Herbal Tea: If you do want to stick with tea, try mild herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint, something not too bitter.
Hot Chocolate: If you’re having a cozy winter tea party, this is always a winner.

And don’t forget the snacks! Tiny sandwiches, cookies, and fruit slices will make everyone feel fancy, but in reality, you just used whatever was in the fridge. It’s all about presentation, cut those PB&Js into triangles, and suddenly you’re hosting a royal tea banquet!

4. Tea Party Etiquette (Sort of)

Now that we’re all dressed up and sipping our “tea,” it’s time to add in some tea party etiquette! I like to teach the kids some simple “rules,” but I have to say, watching a bunch of 5-year-olds try to act all prim and proper is just comedy gold.

2 little girls playing dress-up and tea party

Here are a few fun things you can introduce:

Pinkies Up: Tell them to stick their pinkies out while they drink, this is my favorite part because kids take it so seriously and it’s adorable.
Small Bites: Encourage them to take “tiny, proper” bites of their snacks. Again, watching little ones try to nibble a cookie is pure entertainment.
Polite Conversation: This one’s optional, but I like to start a few rounds of “What’s the weather like today?” or “How is your day going, my dear?” It’s so cute when they try to mimic grown-up conversations.

5. Let the Games Begin

Once the tea is flowing and everyone’s had their fill of snacks, you can add in a few games to keep the party going. Whether it’s for kids or adults, a few light-hearted activities can turn a good tea party into a great one.

For the Kiddos:

Pass the Teapot: This is like hot potato but with a teapot. Play some music, pass around a (plastic) teapot, and whoever’s holding it when the music stops is out!
Sugar Cube Stacking: Give each kid a few sugar cubes and see who can stack them the highest without them tumbling over. Spoiler: It’s harder than it looks!
Tea Bag Toss: Use little bean bags (or rolled-up socks) and try to toss them into teacups. The littles LOVE this one because it’s silly and competitive.

For the Grown-Ups:

Tea Trivia: Ask fun questions about tea history, famous tea drinkers, or even quirky facts. “Which country consumes the most tea?” (It’s China, by the way!)
Charades, Tea Style: Act out tea-related phrases or characters. Ever tried miming “spilling the tea” without saying a word? It’s harder than you think but guaranteed to get some laughs.

6. High Tea

Let’s not forget the ultimate tea party experience, High Tea! Now, if you’re feeling a little extra fancy (and want to wow your guests, big or small), you can take things up a notch and go for a high tea theme.

Afternoon high tea table setup, fancy tea set with sandwiches and sweets

Traditionally, high tea is a more substantial meal that includes not just tea and dainty treats but also savory bites like finger sandwiches, quiches, and scones with clotted cream and jam. Think of it as the tea party equivalent of a royal feast!

It’s perfect for adults who want a classy afternoon or even for older kids who want to feel grown-up. You can serve a mix of tea (or kid-friendly drinks), add a few more “fancy” touches like tiered cake stands, and voila, you’ve created an event fit for a queen (or a very excited group of tea party enthusiasts)! It’s a fun way to make the experience even more special, without too much extra work, promise!

7. Ending the Party (But Not the Fun)

So, everyone’s had their tea, the games have been played, and now it’s time to wrap it up. Here’s a little tip: Before the guests go, I always like to send the kids home with a little something. Nothing fancy, maybe a cookie wrapped in tissue paper, a small toy, or even a little note thanking them for coming. You can also snap a few pics of everyone in their fancy outfits and make it part of the memory!

And for the grown-ups? Well, we just send them home with a full heart and a slightly lighter snack plate, am I right?

A Tea Party to Remember

At the end of the day, tea parties are all about togetherness. Whether it’s giggling over pretend tea with your kids or chatting with friends over a real cuppa, the whole point is to take a break, have some fun, and make memories.

Trust me, the details, whether you serve juice or real tea, whether the kids follow the “rules” or spill half of their drink, won’t matter in the long run. What your kids (and you) will remember is the time spent together, the laughter shared, and the joy of pretending to be fancy, if only for a little while.

And honestly, isn’t that what family moments are all about? Now go on, fill up that teapot and have yourself a delightful little tea party. You’ve earned it!