25 tea party ideas for children and adults alike
While children learn to love tea parties from an early age, this sort of fun isn’t limited to a single age group. From kids’ birthdays to bridal showers, a tea party can serve as a festivity for people of all ages. In fact, taking time to enjoy a hot cup of tea is a tradition that has existed for centuries. From the very first tea brewing in ancient China to the early origins of tea parties in 1800s England, the history of tea is vast, diverse, and incredibly interesting.
This is exactly why the practice of tea parties still exists today. Aside from the delicious tea itself, tea parties are also a wonderful opportunity to celebrate, spend time with loved ones, and change up your daily routine.
The tea won’t stay hot for long, so without further ado, let’s get started. Read on for 25 tea party ideas both children and adults will drink right up.
Bring friends together for a fun night of bonding—from wine tastings to watch parties and more.
Table of Contents
Tea party theme ideas
Sure, a “tea party” may sound like a theme unto itself—but there’s something extra-enjoyable about thinking outside the box and hosting a tea event that’s truly unique and inspired. Here are five tea party theme ideas to try:
1. Vintage garden party
This is what classic tea parties are all about. Decorate with floral tablecloths, mismatched antique teacups, pastel everything, and plenty of fresh flowers including roses and wildflowers. Ideal for an outdoor garden setting in the spring or summer.
2. Alice in Wonderland
Turn your child’s fantasy into a reality with a whimsical, Mad Hatter-inspired tea party. Pour tea into mismatched teacups, add quirky signs to the table and party space (“This Way,” “That Way”), incorporate oversized props like giant playing cards and skeleton keys, and serve playful desserts like “Eat Me” cookies.
3. Royal afternoon tea
Spend your day like a member of the monarchy with this theme, inspired by British afternoon tea (not to be confused with the more rough-around-the-edges “high” tea). Do up your table with elegant tiered dessert stands piled high with adorable finger foods, fine china, and scones with clotted cream and jam, and have guests dress in semi-formal attire with hats or fascinators. Bonus points for dishes and napkins with the royal arms or faces of the Royal Family.
4. Japanese-inspired tea ceremony
Turn your space into a tranquil space with a Japanese-inspired tea ceremony, also called a Chanoyu, Sado, or Ocha. Create a serene and minimalist tea room setting with simple, elegant décor, ask guests to remove their shoes, and serve matcha or green tea and traditional Japanese sweets (wagashi).
5. Boho-chic tea party
Let your hippie flag fly with a tea party full of laid-back vibes. Fill your space with earthy tones, colorful floor cushions, macramé decorations, and streamers. Serve guests herbal teas in eclectic glassware at low tables.
Tea party food ideas
Food and drink are perhaps the most important aspects of a good tea party. Keep in mind that the foods and beverages at your tea party should be easy to eat, without the need for large dishware or utensils. A tea party is not a sit-down meal, but rather a time to snack, sip, and mingle. While every host can adjust their menu as they see fit, feel free to follow this traditional afternoon tea party menu to get a better idea of what to serve:
1. Tea
Hot and iced tea, along with milk, cream, honey, and any flavorings of your choice
2. Savory snacks
Savory treats and mini sandwiches, like cucumber, egg salad, and lox
3. Fun-to-eat treats
Scones, jam, shortbread cookies, muffins, and fresh fruit
4. Sweet desserts
Think colorful macarons, petit fours, lemon squares, or mini cakes
5. Adult beverages
Champagne, mimosas, or fruit-based cocktails (if you plan to serve alcohol)
Tea party decoration ideas
A true tea party is as much about the drinks and food as the décor and ambiance. Here are five tea party decoration ideas to try, featuring many decorations you may already have—and almost all that you can reuse:
1. Tiered cake stands and vintage teacups
When you’re hosting any kind of party, what’s better than serveware that doubles as décor? Beautiful tiered cake stands and mix-and-match vintage teacups and saucers are not only lovely to look at, but also serve an important function (and serve your guests, too). Plus, you’ll use this “décor” over and over again.
2. Floral centerpieces in teapots
Not sure which teapot to use to serve during your tea party? Repurpose the pretty ones that don’t make the cut as vases for floral centerpieces. Fill each one with fresh flowers like roses, peonies, daisies, or wildflowers. Just make sure the stems have been cut short enough so that guests can chat over them while enjoying their beverages.
3. Bunting and lace table runners
Unless you’re planning something Japanese-style, classic tea party décor is often eclectic with a more-is-more mentality. Hang mismatched pastel or floral bunting across your party space (if you’re feeling really kitschy, look for Union Jack-themed bunting) and add a lace or floral runner to your table for an old-fashioned, romantic look that feels intentionally quirky instead of stuffy.
4. Personalized place cards
Make everyone feel welcome at your tea party with personalized place cards set out at your table. Choose a design that matches your theme, whether they’re floral, Japan-inspired, or have the Royal insignia. You can also add “Drink Me” tags to your cups for an Alice in Wonderland twist.
5. Vintage frames
Head to the thrift store (or your parents’ attic) and pick up some ornate vintage picture frames, then fill them with your tea party’s menu, schedule of events, twee quotes about tea, or photos of the royal family.
Tea party outfit ideas
Want your guests to contribute to the overall look of your tea party? Request a specific dress code that fits whatever theme you’re going for. Include the dress code directly on your invitation or add it to your event page. For more complex dress codes or themes, you can link to an online moodboard or include inspirational photos in a Photo Gallery Block. Here are five tea party dress code ideas:
1. Classic garden party looks
You can’t go wrong with classic garden party attire. This includes light, floral dresses, pastel skirts and tops, linen shirts, and pleated slacks or chinos. If you’re hosting outside, sun hats and straw boaters should be strongly encouraged.
2. Vintage-inspired outfits
If you’re hosting a tea party with antique-style décor and serveware, make sure your guests know to match. Suggest they channel the ’40s and ’50s with tea-length dresses and skirts with petticoats if possible, kitten heels, pearls, and elegant gloves. Men should wear high-waisted trousers, suspenders, bow ties, and fedoras (though avoid pinstripe styles).
3. A royal touch
The King of England may not be attending your tea party, but that doesn’t mean you can’t dress like he is. Wear your British high society finest in elegant dresses and double-breasted suits accessorized with fascinators, wide-brimmed hats, and ladylike gloves.
4. Wonderland’s finest
If your party is Alice in Wonderland themed, go all in and ask guests to dress as characters from the novel/movie. Some classic characters include Alice, the Mad Hatter, the Queen of Hearts, the White Rabbit, the Cheshire Cat, the March Hare, and Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum.
5. Boho-chic
Let the laidback West Coast vibes flow as freely as the tea with a boho dress code. Think lightweight maxi dresses, throwback floral crowns or daisy chains (bonus points if you make them yourself at the party), eclectic beaded jewelry, and flat sandals or bare feet.
Outdoor tea party ideas
An outdoor venue can make a wonderful place for a tea party—if the weather is permitting. While setting up for an outdoor tea party may require a bit more effort, it’s by no means impossible, and the results can be very rewarding. Here are five ideas for hosting an outdoor tea party:
1. Make it a picnic
Spread out blankets and pillows (preferably gingham or floral) in your yard or at a park and use vintage-style trays or picnic baskets to serve fruit, charcuterie, and bite-sized sandwiches. Bring hot iced tea in insulated thermoses to keep their temperature and serve drinks in melamine cups or glasses.
2. Bring magic to your garden
Turn your garden or yard into a fairytale setting with lovely string lights, lanterns, floral garlands, and antique chandeliers. Keep the flower theme going with herbal teas, lavender scones, and rose macarons, and add butterflies and mossy accents wherever possible.
3. Make your space comfy
Create a comfortable place for guests to spend the afternoon with beautiful, shade-making umbrellas, relaxing lounge chairs, and plenty of space for people to put their tea cups between sips.
4. Bring on some friendly competition
Make full use of your outdoor space with an activity-filled tea party, featuring classic tea party-approved lawn games like croquet, bocce, and pétanque.
5. Watch the sunset
Embrace the outdoor ambiance by holding your tea party just before sunset so that all of your guests can enjoy the golden hour glow together. (Just don’t forget the bug repellant!)
Find the perfect tea party invitation at Paperless Post
Once you’ve gotten most of the details of your tea party locked in, it’s time to invite your guests. Visit Paperless Post for a bounty of beautiful, customizable tea party invitations you can text, email, and share. Add dress code requests onto the invitation itself, or include them in a Details Block or Photo Gallery Block. You can also find out your guests’ food preferences and allergies by including Guest Questions or Surveys.
However your fantasy tea party looks in your dreams, Paperless Post can help you bring your vision to life. View our tea party invitations and start planning now.
Bring friends together for a fun night of bonding—from wine tastings to watch parties and more.
