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Tea Party Ideas
Food, table styling and games for a tea party, with what can be made ahead of time.
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Planning a tea party for friends, a sister and her fiance, or a room of mixed ages on a budget? One forum host plans three savories, two or three small sweets and smallish scones. They bake the scones the morning of the party, because in their opinion scones are better on the day they're baked. Tiered trays let you prepare the sandwiches and treats well in advance. This list covers food, table styling and a few games, and leaves out guest lists and invitations.
Why these items are on the list
- Tiered stands for scones. Tiers maximize table space and allow sandwiches and treats to be prepared well in advance.
- Light linens on a long table. For larger gatherings; long tables in light linens suit themed decor.
- Tall vases and candelabras. Height fills a wide space and makes the table look lush.
- Mismatched vintage-style chinaware. Gives a cozy cottagecore feel without needing a matching set.
- Birdcage tiered stand. Uses vertical space, so it suits small tables and apartments.
- Printed menu on each plate. Helps guests pick through the food and adds a professional touch.
- Savories plus small sweets. One Steepster host plans three savories and two or three small sweets.
- Cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches. Cucumber and cream cheese is a typical tea sandwich filling, per one forum host.
- Egg salad, ham salad, chicken salad. A Steepster host says any of these works on bread, rolls or small croissants.
- Pre-plated sandwiches. Plate them ahead, so there's no last-minute assembly on the day.
- Fresh fruit and cheese cubes. An easy filler that cuts your prep time.
- Frozen cream puffs or refrigerated mini quiches. Shortcuts like these can make prep go faster.
- Smallish scones. One host waits until the morning of the party to bake them, finding they taste better that day.
- Cream and jam. Set out cream and jam alongside the scones.
- Macarons on a tiered stand. Victorian-style stands layer scones, macarons and finger sandwiches.
- Tea-flavored dishes. A Steepster poster's friend served chicken poached in blueberry tea and matcha macarons.
- Raspberry-topped sponge and lemon-themed cupcakes. Bright, fruity flavors suit a summer garden party.
- Clear acrylic cupcake stand. Keeps the look light and lets guests help themselves.
- Teapot warmers. A forum poster's one-line tip for the table.
- Mad Hatter theme. Add Queen of Hearts tarts, homemade hats and costumes.
- Croquet on the lawn. Indoor or outdoor; one British Expats poster swapped in hockey sticks for mallets.
- Victorian parlour games. Look online for parlour games; a dress with a white pinny sets the scene.
- Napkin folding and name cards. Craft jobs for young guests, with paper napkins standing in for doilies.
- Homemade butter. Made from scratch, as one host did with little guests.
Tick the ideas you'll use and your party plan builds up as you go. Share the list with a co-host so you can split who brings what.
When to use it
Useful once the guest count and setting are settled.