If you say you don’t want to go to a tea party, you’re a liar. Them’s the rules.
A tea party is a fantastic way to celebrate so many occasions! Whether you’re hosting a baby shower, bachelorette party, birthday party, or just wanting to get your friends together for a good time, a tea party is a great way to gather folks for a good time. So if this sounds like a great time to you, but you’re wondering how to host a tea party, you’ve come to the right place!
In this blog, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about hosting a tea party — from the essentials you’ll need to food and activity ideas!
- Where Did Tea Parties Originate?
- Essentials for Hosting a Tea Party
- Food Ideas for Tea Parties
- Activity Ideas for Tea Parties
Where Did Tea Parties Originate?
The beginnings of the tradition of High Tea in British society is a bit disputed. According to a few sources, the 7th Duchess of Bedford is due the credit for the creation of this late afternoon meal accompanied by a pot of tea. What is less sure is if she began it simply as a fashionable social time for ladies while men were finishing up their afternoon business discussions, or as a means to make it through until the late evening dinner, as she called the 3-4 o’clock hour the time when “that sinking feeling” came on, requiring a little pick-me-up.
The Carrington Hotel in Australia, says that high tea was a working man’s meal taken standing or sitting on stools at high tables, hence the name “high” tea, and eventually became adopted by Ladies and Gentleman of society for social enjoyment before attending evening events around town at places like the theater.
How to Host a Tea Party | Essentials You’ll Need!
If you’re planning to host a tea party, there are a few non-negotiable things you’re going to need to keep guests comfortable and safely warm and cold foods! Here’s a list of things you will need to host a tea party:
Tables
For a more traditional tea party vibe, circular tables are a great choice. They create a cozy, inviting atmosphere and make it easier for guests to chat and pass around treats.
You want your guests to feel relaxed and enjoy the party, so consider how many people you’ll be hosting and plan accordingly! If you’re serving a buffet-style spread, rectangular tables work perfectly for displaying your delicious food, allowing guests to help themselves while keeping the focus on the tea and conversation.
Chairs
Comfortable seating is a must! Choose chairs that are sturdy and comfy for your guests to sit and relax in while enjoying their tea. Make sure there are enough chairs for everyone so no one is left standing. If you’re on a budget, white folding chairs are a simple and affordable option that still look clean and elegant. For a more formal vibe consider chiavari chairs, which will add a touch of sophistication to your tea party!
Linens (Tablecloths)
Tablecloths are practically nonnegotiable for a tea party. Not only do they keep your table looking neat and polished, but they also add a layer of elegance that elevates the whole experience.
Chafing Dishes
If you’re serving warm food at your tea party, chafing dishes are essential for keeping everything at the perfect temperature. They use a simple heat source, usually a small burner underneath, to maintain warmth for hot items like pasta, dips, and other treats. Food that cools down too quickly can become a breeding ground for bacteria, so keeping your dishes at the right temperature ensures they’re safe to eat.
On the flip side, if you’re serving cold items, you can add ice to the bottom of the chafing dish to keep everything chilled. This is great for salads, pastries, fruit, pasta salads, and more!
Tea & Tea Cups
No tea party is complete without tea! Make sure to have a selection of different teas to offer your guests. Whether it’s black, green, or herbal, the right tea is a central part of the experience. And what is a tea party without tea cups? A great, affordable, way to have enough for everybody is to order a paper set of tea cups and saucers. This way, you have plenty of on-theme cups and plates without sacrificing a ton of your budget. Not to mention, it’s easy to clean up!
Oh, and don’t forget to have some sugar, lemon, and milk on hand to flavor the tea!
Food Ideas for Hosting a Tea Party
Activity Ideas for Tea Parties
No tea party is complete without a little fun, and yard games are a great way to keep guests entertained while enjoying the outdoors. Set up a few classic games to add a playful touch to your gathering.
Cornhole is always a hit, offering a simple and friendly competition for guests of all ages. For something more elegant, croquet is a traditional outdoor game that fits perfectly with a tea party vibe, adding a touch of class to your backyard activities.
If you’re looking for a bit of team fun, set up giant Jenga, where players take turns pulling out wooden blocks without toppling the tower. It’s a great icebreaker and always brings out some laughs. If you’re after something even more casual, ring toss is a fun, low-pressure game for everyone to enjoy.
These yard games will keep your guests entertained, give them a chance to mingle, and add some lighthearted fun to your tea party!
Host the Best Tea Party of The Season with Reventals!
If you came here wondering how to host a tea party, we hope that you feel thoroughly prepared to plan a tea party that your friends will be talking about for years to come. Renting the stuff you need to host a great party can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Reventals is the largest online marketplace for rentals; consider us like a free event planner. We find the high-quality stuff, so you don’t have to. Simply add what you want to your cart, submit it, and we’ll take care of finding a high-quality vendor. Satisfaction guaranteed!
Check out our marketplace here!
