Tea parties are magical for any child, with all the pretty decorations, cute little foods, and most importantly–dressing up! It makes for a perfect celebration for your little girl’s birthday or just a fun afternoon with friends. However, planning and hosting a tea party can be time-consuming and expensive. That’s where printables come in handy! They can make planning much easier and more affordable while creating a beautiful aesthetic. In this post, we’ll give you tips on how to throw a tea party birthday plus some tips on using printables.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links.
Why Choose a Children’s Tea Party?
Tea parties have an air of elegance and sophistication that kids may not often experience. It’s a fun way to introduce them to proper manners and etiquette, such as using the correct tableware and saying “please” and “thank you”. Plus, dressing up in fancy clothes can make any child feel like royalty! A tea party also encourages creativity and imagination, with all the different themes and decorations you can incorporate.
How to Plan the Perfect Tea Party
Tea parties require some planning and preparation to ensure everything runs smoothly. Here are some steps you can follow to throw a successful tea party:
Choose Your Color Scheme
The first step in planning any party is choosing the color scheme. Pink, pastels, and florals are popular for tea parties, but you can find inspiration by visiting Pinterest or your favorite party stores. Once you’ve decided on a color scheme, incorporate it throughout the party elements such as tablecloths, tea sets, plates, and even the printables.
The Invitations
Invitations set the tone for your tea party. You can either purchase pre-made invitations or create your own using printables. Make sure to include all the important details such as date, time, location, and dress code (if any).
You can easily customize these templates here to fit your needs and to match your parties theme.
Plan the Menu
The menu is a crucial part of any tea party. Keep in mind that it’s not just about tea, but also includes light finger foods and desserts. Some classic options include cucumber sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, petit fours, and macarons. You can also add a fun twist by incorporating themed snacks such as teapot-shaped cookies or tea bag-shaped fruit skewers.
Items like sugar cubes, honey, milk, and lemon slices should also be available for guests to add to their tea. And don’t forget the tea! Have a variety of flavors on hand such as black, green, herbal, or fruity.
Tip: Use your invitation template to make a cute table menu for your guests to see the available food options.
Set the Table
The table setting is an essential aspect of any tea party. Use your best china and cutlery if possible, and don’t be afraid to mix and match patterns. Remember to include a teapot, cups, saucers, plates, and teaspoons for each guest.
You can also add some decorative elements such as floral centerpieces or place cards with guests’ names written in calligraphy. And of course, make sure each guest has a napkin for their lap and a small plate for their snacks.
Tip: Use printable food cards to label the different items on your menu and add a touch of elegance to your table setting.
Decorations
Decorations are what bring the party to life! Think lace doilies, flower arrangements, and vintage teapots. You can also include elements such as bunting banners, cupcake toppers, and personalized signs to add a personal touch.
You can find free printable tea party banners online or use a program such as canva to make your own tea party decorations. I have also created a free set of decorations you can find here.
Dress Code
Tea parties are a great opportunity to dress up and feel fancy. Encourage guests to wear their best dresses, hats, and gloves for a traditional tea party look. You can also suggest a specific color scheme or theme for an added element of fun.
If you’re hosting a casual tea party, you can still set a dress code by asking guests to wear their favorite floral print or pastel colors. It’s all about creating an atmosphere of elegance and sophistication.
Tip: Create a photo booth area with props like hats, boas, and signs for guests to take fun pictures and remember the event.
Activities and Games
Since small children tend to have short attention spans, it’s important to plan some fun activities and games to keep them entertained. Some printable activity ideas include coloring sheets with teapot and teacup designs, word searches using tea-related words, or a tea party-themed scavenger hunt.
For older kids and adults, consider hosting a “best hat” competition or a tea-tasting game where guests have to guess the different types of teas by taste. Printable activities such as word scrambles and word searches can be used for competitions and as a way to pass time.
Tip: Set up a craft station where kids can decorate their own tea cups or create paper flower bouquets using tissue paper and pipe cleaners. Set out crayons, markers, and stickers for them to use.
Tea Party Favors
To make the party extra special, consider putting together gift bags or tea party favors for each guest. This can include items like colorful tea towels, small jars of honey, or a selection of teas for them to take home and enjoy.
You can also add in some homemade treats like cookies or scones, wrapped in pretty packaging. Don’t forget to include a thank you note and maybe a small trinket as a token of appreciation for attending the party.
Tip: You can use your invitation templates to make matching thank you notes and attach them to your gift bags. This adds a personal touch and ties the whole party together. Another idea is to include a small recipe card with one of the treats served at the party, so guests can recreate it at home.
Things to Consider
While planning the perfect tea party, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure a successful event:
- Make sure to have enough seating for all guests.
- Prepare for spills and accidents by having extra napkins and cleaning supplies on hand.
- Consider dietary restrictions when planning the menu. Offer options for vegetarians, gluten-free individuals, and those with food allergies.
- Have a variety of teas available, including both caffeinated and non-caffeinated options.
- Don’t forget to provide milk, sugar, and honey for guests to add to their tea.
- Consider having some non-tea beverages available for those who may not enjoy tea or prefer something else.
Conclusion
A tea party is a wonderful way to gather friends and family for an elegant and relaxing afternoon. With the right decorations, food, and activities, you can create a charming and memorable experience for all. By including gift bags as a parting gesture, you can make your guests feel even more appreciated and special. So why not start planning your own tea party today? Your guests will thank you for it! ️
In addition to these tips, don’t forget to enjoy yourself and have fun while planning your tea party. It’s a great opportunity to express your creativity and showcase your hosting skills. And who knows, maybe this will become a regular event that you and your loved ones look forward to every year. So go ahead and make some memories over a cup of tea! ️
Thank you again for considering these tips and ideas for hosting your tea party!