OK, hear me out. I know, I know, this is not what you would expect to see here from me but hear me out and give this a chance before you run away, a more elegant celebration might be just what you need, and you don’t even have to make it a “tea party” but rather add your own twist and take using certain ideas from what is shared below for your own next get together.

Hosting an afternoon tea party can be a great option for various celebrations. Whether you are looking for a less formal alternative to a dinner party or want to create a cozy atmosphere for catching up with friends, a tea party can be a perfect choice.

One of the advantages of hosting a tea party is that the food can be prepared in advance and presented either buffet style or passed around on plates at the table. This leaves you with more time to focus on enjoying the company of your guests, as the only thing you will need to serve is the tea itself. Whether you are hosting a large gathering or a more intimate get-together, a tea party can be tailored to suit your needs.

How formal you want your tea party to be is entirely up to you. It can be a very elegant affair, as you might find at some high-end hotels, or as casual as a pot of tea and some cookies. 

Top tips for afternoon tea

• First of all, you need to choose a date and send out invitations that match the formality and vibe of your event. Don’t forget to include the start and end time, any details of the theme, dress code, address and ask for any allergies or dietary requirements and request a RSVP with your contact details.

• Make sure you have everything you need to serve your guests. Several teapots are necessary to brew a variety of different teas, as well as teacups and saucers, plates, napkins or serviettes, and serving platters. 

• Decide what food you are going to serve. Of course, you could pop to your local grocery store and see what they have, or you could look for recipes for teatime treats, such as this easy pistachio cake recipe. A good selection should include both sweet and savory items to cater to different tastes. If your tea party is meant to be just a light snack, a few smaller bites should suffice. However, if you are doing it over a meal, a more extensive menu is needed. Remember to cut sandwiches into fingers or triangles and cut off the crusts! Popular fillings include cream cheese and cucumber, smoked salmon or roast beef, and English mustard. 

• Decide on some background music; – soft classical or jazz music playing in the background can complement a relaxed atmosphere. Make sure it is not too loud so that it overpowers conversation.

• Consider how you are going to set the table. A tablecloth is a great way to make your table look put together. Choose white for a clean and crisp look, particularly if you have lots of colors on your plates, cups, and serving platters.

• Decorate the space; – simplicity is better here/ Place some freshly cut flowers in mason jars around the table and the room, and light some candles – but make sure they are unscented.

On the day of your afternoon tea party, remember to take a deep breath and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Hosting a tea party is a great opportunity to unwind with friends and family, and the planning process can be just as enjoyable as the event itself.