A Guide to Hosting a Perfectly Pretty Tea Party
A table setting from Për Në’s Inner Radiance tea party
These classic essentials and unique touches will help you plan a memorable event.
Already missing Bridgerton? Whether you’re inspired by the hit show or just want to plan a pretty event, these classic essentials and unique touches will help you curate a memorable tea party.
How to set up your tea party
Tea Sets
Royal King Albert teacup and saucer
A pretty tea set is a must! One of the most iconic tea sets is the Royal Albert “Old Country Roses” set from Wedgwood. The brand was launched by a 29 year old potter in 1759, and has provided tea sets for the royal family for over 200 years.
You can purchase a brand new tea set on Wedgwood.com or find vintage pieces on Etsy. Mismatched tea sets are fun too, and there are always plenty of beautiful tea cup and saucer duos of various designs on Etsy.
Brew To A Tea Floral Tea Set ($59.99 on Amazon)
Brew To A Tea also makes beautiful and affordable tea sets. They are available on Amazon which means you can get them quickly. The set of four matching cups and saucers is a great option. Each item is made of Bone China Porcelain Rose Chintz and is dishwasher safe for an easy clean-up experience.
The brand also offers a matching 3-tier dessert stand (also available in other colors) for serving cupcakes, cookies, finger sandwiches, scones, and other tea foods.
Afternoon Tea Table Decor
Flowers
Tea party flowers by Seed Floral [Images by Tiffany Rose courtesy of Tiffany Rose/Seed Floral]
What flowers are on trend for summer 2024? Stephanie Elhayani, co-owner of Seed Floral, a floral design studio in West Hollywood, says, “Pastel colors such as lilac, mint green, coral, and peachy hues are likely to take center stage and be combined with bold shades of sun yellow and sky blue. Peonies are the star of the summer along with dahlias, ranunculus, and garden roses.”
Tea party floral concept by Seed Floral [Images by Tiffany Rose courtesy of Tiffany Rose/c]
“We suggest creating a long and low floral arrangement complemented by fresh fruit and desserts as the focal piece. Include a selection of gold ornate dessert trays, pedestals, an eclectic mix of vintage tea cups, saucers, and ornate flatware with a mix of vases and candelabras in varying heights to enhance the tablescape.” says Elhayani.
If you’re inspired by Bridgerton, Stephanie suggests setting your table with fresh floral centerpieces with colorful blush garden roses, lilac, sweet peas, ranunculus, peonies, blue delphinium, spray roses, clematis, and natural trailing greenery.
Themed Decorations
Bath and Body Works tea party table decor and florals by Seed Floral [Images by Tiffany Rose courtesy of Tiffany Rose/Seed Floral]
If you’re leaning into the Bridgerton theme, the Bath and Body Works Bridgerton Collection includes a range of candles, body products, and accessories that also make great party favors or host gifts.
What to serve at your tea party
Finger sandwiches, macarons, cookies, and bubbly from Për Në’s Inner Radiance ($16) tea party.
Tea and Scones
Buckingham Palace Garden Party Tea is a classic and so very delicious. It’s a medium bodied tea with Earl Grey and jasmine notes.
Buckingham Palace Garden Party Tea from The English Tea Store
You can find this flavor as well as other tea party favorites like Earl Grey and English Breakfast at The English Tea Store.
The English Tea store is also a great place to order a variety of traditional teatime foods including scone mixes, jams, clotted cream, and cookies.
The Bridgerton fan will love teas from the Republic of Tea Bridgerton Collection including Bridgerton Colin & Penelope Ginger Peach Vanilla Tea, Bridgerton Duke & Duchess Honey Breakfast Tea, and Bridgerton Queen's Cake Vanilla Fruit Tea.
Inner Radiance Tea from Për Në is carefully crafted in California, using centuries-old Balkan remedies attributed to enhancing wellness. The tea features a blend of herbs including "Çaj mali,” selected for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant attributes. It’s paired with artichoke leaf, lemon verbena, and spearmint.
Macarons
Macarons from Ladurée Paris add an elegant touch. The Ladurée x Bridgerton macarons come in a diamond-shaped box sealed with a ribbon, a lovely option for a Bridgerton-inspired party. (It contains 14 macarons.)
Finger Sandwiches
Do you have a favorite? Popular choices include cucumber, smoked salmon, chicken salad, and egg sandwiches. The New York Times Cooking section recently featured tea sandwich recipes for Traditional Cucumber Sandwiches and Smoked Salmon Sandwiches. Total time to make the sandwiches is about an hour and twenty minutes.
Desserts
How fun are these floral cupcakes by Kerry Roberts? If you’re feeling extra creative and love to bake, Kerry’s Bouqcakes offers a range of online tutorials where you can learn how to make them yourself. Or if you live close to Norwich, Norfolk UK, you can order them directly.
What to wear to your tea party
Outfit Inspiration
Dressing up is part of the fun! Here are some pretty tea party outfit ideas:
After Party Self-Care
Relax post-party with some tea-inspired pampering.
This body scrub boasts a unique blend of mineral-rich Dead Sea salts and organic botanical oils to provide gentle exfoliation and intense nourishment from the first use.
Rose Boba Face Mask ($5)
This cooling 2-piece sheet mask inspired by boba tea, combines gentle brightening botanicals and nourishing moisturizers.
A University of Michigan graduate, Lizzy Sherman is an award-winning writer/editor. Her work has appeared in publications including Beauty Launchpad, Nailpro, DAYSPA, CNET, Entertainment Tonight, and more. She has been a featured guest speaker at Cal State University Northridge, Digital LA, and The National Association of Audience Marketing Professionals. When she's not writing, Lizzy enjoys yoga and playing guitar. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter: @zillizy, @zillizy16