Category: High Tea Parties

A Tea Party at Christmas is like stepping into a holiday wonderland of indulgence and charm! Picture this: a festive table decked out with sparkling ornaments, delicate china, and a spread of delicious treats that could make even Santa consider swapping cookies for finger sandwiches. With warm scones, clotted cream, and a selection of teas ranging from spiced cinnamon to fruity blends, it’s the perfect way to cozy up with loved ones in a joyful, relaxed atmosphere. Plus, the seasonal pastries—like gingerbread cookies, cranberry tarts, and tiny mince pies—add a deliciously merry touch to the occasion. Whether you’re gathering for a pre-Christmas celebration or just need a little extra holiday cheer, High Tea brings the spirit of the season together with elegance, warmth, and a whole lot of sweetness!

You can go all out with this cozy Christmas theme and guests will be enchanted by the selection of festive food, drinks and decorations. This theme is also ideal for a Christmas-time wedding or bridal shower.

Setting the Table

The table at the Christmas-themed tea party sparkles with festive elegance, featuring a white lace tablecloth adorned with silver candle holders, red and gold napkins, and an array of delicate china cups, all surrounded by small pinecones, sprigs of holly, and twinkling fairy lights for a touch of holiday magic. We love to delight our guests with the added luxury of classic teacups and side plates like these ones from the Royal Albert Collection.

Using silverware at a Christmas tea party adds a touch of timeless elegance, elevating the festive atmosphere with its gleaming shine and creating a sense of refinement that makes each delicate bite and sip feel like a special celebration of the season. A Christmas Tea Party is an excuse to use your best of everything!

This Country Roses cutlery set pairs perfectly with the Country Roses Dinner set and makes a strong traditional statement for the event.

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Using classic tea cups and saucers at a Christmas tea party adds a delightful charm, with their delicate porcelain designs and vintage appeal, making each sip feel like a cherished tradition and bringing a touch of old-world elegance to the festive gathering. Mismatched teacups and saucers add a classic vintage tea party vibe to this Christmas event. You can try to stay with classic red, green and gold colors or go for all the colors in the rainbow.

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Side plates at a Christmas tea party are the perfect practical touch, offering a space for guests to elegantly enjoy their sweet and savory treats while keeping the atmosphere refined, ensuring that every bite of mince pie or finger sandwich feels as special as the occasion itself. Set a pretty vintage style side plate on the table for your guests.

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Garlands on the table of a Christmas tea party add a festive, natural touch that brings warmth and coziness to the setting, weaving in the rich textures of evergreen, pinecones, and berries to create a visually stunning centerpiece that enhances the holiday spirit and makes the gathering feel like a magical winter celebration.

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Add some fun with these classic plaid napkins in green and red.

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Name cards on the table at a Christmas tea party add a personal touch, making each guest feel special and thoughtfully included while also helping to create an organized and welcoming atmosphere. They can also serve as a charming holiday decoration, adding a little extra sparkle and warmth to the overall festive presentation.

Decorating the Table

Christmas decorations on the table turn your tea party into a festive feast for the eyes, with twinkling lights, tiny snowflakes, and miniature reindeer adding a playful touch that makes every moment feel like a scene from a holiday fairy tale!

This fun gingerbread tree is a cute way to bring a cozy vintage warmth to the table.

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Using small Santa hats as cutlery holders is a delightful and whimsical touch that adds a dash of festive fun to your Christmas tea party! Not only do they keep your silverware neatly in place, but they also bring a smile to every guest, transforming each setting into a cheerful, merry little moment that’s full of holiday magic.

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Silver Decorations on the table look great when paired with fresh flowers, candles and fairy lights. Your guests will feel like they have arrived at a winter wonderland.

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Decorative candle holders at a Christmas tea party create a warm, cozy glow that adds a touch of magic to the atmosphere, casting soft light over the table and enhancing the festive spirit. Whether they’re shaped like snowflakes, stars, or even mini Christmas trees, these little illuminations set the perfect mood for sipping tea and sharing holiday cheer with friends and family.

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These pretty golden tealight holders also add joy to the table without extra fuss.

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We saw this idea used at a fabulous festive event, and fell in love with the simplicity of a white tree and glass tea light holders.

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No party is complete without the perfect soundtrack. Let the Brat Pack of Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. help you out with their classic Christmas sounds.

What to Wear?

For a Christmas tea party, the key is to blend festive charm with a touch of elegance. Women might opt for a cozy yet sophisticated outfit, like a lovely sweater dress or a festive blouse paired with a skirt or tailored pants, adding a sparkly scarf or a statement necklace for extra holiday flair. Men can keep it classic with a smart button-down shirt or a cozy sweater, perhaps layered with a blazer for a bit of extra polish. Think of it as a chance to wear your favorite holiday colors—rich reds, deep greens, and metallic accents—while keeping the vibe warm, welcoming, and just a touch refined. And don’t forget your holiday spirit—perhaps a cheerful brooch or a fun pair of Christmas socks to add that personal, festive touch!

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We love these classic Audrey Hepburn inspired vintage dresses. Paired with a pair of kitten heels and a glam up-do these style dresses help you really take the role of vintage hostess.

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Add some drama to your outfit with a beautiful fascinator and lace gloves. We love this dramatic black with bright red lipstick!

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Or this bright red hat and feather!

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Invitations

Vintage Tea party invitations that invite guests to a cozy, nostalgic festive tea party. We love these romantic lace and ribbon invitations that come in a wide range of colors.

Serving the Food:

Tiered plates are a charming and practical way to serve food at a Christmas tea party, creating an elegant, multi-level presentation that not only looks stunning but also maximizes space on the table. The tiers allow guests to easily access a variety of treats—like delicate finger sandwiches, scones, and festive pastries—while adding an extra touch of sophistication, as if each delicious bite is part of a carefully curated holiday display. Plus, the visual appeal of stacked plates brings a sense of grandeur to the gathering, making every course feel like a special occasion.

Cupcakes with Christmas-themed toppers

Tea Selections

The teas at a Christmas tea party are as varied and comforting as the season itself, offering warm, fragrant blends like spiced chai, cinnamon-infused black tea, and festive cranberry or citrus blends. Whether enjoyed with a splash of milk or a spoonful of honey, each cup is the perfect companion to the delicious treats, adding an extra layer of holiday warmth and coziness to the gathering.

We love to offer beautiful smelling teas at a tea party. One of our favorites is the Harney & Sons Hot Cinnamon Spice Tea – a black tea with an aroma of orange and sweet cloves.

If it is cold outside, why not help your guests warm up with a beautiful hot chocolate bar. Let guests make their own luxury hot chocolate with all the trappings. A hot chocolate bar at a Christmas tea party is the ultimate indulgence, allowing guests to customize their cocoa with an array of delicious toppings like whipped cream, peppermint sticks, marshmallows, and a sprinkle of cinnamon or chocolate shavings. It’s a fun and festive treat that adds a cozy, interactive element to the party, perfect for sipping while chatting or enjoying the holiday cheer!

Get Inspired with more Christmas Recipes:

More Classic Recipes In High Society Refreshments

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Tea party decorations help you set the mood for your tea party. They can range from delicate and whimsical to elegant and sophisticated, depending on the theme and your personal preferences.

When you are planning your next tea party event, here are some popular tea party decoration ideas to consider:

Table Settings

Start by setting an enchanting table with crisp tablecloths, lace doilies, or vintage-inspired linens.

Place individually folded cloth napkins and embellish them with napkin rings or decorative bows.

Use fine china or delicate teacups and saucers with matching plates. Incorporate floral patterns, pastel hues, or elegant designs that evoke a sense of refinement. Take a look at our Shabby Chic Tea Party page for more vintage-inspired ideas.

Centerpieces

Create captivating centerpieces for your tea party tables. Fresh flowers, such as roses, daisies, or peonies, arranged in vases or teapots, add a touch of natural beauty.

Alternatively, consider using vintage teacups or teapots filled with small flower arrangements as unique and charming centerpieces.

You could also place decorative birdcages, candles, or elegant figurines as focal points. If your tea party is outdoors, we have many more ideas on our Garden Tea Party page.

Bunting and Garlands:

Hang bunting or garlands across the party area to add a festive touch. Choose pastel-coloured fabric or paper bunting adorned with floral patterns, lace, or decorative elements like teacups or teapot cutouts. Garlands made of paper flowers, ribbons, or delicate fabric can also be draped along walls, door frames, or around tables.

Tea Party Props

Add lots of tea-related props to enhance the tea party theme. Vintage teacups, teapots, or tea party-themed accessories like miniature hats, gloves, or decorative fans can be placed as decor items. Display vintage books, antique teaware, or delicate lace parasols to add an air of nostalgia.

Floral Arrangements

Flowers and tea parties go hand in hand. They add a fresh, bright touch to your tea party decor. Arrange bouquets of fresh flowers in vases or mason jars and place them strategically around the venue. Opt for dainty blossoms like roses, hydrangeas, or lavender.

You can also use floral arrangements to embellish buffet tables, dessert displays, or the entrance area.

Balloons and Ribbons

Add lots of balloons and ribbons to bring a whimsical touch to your tea party. Use pastel-coloured balloons filled with helium and tied with ribbons that match the color scheme. You can create balloon bouquets or arches to enhance specific areas like the entrance or photo backdrop.

Lace and Doilies

Lace and doilies add a touch of elegance and vintage charm to tea party decorations. Place lace doilies under teacups or plates, drape lace runners across tables, or incorporate lace-trimmed fabric in various decor elements. Ribbons, organza and lace can also adorn chair backs or as a decorative touch on napkins or favor bags.

Creative Signage

Create charming signs to direct guests or label different areas of the tea party. Use calligraphy or elegant fonts on chalkboards, vintage frames, or decorative cards. Consider signs for the tea station, dessert table, or photo booth area.

Personalized Touches

Add personalized touches to your tea party decorations to make the event unique. Consider personalized place cards, tea bag favors with customized tags, or printed menus with a special message for each guest. These personal details can make guests feel truly special and add an extra element of thoughtfulness.

Remember to consider the theme, color scheme, and overall aesthetic you want to achieve. And, of course have some fun with it!

A Royal Tea Party theme is a wonderful theme to create a delightful and elegant event for a bridal shower, baby shower or classy birthday party. We have created a simple step-by-step guide to help you plan a memorable Royal Tea Party that will be the talk of the town – in the best possible way!

An official Royal Tea Party is characterized by the presence of distinguished guests, including members of royal families, aristocracy, and prominent figures. But, we will take any opportunity to pretend to be Royal, so let your guests also enjoy the Royal treatment with this fun Royal Tea Party Theme.

The Royal Setting

Choosing a beautiful venue is the first step to creating a memorable event. A Royal Tea Party is an elegant and formal social gathering. It can be hosted in a regal setting, such as a palace, castle, or grand estate. It can also be created in a more modest location, using lavish decorations, fine china, and floral arrangements to bring the Royal touch. We like to find pretty locations that a intimate and easy to decorate as you choose. Depending on the size of your party, you can create a Royal Tea Party in a lovely garden, terrace, or a well-decorated indoor space. With a little imagination, you can make your Royal Tea Party a refined and sophisticated affair that combines the elegance of tea traditions with the grandeur of royal hospitality.

Royal Invitations

Any Royal event begins with guests receiving elegant invitations, usually with intricate designs, calligraphy, or royal emblems. Be sure to let your guests know they are in for a Royal treat, and don’t forget to include the date, time, location, dress code, and any specific instructions.

Dress Code

Part of the excitement of a Royal Tea Party is seeing your guests arrive in their best outfits. So encourage guests to wear semi-formal or formal attire. Here are some general guidelines to help your guests.

For Women:

Dress or Skirt Ensemble:

A Royal Tea Party does not require long dresses. Instead, a knee-length or tea-length dress or a skirt paired with a blouse works well. We love to encourage floral patterns or pastel colors. We have lots of suggestions on our Best Tea Party Dresses Page:

Accessories:

This is the event to choose elegant accessories such as pearls, small earrings, or a delicate necklace.

Hats are an important part of this style! A beautiful hat or fascinator can add a touch of sophistication. We have all the best tea party hats in one place here:

Footwear:

Opt for dressy flats, low heels, or stylish pumps. You can find our best suggestions here:

Gloves:

Depending on the formality of the event, you might consider wearing gloves, especially if they complement your outfit.

For Men:

Men should wear a Suit or Blazer to a Royal Tea Party. A well-fitted suit or a blazer paired with dress trousers in neutral colors like navy, gray, or black is the classic choice for men of style.

Shirt and Tie:

Add a dress shirt with a coordinating tie. The tie can add a pop of color or complement the color scheme of your outfit.

Accessories:

Consider adding cufflinks, a pocket square, or a tie bar to enhance your overall look.

Footwear:

Select polished dress shoes that complement the color of your outfit.

Tea Service

The tea service is the centrepiece of any successful Royal Tea Party. Fine china cups and saucers, delicate teapots, and silverware can be used to serve a variety of high-quality teas.

Traditional tea blends, such as Earl Grey, Darjeeling, or English Breakfast, are often served, along with an assortment of herbal infusions.

Etiquette

Royal Tea Parties follow strict etiquette rules. Guests are expected to show proper manners, such as sitting upright, using the correct utensils, and engaging in polite conversation. The host or hostess leads the event, ensuring the atmosphere remains elegant and refined. Remind guests of traditional tea party etiquette, such as holding the teacup with the pinkie down and refraining from slurping. Why not consider providing etiquette lessons or hiring a professional tea sommelier to educate guests about tea traditions? This can add a fun edge to this formal type of event.

If you want some ideas about the type of manners required for a formal Royal Tea Party, you will find many in High Society Etiquette – a book written by a mother to guide her daughter through the social season.

Refreshments

Alongside tea, an array of sweet treats and savoury delicacies are served. These may include finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, petit fours, pastries, and miniature cakes. The food is typically presented on tiered trays or elegant silver platters.

Live Entertainment

To bring the right Royal ambience, a Royal Tea Party may feature live entertainment, such as classical music performed by a chamber orchestra, a string quartet, a pianist or via speakers. The music provides a backdrop for conversation and adds to the sophistication of the event.

Party Favors

Give your guests an extra treat with elegant party favors such as special tea bags, scented candles, or mini jars of honey. Attach a thank-you note expressing gratitude for attending the royal tea party.

Photography

Don’t forget to arrange for a professional photographer or set up a photo booth with props for guests to capture memories.

Thank You Notes

After a successful event it is elegant and kind to send personalized thank-you cards after the event, expressing appreciation for the guests’ presence and any gifts they may have brought.

We wish you all the best in creating a regal and enjoyable Royal Tea Party that will be remembered for its sophistication and charm. We hope you will enjoy this exquisite experience with your guests and finish the evening feeling like a Queen or King.