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.
Christmas Afternoon Tea Guide
Host a warm and memorable Christmas tea without the work of a formal dinner.
This 40-page guide includes five festive table themes, matching menus and tea pairings, games, conversation cards, invitations, printables, and a calm make-ahead countdown.
Instant PDF download. No physical item will be shipped.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Add some fun with these classic plaid napkins in green and red.
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.
Food Inspirations – Savory:
- Mini Quiches (spinach and feta, ham and cheese, or mushroom)
- Cucumber Sandwiches with dill and cream cheese
- Smoked Salmon Canapés on rye or pumpernickel bread
- Mini Sausage Rolls or puff pastry bites
- Cheese and Herb Scones with chutney or butter
- Miniature Croissant Sandwiches with turkey and cranberry or chicken salad
- Deviled Eggs with a sprinkle of paprika or chives
- Brie and Cranberry Tartlets
- Olives and Pickles in small bowls for snacking
- Stuffed Mushrooms with cream cheese, garlic, and herbs
- Spinach and Ricotta Palmiers
- Herbed Goat Cheese on Crostini with roasted tomatoes
- Pâté on Crackers or with thin slices of baguette
- Roast Beef and Horseradish Canapés
- Mini Yorkshire Puddings with roast beef or turkey gravy
These savory bites provide the perfect balance to the sweet treats at your Christmas tea party and will surely impress your guests!
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Sweet Food Inspirations
Here’s a list of sweet treats that will add festive flair to your Christmas tea party:
- Miniature Gingerbread Men decorated with icing
- Cranberry Orange Scones served with clotted cream and jam
- Mince Pies filled with spiced fruit and topped with a buttery crust
- Christmas Sugar Cookies in the shape of stars, trees, and bells, dusted with sparkling sugar
- Chocolate Truffles with festive flavors like peppermint or orange
- Fruitcake Bites or miniature fruitcakes drizzled with brandy butter
- Pecan Tartlets with a sweet, nutty filling
- Candy Cane Meringues that melt in your mouth with a hint of peppermint
- Yule Log Slices (Bûche de Noël) with chocolate ganache and festive decorations
- Snowball Cookies (Russian tea cakes) dusted in powdered sugar
- Cinnamon Rolls with a light glaze or frosting
- Mini Cupcakes decorated with red and green frosting or sprinkles
- Fudge in rich chocolate, peppermint, or salted caramel flavors
- Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries with a festive red and white coating
- Spiced Apple or Pear Tarts with cinnamon and nutmeg
These sweet treats will delight your guests and fill the air with the irresistible aromas of Christmas baking!
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.
Christmas Afternoon Tea Guide
Host a warm and memorable Christmas tea without the work of a formal dinner.
This 40-page guide includes five festive table themes, matching menus and tea pairings, games, conversation cards, invitations, printables, and a calm make-ahead countdown.
Instant PDF download. No physical item will be shipped.