A tea party is a great way for friends to get together. Tea parties are typically thrown in the afternoon, but anytime is a good time for tea. Guests should feel comfortable and welcome whether the occasion is formal or casual. Snacks and tea should be readily available for each guest and distractions need to be kept to a minimum.

Tea parties are great for formal gatherings such as a retirement party or graduation. Proper seating and formal clothes can be the right way to celebrate someone accomplishments. A tea party is also a wonderful way to spend time catching up with old friends, or just one. An informal setting on the back porch with a warm cup of good tea coupled with close company can help lift any spirit.

Where are you going to have your tea party? A quiet flat backyard can be nice if the weather is good. A big dining area is cozy for a smaller crowd. A porch swing and a close table are perfect for a 2 person tea party. Enlist help if you need to orchestrate a room full of chairs and tables. Map out seating arrangements carefully to avoid any potential conflicts. Place cards can be set at the tables of a formal tea party or let your guests mingle in a more casual setting.

Send out invitations as you would any other formal event. Send them out with plenty of response time and include a specific time so everyone is present to enjoy the focal point of the party, hot tea. Be sure to include an rsvp so you can plan for enough supplies and seating. Also entail what kind of dress needs to be worn. A fancy garden tea party has a much different wardrobe than a singles get-to-know you tea party.

Plan out your menu well ahead of time. Find some good recipes and bake up a batch of small cakes and cookies. Ordering out from your local bakery can save a lot of time and also promote local business too. Set up what you can the day before so you are not overly exerted the day of the party. Be sure to have everything ready before guests arrive so you can host a tea party, not cater it. Everyone’s needs can be met and you can still have time to enjoy yourself at your tea party.