3 Easy Steps to Create an Elegant But Inexpensive HolidayTea Party
Want to entertain friends during the holidays, but dinner seems daunting and out of the budget? Try an elegant Holiday Afternoon Tea.
There’s something about the holidays that calls us to home and hearth, to gather with friends and family. But this is also the time of year we are spread the thinnest. With wrapping up work projects before the new year, shopping, planning, and executing family obligations, who has time to check in for time with the friends we love? Well, a holiday-inspired Afternoon Tea might be just what the doctor ordered.
An Afternoon tea can be an elegant (yet inexpensive) get-together that doesn’t have to break the bank. There are no costly main courses, portions are smaller, there’s no need for a wine list (although a little bubbly can be a nice addition), and best of all, you get to connect with friends. Here’s how to create a stunning holiday-inspired tea party experience in just three easy steps:
Step 1: Set the Stage with Elegant Decor
The atmosphere is everything when it comes to creating a high-end tea party. Focus on the details:
Table Settings: Use a crisp white or pastel linen tablecloth and accent it with a lace or silk table runner. Opt for vintage china or porcelain tea sets, complete with matching cups, saucers, and teapots. You can also use"orphan" pieces where all of the plates, cups and saucers are intentionally different for a shabby chic, eclectic feel. All of these items can be thrifted from Good Will, Salvation Army, Facebook Marketplace, or any of your local thrift stores. Renting is also an option.
Centerpieces: Add fresh flowers like roses, peonies, or hydrangeas arranged in delicate vases or teapots. To elevate the look, include candlesticks, crystal accents, silver or gold tableware.
Ambiance: Soft lighting is key—use fairy lights, candles, or even an outdoor garden setting for a natural glow. Play classical or soft jazz music in the background to set the mood.
Step 2: Curate a Luxe Tea Menu
The food and beverages are the heart of your tea party, and a luxurious spread is essential.
Tea Selection: Offer a variety of teas such as Earl Grey, Darjeeling, jasmine, or herbal blends. Tea can be loose-leaf or tea bags as long as it is presented in elegant jars or boxes. You can add labels for a refined touch.
Savory Bites: Include classic tea sandwiches like cucumber with cream cheese, smoked salmon with dill, or egg salad with watercress. Cut them into delicate shapes like rectangles, triangles or circles.
Sweet Treats: Serve an array of petite desserts such as macarons, scones with clotted cream and jam, mini tarts, and madeleines. A small cake, cake slices or cupcake tower adds a stunning focal point.
Drink Enhancements: Provide fresh lemon slices, sugar cubes, honey, and milk in decorative serving pieces to complement the tea service.
Step 3: Add Personalized and Upscale Touches
It’s the little details that make your tea party feel truly expensive:
Customized Place Settings: Create personalized name cards using elegant calligraphy or print them on cardstock with a floral design. You can also add a small favor, like a sachet of tea or a tiny jar of honey or jam, at each setting.
Dress Code: The dress code is completely up to you. Attire can be as elegant or as thematic core as you like. Encourage guests to dress in their finest attire. Hats, gloves, and floral dresses for women and tailored suits for men can elevate the overall feel of the event. You can also do a period or theme tea inspired by Bridgerton or Downtown Abbey or a Cottage-core asthetic.
Photo-Worthy Moments: Set up a photo area with a beautiful backdrop like a flower wall, vintage furniture, or draped fabric. This will give guests a memorable experience and Instagram-worthy pictures.