Host The Perfect Bridal Tea Party

Hosting a bridal tea party is such a fun way to celebrate with your bride tribe in such a romantic, thoughtful, and fun setting! Instead of the usual dinner party or girls brunch, a tea party is a charming event that encourages mingling and conversation.

Recently, at Ava Laurénne Bride we hosted an exclusive Christmas High Tea event for our brides! This was a free event where a select group of our brides with a plus one of their choosing got to enjoy a gorgeous Christmas Tea right in the center of our Virginia bridal boutique. The afternoon began with catered bites, tea, and conversation amongst guests. After the initial serving of tea everyone got to enjoy a mini-fashion show featuring some of our newest gowns! And lastly, before everyone left they were given biscotti from a local bakery and custom watercolor paintings from a celebrated local artist! Learn more about what it means to be an Ava Laurénne Bride and how you could receive invites to events such as this for the rest of your life!

We LOVE a charming tea party and we especially loved seeing how brides, friends, and even new acquittances bonded over the course of the afternoon. A tea party can be customized to an season or theme but below we have listed some of the basics or staples to hosting the perfect tea party for you and your friends!

Step 1: Choose the theme or decor inspiration for your tea party!

Add a layer of charm and excitement to your event with a fun theme or decor inspiration! Want to have a romantic feel? Use pastels, floral patterns, and lace accents! And a more traditional garden party feel? Incorporate both rustic and refined elements such as wooden accents and gold details with your floral arrangements.

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Step 2: Pretty up the presentation

Search thrift, second hand, or vintage shops for tea pots, cups, and saucers! Don't stress your self about having sets match exactly, guests will enjoy the variety!

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Step 3: Plan your bites!

Here is the exact menu we planned for our Christmas High Tea event!

#1 Orange cranberry bread and clotted cream from Wegmans

#2 Assortment of scones, macaroons, or small desserts from a local bakery

#3 Melon Prosciutto Skewers: Recipe Below

- Halve cantaloupe, then scoop out and discard seeds. Using a melon baller, scoop out 24 balls.

- Assemble skewers: Layer cantaloupe, basil, mozzarella, prosciutto, and a second piece of cantaloupe until you have 12 skewers.

- Drizzle skewers with balsamic glaze and serve immediately.

#4 English Tea Sandwiches

Sandwiches include classic egg, smoked salmon, cucumber, and chicken with cranberry!

For the Cucumber Dill Sandwich: ½ cucumber large, 4 oz cream cheese softened, lemon zest, 1 pinch salt, dill chopped, 6 slices potato bread

For the Salmon Sandwich: 1 package smoked salmon, ½ cucumber, 2 oz cream cheese, dill chopped, 1 pinch salt, 6 slices pumpernickel bread

For the Egg Sandwich: 4 eggs hard boiled, 2 tablespoons butter softened, 1 tablespoon mayonnaise, 1 pinch paprika, 6 mini croissants sliced open

For the Cranberry Chicken Sandwich: 3 cooked chicken breasts (hand shred the meat), ¼ teaspoon thyme, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 oz cranberries, 1 sprig watercress, 1 tablespoon mayonnaise, 2 teaspoons Dijon, 6 slices potato bread

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Step 4: Plan Your Line Up Of Teas!

When hosting a tea party, it's essential to offer a selection of teas to cater to different tastes and preferences. Our favorite tea brand is Taylors of Harrogate.

Taylors of Harrogate is excellent quality and has a wonderful range in flavors: blackberry & raspberry, English breakfast, lemon & orange, early gray, organic peppermint, and green tea.

Step 5: Set Up the Tea Station:

Arrange your teapots, cups, saucers, spoons, sugar, milk, and lemon slices in an easily accessible area. Provide hot water and tea strainers for guests to brew their tea.

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Above is the basic elements to a tea party! You can make this event as elaborate or laid back as you want by incorporating a dress code, games, and "favors". But remember at the end of the event the most important thing is you created a welcoming and fun atmosphere where your guests can enjoy each other’s company and indulge in delicious treats and tea!