How to Host a Tea Party: Two Ways to Gather Around Tea

There is something special about gathering around a pot of tea. Perhaps it's because we were exposed to tea parties at an early age, being fully immersed in “bookish” families . . . think Jane Austen, Alice in Wonderland, and Tasha Tudor. Throwing a tea party wasn’t a foreign concept to us. It was just another day around our house! 

The good news is that hosting a tea party isn’t complicated. Whether you're dreaming of a classic afternoon tea complete with matching china or a laid-back Southern gathering with mason jars, the basic ingredients are surprisingly simple: quality tea, a few treats, and people you enjoy spending time with. 

If you've ever wanted to host a tea party but weren't sure where to begin, here's a simple guide to creating a gathering that fits your style. Try not to overthink it. You’ll be delighted with the result! 

Option One: The traditional Tea Party

When people hear the words tea party, they usually picture floral tablecloths, fine china, fresh flowers, and a steaming teapot at the center of the table. This style traces its roots back to traditional “afternoon tea”, where guests gathered for conversation and refreshments between lunch and dinner. 

Step 1: Choose Your Teas 

Offering two or three varieties allows guests to sample different blends and find a favorite. A mix of caffeinated and caffeine-free options helps ensure there's something for everyone at the table. 

Some Piper & Leaf favorites for a traditional tea service include: 

Step 2: Prepare a Few Simple Treats 

Traditional tea parties often include a mix of sweet and savory bites. Your goal isn't to create an elaborate meal, but to offer a few small treats that pair well with tea and encourage guests to converse around the table. 

Ideas include: 

If you've followed our blog for a while, you might remember one of our favorite scone recipes. Bonus: it uses tea concentrate! 

Step 3: Set the Mood 

Fresh flowers, cloth napkins, and a few candles can make the gathering feel special without requiring much effort. Don't worry if your dishes don't match perfectly. Some of the most charming tea tables are made up of favorite pieces collected over the years, each with its own story. Tip: our moms loved to peruse antique shops and thrift stores when adding to their tea party collection! 

Option Two: The Southern Tea Party 

Of course, here in the South, tea parties can be a bit more casual. Instead of polished silver and delicate teacups, you might find picnic tables, rocking chairs, mason jars, and a big pitcher of iced tea waiting on the porch. The goal is usually less about formality and more about hospitality. 

Step 1: Brew a Few Pitchers 

Southern tea parties are designed for sharing. A couple of pitchers on the table make it easy for guests to refill their glasses and try different flavors throughout the afternoon. 

Consider serving: 

Step 2: Serve Easy Southern Favorites 

At a backyard gathering, simple Southern favorites often feel right at home:

• Peach cobbler
  
• Homemade cookies
  
• Banana bread
  
• Fresh watermelon
  
• Mini muffins 

One of our favorite summer treats is a simple blueberry crisp made with fresh blueberries when they're in season. If you've ever visited a local berry patch in June or July, you already know how difficult it is to resist eating a few handfuls before they ever make it into the recipe! Serve your crisp warm with an iced glass of Sweet Dixie or Strawberry Shindig on the side. 

Step 3: Create a Comfortable Gathering Space 

A Southern tea party can happen almost anywhere. A front porch, a shady spot beneath a tree, a picnic blanket at the park, or a backyard table can all become the perfect place to gather. The setting doesn't need to be elegant. A few folding chairs and good company are often all that's required. 

The Secret Ingredient 

Whether you're pouring hot tea into china cups or filling mason jars with iced tea, the best tea parties have never been about the dishes, the decorations, or even the menu. They're about creating a place where people can come together to swap stories and just be with each other, while tea gives everyone a shared experience. 

So, pick a few favorite blends, bake something simple, invite a few people over, and put the hot kettle on or fill a pitcher with ice. Before long, you'll likely find yourself doing what tea drinkers have been doing for generations: gathering around a cup and enjoying good company.