Step by Step Instructions

Choose Invitations

Step 1

Select a small group of people who will get along and complement one another's personalities. Between 6 and 10 guests is a good number for a tea party.

Step 2

Select handmade invitations, embellished with pressed flowers or made from rice paper or other beautiful stationery.

Step 3

Include all the pertinent information about the party such as time, location, RSVP date and phone number.

Step 4

Explain the theme of the party and the occasion (for example, a baby shower, mother’s day tea or holiday bridal shower).

Step 5

Mail the invitations four weeks in advance of the party date.

Choose Decorations

Step 1

Select a color scheme for your tea party to help guide the rest of your decorations.

Step 2

Set up two tables: one for the buffet and one for dining.

Step 3

Cover each table with tablecloths. Layer different colors and patterns for a luxurious look.

Step 4

Select seasonal flowers and place them in vases throughout the room.

Step 5

Make place cards that match your tea party theme, such as writing guests names on real leaves for an Autumn theme or on plain glass ornaments for a Christmas tea party.

Step 6

Set the dining table with linen napkins or good quality paper. Add pretty china, polished silver and sparkling crystal glasses.

Choose a Menu

Step 1

Select one or two teas with similar flavoring, such as Ceylon tea and Earl Grey.

Step 2

Offer guests an assortment of dainty sandwiches with seasonal fillings, such as ham and asparagus for a spring tea party, or roast beef and Dijon mustard for a winter tea party.

Step 3

Prepare one seasonal soup, such as pumpkin bisque for an autumn tea party. Accompany soups with oyster crackers or small biscuits.

Step 4

Select desserts that are delicate and bite sized. Heart-shaped scones with strawberry jam are perfect for a summer tea party, while apple tarts are a good choice for an autumn tea.

Step 5

Send guests home with favors of assorted teas in cellophane bags, tied with pretty bows.