How to Host a Tea Party, According to Experts – POPSUGAR
It's hard to deny the aesthetic allure of "Bridgerton," whether you've soaked up every minute of the lush period drama or not. The three-season series on Netflix explores the nuanced social dynamics among Regency London's high society (and notably holds some of the steamiest scenes on the streaming platform.) If you've spent a weekend falling deep into the newest episodes, you might be feeling inspired to step into the world of duchesses and dukes for yourself. Dearest gentle reader, count us in.
Planning a tea party might sound like a monumental feat, but rest assured it's no more intimidating than an intimate dinner party. It all starts with a clear central theme such as the summer's sexiest Regency drama and a good measure of planning. From there, you'll build excitement with curated mood boards and enchant guests with thoughtful details.
Ahead, we're outlining seven ideas for planning your own garden tea party, including suggestions for the location, tablescape, attire, and more. Plus, we share expert advice on hosting a seamless tea party that might even impress Lady Whistledown (or, at least we'd like to think).
Lea Stafford is a California-based event planner and founder of Stafford Creative + Co.
AJ Williams is an event designer and founder of AJ Events.
Not sure where to begin? Outline a budget and approximate guest list to define the vision for the day. Whether you're hosting in your backyard or planning something a bit more formal, it's important to set expectations early. As event designer AJ Williams tells PS, hosts should start with a tentative guest list and intended price per person. (Don't worry you can adjust later as the RSVPs start to roll in.)
Curating a regal look all starts with the setting. While you might feel inclined to book a lush outdoor garden, Williams notes that some of the most impactful "Bridgerton" tea scenes actually take place within the sitting room. You'll have a bit more control over the day (and skip worries of heat, rain, and unwelcome insects) when hosting indoors. As event planner Lea Stafford highlights, you'll also want to weigh your guests' environmental preferences, allergies, and comfort needs when selecting a venue.
Floral bouquets are key to nailing this aesthetic look but you don't have to drop major money for fresh stems. Plan a day-of run to Trader's Joes or a local farmer's market to source affordable bouquets.
Stafford also recommends selecting decor that speaks to your group's most treasured memories. "I'm into simple, imperfect, raw moments," she tells PS. "There's something so special about having moments that showcase the actual material or item, and it's less about the styling of it."
Of course, no tea party is complete without the titular beverage. You might want to poll the group chat for a consensus on a favorite type of tea, but Chamomile or Earl Grey are safe bets. When planning finger foods try combining traditional tea service including scones and miniature sandwiches with more modern fare, all accented with a scattering of edible flowers. Presentation is paramount here.
"For any of the food, try layering and presenting them almost like a cheese board," Williams says. "Put crumpets, tea sandwiches, and assorted desserts on different platters and on elevated heights."
Take notes from Penelope's wardrobe and ask guests to dress in shades of soft pinks, yellows, blues, and greens. (It doesn't hurt that butter yellow and powder blues are major players in the current trend cycle, either.) Try recommending other Regency-era details such as exquisite lace and empire-waist gowns to further lean into that distinct look.
If you aren't planning something Bridgerton-inspired, rest assured that there's still room for planning around a theme. However, both Stafford and Williams caution against forcing anyone to adhere to a dress code; instead, try building a recommended color palette for that day.
Chances are, not every guest has soaked up every tantalizing twist from "Bridgerton." Ahead of the party, Williams suggests sharing a Pinterest board to inspire, set expectations, and drum up excitement. It's also the perfect moment to hop onto a party messaging platform, like Stafford's go-to TextMyGuests, to build community and keep everyone in the loop.
Gentle music acts as the backdrop of your bash and pulls the entire event together. If the occasion calls for it, you might consider a live musician or DJ to set the tone. (Otherwise, a well-curated playlist will do the trick.) A dainty, string quartet cover of Sabrina Carpenter's "Espresso"? Consider us most pleased.
A highly stylized tea party all comes down to the moments you'll create. Small, thoughtfully planned details such as pastel cocktails and ice cubes with edible flowers are key providing guests with a delightful experience.
It's all too easy to get wrapped up in the aesthetics, but don't let yourself get lost in all the beautiful details. A practical, careful plan for the gathering including problem-solving for any outdoor location challenges helps everything to run smoothly. To make the occasion particularly heartfelt, Stafford suggests planning activities beloved by your friend group and details that reference sweet inside jokes.
"On social channels like Instagram, it's all about the glitz, the glam, and the aesthetic," Stafford says. "But there should be a deeper purpose. Highlighting that deeper purpose in a beautiful way is my goal." We'd politely raise a teacup to that.
Nicolette Baker is a freelance writer living in Brooklyn, NY. Her expertise lies primarily in food, drink, and fashion media, but she enjoys covering all aspects of lifestyle with an accessible approach. She's written for Food & Wine, Byrdie, Business Insider, VinePair, and Flourish.
Read more:
How to Host a Tea Party, According to Experts - POPSUGAR
- Families connect with nature at Deep River County Parks Woodland Tea Party - NWI.Life - October 23rd, 2024 [October 23rd, 2024]
- PICTURES: All smiles at the fundraising tea party in Thomastown - Kilkenny Live - October 23rd, 2024 [October 23rd, 2024]
- Halloween Tea Party - CTV News Winnipeg - October 23rd, 2024 [October 23rd, 2024]
- Rudy Giuliani appears in Georgia with Tea Party Patriots leader and claims there will be "frauds" to try to take the election from Trump -... - October 23rd, 2024 [October 23rd, 2024]
- News - Bloomsbury to host Halloween tea party for content-creators - The Bookseller - October 21st, 2024 [October 21st, 2024]
- Virginia had its own 'tea party.' This year marks the 250th anniversary of the one in Yorktown. - Cardinal News - October 21st, 2024 [October 21st, 2024]
- Mission First hosts a Princess Tea Party fundraiser - WLBT - October 21st, 2024 [October 21st, 2024]
- Coachman Ghost Returns to Haunted Mansion Tea Party Scene - WDW News Today - October 21st, 2024 [October 21st, 2024]
- All the Stars Who Showed Out for the 2024 BAFTA NYC Tea Party - Cosmopolitan - October 11th, 2024 [October 11th, 2024]
- Thespian Tea Party This Saturday For Local Youth - FortScott.Biz - October 11th, 2024 [October 11th, 2024]
- Here's What To Know About BAFTA's Inaugural NYC Tea Party, Which Brought Out Colman Domingo, Jharrel Jerome And More - Blavity News - October 11th, 2024 [October 11th, 2024]
- Group to host Mad Hatter's Tea Party to support families facing brain disorders - Davidson Local - October 11th, 2024 [October 11th, 2024]
- 'Beyond the Veil' | Learn about Victorian-era funeral practices at this afternoon tea party - WQAD Moline - October 11th, 2024 [October 11th, 2024]
- Celebrating a century with the Kane Garden Club's 100th Anniversary Tea Party - Kane Republican - October 7th, 2024 [October 7th, 2024]
- Pink tea party with Estela Casas happening this weekend - KTSM 9 News - October 7th, 2024 [October 7th, 2024]
- Tea party raises over 1,000 for the Seaton Hospice at Home - Midweek Herald - October 7th, 2024 [October 7th, 2024]
- Councillor hosts community tea party in Watford - Yahoo News UK - October 3rd, 2024 [October 3rd, 2024]
- Private Tea Party Experience with The Queens Tea Party - Atlanta News First - September 28th, 2024 [September 28th, 2024]
- Channel Your Inner Witch at The Westgate Hotel Hocus Pocus Tea Party - There San Diego - September 21st, 2024 [September 21st, 2024]
- Teddy Bear Tea Party with Paddington at the Robinson Film Center - KTALnews.com - September 21st, 2024 [September 21st, 2024]
- The BAFTA TV Tea Party 2024 See Photos of Every Attendee - Just Jared - September 21st, 2024 [September 21st, 2024]
- Its the Mad Hatters Tea Party with a hip-hop twist - The Voice Online - September 21st, 2024 [September 21st, 2024]
- Borderlands Tiny Tina's Robot Tea Party review --- A party worth joining, even if it does begin to get a bit dull after a few play sessions - Gaming... - September 21st, 2024 [September 21st, 2024]
- Grand Island Public Library holds 22nd Annual Victorian Tea Party at Hargis House - KSNB - September 19th, 2024 [September 19th, 2024]
- Columbia Parks and Rec to Host TuTu Tea Party for Young Princesses - Maury County Source - September 19th, 2024 [September 19th, 2024]
- Annapolis Tea Party 250th Anniversary Commemoration (October 19, 2024) - Eye On Annapolis - September 19th, 2024 [September 19th, 2024]
- Inside the Emmy Parties: BAFTA Tea Party on Saturday and HBO Max After Party Sunday [PHOTOS] - WWD - September 19th, 2024 [September 19th, 2024]
- BAFTA Brings Back Tea Party To LA After 4-Years To Honour TV Talents Of The Year | WATCH | N18G - News18 - September 19th, 2024 [September 19th, 2024]
- Tea parties are trending. Heres how to host your own - The Globe and Mail - July 26th, 2024 [July 26th, 2024]
- Forsyth County Tea Party, GOP rally for Trump in wake of shooting - Appen Media - July 15th, 2024 [July 15th, 2024]
- King and Queen join tea party in St Helier - Indiana Gazette - July 15th, 2024 [July 15th, 2024]
- King and Queen join tea party in St Helier - Putnam County Sentinel - July 15th, 2024 [July 15th, 2024]
- King and Queen join tea party in St Helier - Citizentribune - July 15th, 2024 [July 15th, 2024]
- King and Queen join tea party in St Helier - Conway Daily Sun - July 15th, 2024 [July 15th, 2024]
- King and Queen join tea party in St Helier - Watauga Democrat - July 15th, 2024 [July 15th, 2024]
- King and Queen join tea party in St Helier - 69News WFMZ-TV - July 15th, 2024 [July 15th, 2024]
- Edenton to hold 'one heck of a tea party' thanks to $40K America 250 grant - The Daily Advance - July 15th, 2024 [July 15th, 2024]
- King and Queen join tea party in St Helier - The Central Virginian - July 15th, 2024 [July 15th, 2024]
- Bridgerton-themed event by Revolution Red highlights fight against period poverty - WLTX.com - July 15th, 2024 [July 15th, 2024]
- King and Queen join tea party in St Helier - lincolnnewsnow.com - July 15th, 2024 [July 15th, 2024]
- Community Heroes celebrated at Chairman's tea party - Horsham District Council - June 25th, 2024 [June 25th, 2024]
- Voodoo Ranger Hardcharged Tea Wreaks Havoc with Outrageous Stunt and Campaign | LBBOnline - Little Black Book - June 24th, 2024 [June 24th, 2024]
- LIVE REVIEW: The Tea Party - Perth Concert Hall - TRIPtych 25 - The Rockpit - June 24th, 2024 [June 24th, 2024]
- "Tea's Party: From Boston to Salem and Back Again" Author Talk at Salem Maritime National Historic Site - Destination Salem - June 16th, 2024 [June 16th, 2024]
- Alternative London tea party brings class to Heights library - The Killeen Daily Herald - June 16th, 2024 [June 16th, 2024]
- Opinion: From the Boston Tea Party to todays targeted tariffs: What happened? - Chattanooga Times Free Press - June 16th, 2024 [June 16th, 2024]
- Harker Heights library offers yoga, Bridgerton Tea Party this weekend - The Killeen Daily Herald - June 16th, 2024 [June 16th, 2024]
- Texas GOP group to host conference on war on white America - The Texas Tribune - June 16th, 2024 [June 16th, 2024]
- Tea Parties and Themed Dinners Will Be the Most Popular Ways to Entertain This Summer, According to Pinterest - Martha Stewart - May 27th, 2024 [May 27th, 2024]
- Witchmarsh Interview - Dev Talks Lovecraft Inspiration, Fighting Burnout - GameRant - May 27th, 2024 [May 27th, 2024]
- Summer 2024 Is Officially Dinner Party Season, According to Pinterest - Real Simple - May 27th, 2024 [May 27th, 2024]
- 'Lawfare' comes to the Chestertown Tea Party Festival - MyEasternShoreMD - May 23rd, 2024 [May 23rd, 2024]
- The 'Green Tea Party'? - The Week - May 23rd, 2024 [May 23rd, 2024]
- Fun for kids, youth and families at 62nd Oak Bay Tea Party - Saanich News - May 23rd, 2024 [May 23rd, 2024]
- 7 Royal Bridgerton Events and Tea Parties in Orlando for an Elegant Outing - Orlando Date Night Guide - May 23rd, 2024 [May 23rd, 2024]
- Witchmarsh Characters are a Mix of the 1920s, Cryptids, and D&D - GameRant - May 23rd, 2024 [May 23rd, 2024]
- Here's What Martha Stewart Serves at Her Tea Parties - Better Homes & Gardens - May 23rd, 2024 [May 23rd, 2024]
- 250th anniversary Chestertown Tea Party Commemoration | News | myeasternshoremd.com - MyEasternShoreMD - May 23rd, 2024 [May 23rd, 2024]
- Witchmarsh And Its Prequel Tea Party Of The Damned Takes Inspiration From Baldur's Gate 3 - DualShockers - May 23rd, 2024 [May 23rd, 2024]
- Clock Work Tea Party is releasing a new flower-scented thermal paste - The Verge - April 13th, 2024 [April 13th, 2024]
- Santa Monica Breakfast Club Hosts 8th Annual Mad Hatter Tea Party - SM Mirror - Santa Monica Mirror - April 13th, 2024 [April 13th, 2024]
- Payson Tea Party hosts five of the 10 council candidates - Payson Roundup - April 13th, 2024 [April 13th, 2024]
- 'Tea For Tea:' UConn's first-ever gathering of queer and transgender people of color - UConn Daily Campus - April 13th, 2024 [April 13th, 2024]
- Guests attend 7th annual Easter Bunny Tea Party in Columbiana - Shelby County Reporter - Shelby County Reporter - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- Party Pictures: The Third Annual Newbury Cup Tea Party and More - Boston magazine - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- First look: Revolution debut new 'Boston Tea Party' kits - The Boston Globe - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- 'Impassioned Destruction': Exploring vandalism and property destruction as means of protest - The Huntington News - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- New England Revolution unveils new Boston Tea Party jersey - Yahoo News - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- From Glensfork at the TRH Tea Party on ColumbiaMagazine.com - Columbia Magazine - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- Making the Tea Party work on ColumbiaMagazine.com - Columbia Magazine - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- Queen Elizabeth Insisted on Serving Joe Biden During Their Last Tea Party - Vanity Fair - January 24th, 2024 [January 24th, 2024]
- Participants announced, raffle & tea party added to Community Health Fair - The Manchester Mirror - January 24th, 2024 [January 24th, 2024]
- Jill Biden Recalls Private Tea Party with Queen Elizabeth What Was Asked, What Was Shared - PEOPLE - January 24th, 2024 [January 24th, 2024]
- Stars Who Arrived at the 2024 BAFTA Tea Party: Photos - SheKnows - January 16th, 2024 [January 16th, 2024]
- Emmy Parties: Quinta Brunson, Ayo Edebiri and Jeremy Allen White and His Mom (PHOTOS) - Variety - January 16th, 2024 [January 16th, 2024]
- PHOTOS: Inside the star-studded 2024 BAFTA Tea Party - New York Daily News - January 16th, 2024 [January 16th, 2024]
- The Boston Tea Party Revenue and Beyond Boston University News Service - BU News Service - January 16th, 2024 [January 16th, 2024]
- How to Host a Proper Tea Party It's Easier Than You Think! - Lancaster Farming - January 16th, 2024 [January 16th, 2024]
- BAFTA Tea Party 2024: See Photos of More Than 100 Celebrities in Attendance! - Just Jared - January 16th, 2024 [January 16th, 2024]
- After Donald Trump's Iowa Win, Former VA Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling (R) Plaintively Asks, whatever happened to the GOP I ... - Blue Virginia - January 16th, 2024 [January 16th, 2024]