TEA TIME at the Tutera-Toth Household

By DAVID TUTERA, Celebrity Event Planner

Throwing a tea party can be a delightful and charming affair, whether it’s a formal event or a casual gathering with friends. Our first daughter’s birthday was a full blown Alice in Wonderland themed event based on Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland—a widely beloved children’s book, published in 1865, with fantastical tales and riddles—a great theme for any tea party!

If Alice arrives at your Tea Party do not be surprised! With Alice you are sure to meet the White Rabbit, the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter and March Hare and the evil Queen may arrive at any time. Be open to the fun!

Here are some steps to help you organize and host a memorable tea party on your own:

Theme
Decide on a theme for your tea party. It could be traditional English, vintage, garden party, or any other theme that suits your taste and the occasion.

Invitations
Send invitations early, via paper or digital methods, including date, time, location, dress code, and any special instructions.

Menu
Serve various types of tea, including black, green, herbal, and flavored options, accommodating diverse preferences. Offer accompaniments like milk, sugar, honey, lemon slices, etc. For food, provide finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, pastries, cakes, and other classic tea party treats. Consider adding savory options like quiches or tea-infused dishes for variety.

Setting
Create an inviting atmosphere by arranging your space with tables, tablecloths, tea sets, cups, saucers, and utensils. Add decorative elements like fresh flowers, candles, or themed decorations for enhanced ambiance.

Wardrobe
The requested attire for guests to adhere to for afternoon tea is “smart casual,” falling somewhere between business and casual.
I would suggest wearing a lovely dress and hat.

Entertainment
Depending on the tone of your tea party, you may want to include background music, games, or activities such as a hat contest or a tea tasting session.

Refreshments
Once guests arrive, warmly greet them and serve tea and refreshments. Encourage them to try various teas and enjoy the spread of food. Keep an eye on refilling tea pots and replenishing food as necessary.

Conversation
Tea parties blend socializing with enjoying tea and food. Foster conversation by introducing guests, offering conversation starters, and ensuring a relaxed atmosphere.

Thank Yous
At the end of the tea party, thank your guests for attending and bid them farewell. Consider giving small party favors as a token of appreciation for their presence.

Send a thank-you message or note to your guests to express your gratitude for their company and to reminisce about the enjoyable time you shared together.

“By following these steps, you can host a charming and memorable tea party that your guests are sure to enjoy.”
– David Tutera