Cucumber sandwiches, fresh scones from the oven, and dainty pastries served on fine china. High tea is where elegance meets indulgence, and it’s also a fantastic reason to gather with friends for some engaging conversation, tasty treats, and spot of laughter.
Sure, The Ritz London and The Plaza Hotel offer world-famous tea experiences, but who says you have to travel to enjoy one? Good tea, great company, and a touch of sophistication can happen anywhere.
If you’re curious about how to host a tea party, need inspiration for tea party ideas, or are looking for games to play at a tea party for adults, you’ve come to the right place. This blog spills the tea on everything you need to plan the ultimate high tea gathering. Whether you’re after tea party ideas for adults or want an excuse to dress up and enjoy some delicacies, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to stir up a party your guests won’t forget with this step-by-step guide on hosting a senior tea.
Step 1: Set the Scene With Elegant Decor
A proper high tea is all about ambiance. The table should be beautifully set to evoke sophistication and charm. Here’s what you need to create the perfect setting:
- Fine china and teapots. Bring out the delicate cups, saucers, and teapots to add a classic touch. If you don’t have china, elegant mugs work just fine.
- Fresh flowers and lace. A simple bouquet of roses, hydrangeas, or peonies in a teapot or vase adds instant elegance. Lace tablecloths or cloth napkins elevate the look.
- Candlelight and soft music. Battery-operated tea lights or candles and soft classical music create a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.
- Name cards and place settings. Personalized place cards make guests feel special if you’re hosting a larger tea party.
Inspo idea: Make DIY floral centerpieces or decorate teacups as a pre-event craft activity.
Step 2: Select Your Teas
No adult tea party is complete without various teas to suit different tastes. Offer a mix of classic and herbal selections. Classic black teas – Earl Grey, English breakfast, and Darjeeling—provide rich, traditional flavors. Herbal teas like ginger tea, chamomile, and peppermint offer lighter, soothing options. Japanese, Chinese and other notable greens teas range from sweet and grassy to smoky and floral. For a unique twist, offer flavored and dessert teas like jasmine green tea, vanilla chai, spiced apple, or raspberry hibiscus.
Inspo idea: Set up a tea-tasting station where guests can sample a variety of flavors.
Step 3: Serve Tasty Tea-Time Treats
A traditional tea party isn’t just about the drinks but the delicious bites accompanying them. Savory finger sandwiches like cucumber and cream cheese, smoked salmon, and egg salad are tea-time classics. Warm, flaky scones with jam, clotted cream, butter, lemon curd, or honey are must-haves for any adult tea party. Mini pastries and desserts like macarons, petit fours, fruit tarts, and chocolate truffles make a sweet ending to the afternoon.
Inspo idea: Incorporate baking scones or decorating cookies into your senior tea party.
Step 4: Add Fun With High Tea Games
Tea parties are about more than just what’s in your cup—they’re about meaningful moments and shared experiences. Here are five high tea games to keep the conversation and laughter flowing.
- Tea trivia. Prepare fun facts about tea history, famous tea traditions, or royal tea parties and challenge guests to a friendly competition.
- “Guess the Tea” challenge. Have guests smell different tea blends and guess the flavor.
- Hat parade and a best-dressed contest. Encourage guests to wear fancy hats or vintage outfits, then vote for the best look.
- Tea leaf reading. Learn the art of tea leaf reading and have fun interpreting different symbols.
- Classic and period film bingo. Give each guest a card filled with classic phrases, moments, or characters from a movie or show such as “Downton Abbey,” “Pride and Prejudice,” or “Bridgerton.”
Winner prize inspo: Fancy tea tins, lace gloves, or a tea strainer shaped like a teapot.
Step 5: Toast to Friendship & Connection
Now that we’ve covered how to host a tea party for adults, it’s time to raise your teacup. A senior tea is an experience that brings people together, so take a moment to celebrate friendship, laughter, and new traditions.
Teatime at The Glenview
At The Glenview at Pelican Bay, we love bringing residents together for entertaining and engaging experiences that spark creativity and camaraderie. From interactive social events to themed gatherings and hands-on workshops, there’s always something exciting happening.
Contact The Glenview at Pelican Bay today to reserve your spot at one of our upcoming high tea events.
Whether you enjoy history, games, storytelling, or simply great conversation, you’ll find plenty of ways to connect and create lasting memories. If you’re looking for tea party ideas for adults or planning an elegant afternoon with friends, a high tea at The Glenview offers the perfect setting.
The Glenview at Pelican Bay is a nationally ranked retirement community in Florida combining quality care, unmatched luxury, and financial advantages in a welcoming beach environment. To learn more, call us at 239-977-9744 or complete our Contact Us form.
