High tea party ideas for adults: a cup of tea, high tea invitation card, pink macaroons, and a small bunch of pink flowers

High tea (or afternoon tea) has long been a way to celebrate a life moment like a bridal shower, baby shower, or engagement. Whether you’re gathering loved ones for a milestone celebration or simply to honor friendship over the years, we have all the high tea party ideas for adults you need.

Explore our favorite ways to host a high tea party for your favorite people, get inspiration on what to add to your menu, and find perfect-match invitations to share the party details with loved ones.

12 Classy High Tea Party Ideas for Adults

High tea party ideas for adults: a cup of tea on a table

Invite everyone over for a treat and a few cups of tea with these fan-favorite high tea party ideas for adults. From themes and decor to sandwich ideas and party favor inspiration, you’ll soon have everything you need for the big day.

1. Choose a Fun Theme

A traditional high tea party is elegant and sophisticated, but there’s also room for you to personalize the event to match your own personality and style.

Host an afternoon tea party themed around the season, or something you love like florals, pastels, or bold retro patterns. You could also host a garden tea party surrounded by beautiful blooms or a vintage-inspired high tea party with a menu and soundtrack to match.

For book lovers, pick a tea party theme that matches a favorite story, such as:

  • Pride and Prejudice
  • Bridgerton
  • Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
  • The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
  • Anne of Green Gables

2. Decorate Your Space for Your Theme

With a theme in mind, you can start planning your decor. Look for bunting, banners, framed wall art, and decor pieces that suit the look you’re going for.

Think about the lighting too. Swap harsh modern lighting for something warmer like string lighting or lanterns with candles for an outdoor tea party.

3. Send Matching Tea Party Invitations

High tea party ideas for adults: Tropical Boho Invitation

Design: Ashley DeMeyere Design

When you spend so much time thinking about the theme and style of your celebration, you deserve party invites that are just as joyful. We have a wonderful collection of online invitations that can serve as your high tea party invitations. From traditional floral invitations to more whimsical designs like this boho-inspired invite, there’s a design for any occasion.

Our party invitations aren’t just pretty; they’re also highly customizable. Experiment with the layout, choose the color palette you prefer, and decide which fonts you want to use. Add your own wording and party details, and you have a bespoke-feel invitation in minutes.

4. Style Your Tables

At a high tea party, your dining table is the center stage, so take some time perfecting your tablescapes. Lay out a beautiful tablecloth, add in vases filled with fresh flowers, and look for centerpieces that can complement your overall theme.

5. Rent Teapots and Teacups

Most of us don’t have spare tea sets lying about — especially ones to match a vintage or floral theme. The quickest route to a full tea service in your chosen style is to rent items from a local party business. Many of these businesses also have other tea party decor elements you can rent as well to complement your look.

Another option is to search garage and estate sales for teacups and teapots to create an eclectic set at a discount.

6. Offer an Enchanting Menu

For many, the high tea menu is the highlight of the event. It’s traditional to serve a range of finger sandwiches (or tea sandwiches). While you can serve any mini sandwiches you like, common options are:

  • Chicken salad
  • Egg salad
  • Smoked salmon and cream cheese
  • Cucumber sandwiches 

For other savory items, offer mini quiches, canapes, or charcuterie.

7. Provide Different Flavors of Tea

Tea will of course be served alongside your menu of mini delights, and it’s always a good idea to have a variety of options available for your guests. Popular choices include:

  • Earl grey black tea
  • Oolong
  • English breakfast
  • Green tea
  • Chai
  • Various herbal teas

For a warm-weather party, you can serve guests iced tea and a non-tea option like fresh lemonade.

8. Offer a Signature Cocktail or Mocktail

If you’re celebrating a big moment like a milestone birthday, engagement, or wedding shower, you might want to offer a cocktail or mocktail alongside your high tea menu. Choose a tea-inspired cocktail or opt for a classic like a mimosa, margarita, or mojito.

9. Don’t Forget the Sweet Treats

Add some sweet treats to your menu to serve alongside the tea and savory bites. Pick them up from the store, or bake your own at home for a lovely handmade approach to your party. 

Some top tea party desserts include:

  • Scones with cream,  jam, and lemon curd
  • Mini berry or lemon tarts
  • Macarons
  • Mini muffins or cupcakes
  • Biscotti
  • Toffee cheesecake
  • Shortbread cookies
  • Petit fours

10. Create Your Own Playlist

One of our most-loved high tea party ideas for adults is to create a personalized playlist for the event. Look through your favorite songs for tunes to match your theme, or try this playlist of afternoon tea favorites.

11. Pay Attention to the Details

Something we love about high tea parties is the attention that hosts pay to all the details. Style your savory and sweet treats on tiered trays or cake stands, use edible flowers as garnishes for drinks, and add a personal touch with handwritten placecards.

12. Hand Out Themed Party Favors

Send your party guests home with something to remember the party by. Themed gifts and party favors like a high-quality tea strainer, family scone recipe, or a bag of loose leaf tea chosen with them in mind are thoughtful ways to express your gratitude.

Set the Tone with These High Tea Party Invitations

Pair your high tea party with an invitation filled with personality. Here’s a selection of our most-loved tea-inspired party invitations — perfect for your special gathering.

1. Time for Tea Invitation

High tea party ideas for adults: Time for Tea Invitation

Design: Lisa Travis

Let everyone know what to expect with this traditional illustrated tea invitation. It’s available in three sweet color palettes, so you can match it to your party colors.

2. Sweet Stripes Invitation

Sweet Stripes Invitation

Design: Owl and Toad

For a more modern look, try this contemporary afternoon tea party invitation. The bows add a delicate touch, while the stripes feel bold and fresh.

3. Romantic Ornament Invitation

Romantic Ornament Invitation

Design: Jen Montgomery

If you’re hosting an elegant high tea celebration, this romantic engraved invitation is one of our favorite choices. Pick from a variety of traditional color options, or ask our designers to work with your own palette instead.

4. Romantic Spring Florals Invitation

Romantic Spring Florals Invitation

Design: Jen Montgomery

Bring some blooms into your party with this floral tea party invite. This design is ideal for a garden tea party or a springtime get-together.

5. Dreamy Toille Invitation

Dreamy Toille Invitation

Design: Jen Montgomery

This classic and romantic party invitation is available in several pastel hues and features illustrated greenery and butterflies. We love this for a Mother’s Day high tea or a cottage-chic-inspired event.

6. Prim Bow Invitation

Prim Bow Invitation

Design: Owl and Toad

The bows on this simple yet sweet party invitation add a touch of class and elegance, while the rest of the design introduces a bold and contemporary theme. It’s perfect for a modern take on the high tea trend.

Celebrate in Style with a High Tea Party

Inviting loved ones over for a high tea or afternoon tea party is the perfect way to celebrate love, friendship, a birthday, or another special life moment. With these ideas, you’re ready to plan your way to tea party heaven.

When you’re ready to share the details with your guests, choose one of our tea party invitations.