Jen Vazquez Photography
High Tea Party Theme
Who says you can’t be a royal for a day?
About the Theme
You don’t have to be British to have fun with this cultural tradition—although, accents are encouraged. There are distinctions between afternoon tea and high tea, but over the years, it’s become more acceptable to use the two synonymously. No matter which label you give your party, channel your inner duke or duchess and weave luxe details throughout your event. Think: linen napkins, textured flatware and plenty of florals.
VIBE: Sophisticated
SIMILAR PARTY THEMES: Southern Tea, Alice in Wonderland
Venue Settings
Townhouse
Townhouses have an old-world charm you just can’t get with other event spaces. And the fact that you’re hosting in a home-like setting rather than a very obvious rent-by-the-hour type venue will allow guests to really sit back and enjoy themselves.
Entertainment
Pianist
Add a timeless, elegant touch to tea time with a pianist. From jazz classics like Nat King Cole to modern pop à la John Legend, live music can help keep conversation flowing and rounds out the ambience.
Dominik Scythe; Unsplash
Food
Dessert Bar
It’s too hard to pick a single treat to accompany this elegant party theme, so offer a variety of indulgent sweets. Tarts, macarons, madeleines, lemon squares and truffles are tried-and-true crowd-pleasers. Just make sure to include to traditional tea biscuits and scones too.
Jen Vazquez Photography
Beverage
Tea-Infused Cocktails
Get creative with tea and complementary spirits, like Earl Grey and bourbon combinations, or raspberry tea with citrus flavored vodka.
Bleudog Fotography
Creative Detail
Floral Arrangements
Go crazy with florals. In order to keep the cost low, opt for mostly filler flowers like Queen Anne’s lace, astilbe, stock and Ixodia, and supplement with a few statement blooms in each arrangement. If you want to splurge, go for lily of the valley and myrtle—they’re traditional flowers used in royal wedding bouquets.