A Girlfriends' Afternoon Tea Party

Planning Ideas for a Sweet Afternoon Tea Party for Lady Friends

Dec 27, 2007 Janienne Jennrich

A teatime event for lady friends is a lovely way to entertain. Read afternoon tea party planning, theme, food, table setting, decor, and gift ideas for close girlfriends.

Planning Ideas for a Girlfriends’ Afternoon Tea Party

• Begin by creating a list of close friends with whom you would like to share an intimate event.
• For an intimate tea party, three or four friends is a nice number.
• Pick a theme and mail suitable invitations well in advance, at least asking guests to hold the date.
• For a light afternoon tea, 4:00 is a good starting time. If friends need to be home earlier for preparing family dinners, 2:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m. is not traditional, but may be more convenient.
• For a feminine tea party, ask girlfriends to wear pretty floral or fancy dresses, or whatever is appropriate for the group.
• An RSVP request assures the correct amount of food and chairs will be ready and waiting for guests.
• Pick a beautiful spot for the tea. Choose or create a charming spot in the home or garden, depending on the weather.

Table Settings and Tableware for Afternoon Tea

• Plan the tableware and decor to coordinate with the theme of the tea party. Pull out the nicest or most fun items in the home.
• A charming “mix and match” of eclectic items that complement each other in color or theme make a pretty table.
• Low centerpieces or bouquets can be lovely on the table.
• Decorate in a personal way. The hostess sets the tone and the style.

Planning and Preparing the Teatime Food, Beverages, and Treats

• A quality tea is essential, of course. Earl Grey is a tasty standard, but flavored herbal teas can also be very nice.
• Tiny Sandwiches and sweet little treats are small enough to allow conversation and time for laughter and sharing. A collection of tea sandwich ideas can be found at Glenbrook Farms.
• For more ideas on planning a tea, including tea food and beverage essentials, see Afternoon Tea Party Planning 101.

Relaxing and Enjoying the Friendship English Afternoon Tea Party

• Preparing thoroughly before guests arrive allows time for visiting and creating an atmosphere of gentility and friendship.
• Take time to enjoy the tea party. A happy hostess makes for a lovely, pleasurable event. If dear friends want to help set up or clear the table, let them. What are friends for?
• For tips on proper tea party manners, see English Afternoon Tea Etiquette.
• To bring guests to joyful tears, share charming stories and poems of friendship, pass photos of special past memories, and play soft songs from the group's past.
• A thoughtful little keepsake gift for guests to take as they leave will make them feel special and loved. Ideas include tiny silver or gold tea spoons, mini gift boxes full of pastel mints or chocolates, or a little book of friendship quotes.
• Related articles include: English Afternoon Tea for Seniors, Plan a Springtime Easter Tea Party and Valentine Afternoon Tea Party Tips.

Any day is a perfect day for celebrating and renewing friendship. Whatever type of tea party is planned, it is sure to bring together friends in a new way.

Tea Quote:

"What better way to suggest friendliness -

and to create it - than with a cup of tea?"

J. Grayson Luttrell, 1930

The copyright of the article A Girlfriends' Afternoon Tea Party in Entertaining is owned by Janienne Jennrich. Permission to republish A Girlfriends' Afternoon Tea Party in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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Lovely Tea Table Setting

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