Christmas Afternoon Tea Party Tips

Ideas for Planning a Holiday English Tea

Nov 12, 2007
Janienne Jennrich

Christmas Tea Place Setting Photo - Photo by Ana Schaeffer, Courtesy SXC

Christmas and holiday planning and entertaining ideas for a November / December English afternoon teatime gathering. Tips & recipes for serving a lovely winter tea party.

Planning Tips for a Christmas, Holiday, or Winter Afternoon Tea Party

Begin by making a list (and checking it twice!) of dear ladies with whom you would like to share a special event. Of course, interested gentlemen should be welcome as well.
For an intimate tea party, three or four friends is the perfect number.
For a larger event, a buffet style gathering might be more appropriate and easier to handle.
Mail special invitations well in advance. If special costuming (formal dress, holiday colors, or lovely hats) is desired, include this information. An RSVP request assures the correct amount of treats and such will be ready and waiting for guests.
For a light afternoon tea, 3:30 or 4:00 is a good starting time.
For a larger meal, serve "high tea" which will require more substantial fare and research.
Pick a beautiful spot for the tea. For a winter afternoon tea, choose a cozy warm spot close to an area suitable for serving, perhaps near a romantic crackling fireplace. No fireplace? Decorate an appropriate room with the party theme, perhaps near the Christmas tree.

Table Settings and Tableware for Afternoon Tea

This is the time to unpack Christmas or holiday dish sets and linens. Another good choice is using a charming “mix and match” of eclectic items which complement each other in color or theme. Remember silver and gold for sparkle.
Fresh holiday greenery such as holly or pine cones may be made into a lovely low centerpiece. Larger displays may be used on buffet tables.
Flickering glittery candles, lush wreaths, and soft holiday music can create an enchanting affect. Browse magazines for inspirational ideas and tips on decorating the table and home.

Planning and Preparing the Teatime Treats

A good place for tea fare recipes is Food Network. Some ideas for a Christmas party might include a toasty winter squash soup, homemade biscuits, cranberry or orange scones with delightful toppings, delicate holiday Old-Fashioned Ginger Snaps cookies, petit fours, and sweet mini tarts.
A quality tea is essential, of course. Earl Grey is a tasty standard, but flavored holiday teas (such as peppermint or Christmas teas) can also be very nice.
For those preferring another drink, try a delicious mulled apple cider recipe.
For more ideas on planning a tea, see Afternoon Tea Party Planning 101.

Relaxing and Enjoying the Holiday English Afternoon Tea Party

Preparing as much as possible before guests arrive leaves time for visiting and creating an atmosphere of gentility and friendship.
Remember to sit back and enjoy the fellowship and warmth of the season, good talk and delightful seasonal food.
For tips on proper tea manners, see English Afternoon Tea Etiquette.
A thoughtful little keepsake gift for guests to take as they leave will make them feel warm and special. Ideas include small shiny gift boxes filled with butter mints, an assortment of holiday teas wrapped in tulle and tied with a holiday ribbon, or a tea-oriented ornament or decoration.