Hosting a kids tea party can be a delightful and memorable experience for both the children and the parents. It’s a perfect way to celebrate a birthday, a special occasion, or simply to enjoy an afternoon with friends. With a few simple ideas and some creativity, you can turn an ordinary day into something magical.
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Kids Tea Party Invitations and Decor
Start with fun invitations. You can create cute, handmade invites using colorful paper, stickers, and markers. If crafting isn’t your thing, there are plenty of printable options online. Make sure to include all the essential details like date, time, and location.
Decorations can be simple yet effective. Think about using pastel colors, floral patterns, and a touch of elegance. You can use items you already have at home, like tablecloths, doilies, and pretty dishes. Balloons and streamers can add a festive touch without breaking the bank. Set the table with small teacups, saucers, and plates. If you don’t have real tea sets, don’t worry. Plastic ones work just fine and are often more kid-friendly.
Children’s Tea Party Invitations
I love starting the excitement for a tea party with the invitations. They set the tone and give everyone a little sneak peek of the fun to come. Whether you’re keeping it simple or getting fancy, you can make the invites extra special.
Handmade Invitations
If you have some time and love crafting, handmade invitations add such a personal touch. I like to use pastel or floral-patterned cardstock and dress it up with tea-themed stickers, lace, or little bows. You can write the details in pretty script or print them using a fun, fancy font. Add a line like, “Don’t forget your tea party hat!” to get everyone in the mood.
Printable Templates
For a quicker option, printable templates are a lifesaver. You can find so many cute designs online, from vintage tea sets to whimsical teacups. I usually pick one that matches my theme and print them at home or at a local shop. They look polished but take way less effort.
Digital Invitations
If you’re short on time or prefer to keep things simple, digital invitations are perfect. Apps like Evite or Canva make it easy to create custom designs, and you can send them out in just a few clicks. Plus, tracking RSVPs is a breeze. They’re also great if you want an eco-friendly option.
Don’t Forget the Details
Here’s what I always make sure to include:
- What: The name of the event (e.g., “Olivia’s Tea Party”).
- When: The date and time, with a clear start and end time.
- Where: The address for the party location.
- Anything Extra: Add notes about a dress code, like “wear your fanciest tea outfit,” or if they need to bring something.
Design Inspiration
Garden Theme Decor: If you have an outdoor space, consider a garden theme. Use potted plants, flowers, and greenery to create a beautiful setting. You can hang string lights or lanterns in the trees to add a magical touch. If indoors, bring the garden vibe inside with floral tablecloths and plenty of fresh flowers in vases.
Paper Doilies and Lace: Use paper doilies as placemats or under teacups to add a touch of elegance. You can also drape lace over the tablecloths for an extra fancy look. These inexpensive items can make your table setting look more sophisticated.
Mismatched Teacups and Saucers: For a charming and eclectic look, use mismatched teacups and saucers. You can find these at thrift stores or ask friends and family to lend some. This creates a whimsical and relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for a kids’ tea party.
Themed Table Settings: Choose a specific theme for your table settings, such as “Mad Hatter’s Tea Party” from Alice in Wonderland. Use playful elements like mismatched chairs, quirky teapots, and bright colors. This can make the party feel even more special and memorable.
Name Place Cards: Create personalized place cards for each child. You can use small pieces of cardstock and write their names in fancy script. Add a little decoration, such as a flower or a small teacup illustration, to make each card unique. This can make the kids feel important and special.
Balloon Arch or Garland: Create a beautiful balloon arch or garland in pastel colors to frame the entrance to the tea party area or as a backdrop for photos. This adds a festive and visually appealing element to the decor. Balloons can be arranged in various shapes and sizes to add depth and interest.
Menu Planning for a Kids Tea Party
The menu is a big part of the fun. Kids love finger foods, so think small and bite-sized. Mini sandwiches, like cucumber and cream cheese or ham and cheese, are always a hit. Cut them into fun shapes using cookie cutters. Add some fruits like strawberries, grapes, and apple slices for a healthy touch.
For the tea, you don’t have to stick to the traditional. Many kids enjoy herbal teas, which are caffeine-free and come in various flavors like peppermint or chamomile. If tea isn’t their thing, you can offer lemonade, juice, or even chocolate milk served in teacups for a fun twist.
Ideas for What to Serve at a Tea Party for Kids
- Mini Quiches: These bite-sized savory treats are perfect for a tea party. You can make them in various flavors, like spinach and cheese, ham and cheese, or mushroom and onion. They are easy to eat and can be made ahead of time.
- Scones with Jam and Cream: Scones are a classic tea party staple. Serve them with strawberry jam and clotted cream for an authentic touch. If you can’t find clotted cream, whipped cream or butter works just as well. You can also add a variety of jams and preserves to give the kids some choices.
- Fruit Kebabs: Skewer a variety of colorful fruits like strawberries, grapes, pineapple, and melon. These are healthy, easy to eat, and add a vibrant touch to the table. You can even drizzle a bit of honey or serve with a yogurt dip for extra flavor.
- Mini Cupcakes: Small cupcakes are always a hit with kids. Decorate them with pastel-colored frosting and sprinkles to match the tea party theme. You can even let the kids decorate their own cupcakes as an activity.
- Cheese and Crackers: Create a simple cheese platter with a variety of mild cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, and gouda, paired with assorted crackers. Add some sliced apples and grapes for a sweet and savory combination.
Fun Activities for a Kids’ Tea Party
Kids love getting creative and staying busy during a tea party. Try these engaging activities to keep the party lively:
Decorate Your Own Teacup
- Set up a station with plain teacups and supplies like markers, stickers, and non-toxic paint.
- Encourage kids to personalize their teacups with their favorite colors and designs.
- Let the cups dry while they enjoy other activities, and they’ll have a special keepsake to take home.
Scavenger Hunt
- Create a list of fun tea-themed or everyday items to find, such as a spoon, a flower, or a tiny teapot.
- Hide these items around the yard or inside the house for an exciting hunt.
- Offer small prizes for those who find the most items or finish the list first.
Teacup Flower Arranging
- Provide small teacups and an assortment of artificial flowers, leaves, and decorative stones.
- Let kids design their own floral arrangements to take home as a souvenir.
- This activity combines creativity with a fun keepsake.
Storybook Circle
- Gather the kids for a storytime session with a tea party-themed book like Fancy Nancy: Tea for Two.
- After reading, let them act out scenes or share their favorite parts of the story.
- It’s a perfect way to wind down while staying on theme.
Tea Party Games for Kids
Games add an extra spark of excitement to any tea party. These tea-themed ideas are simple to set up and loads of fun:
Teacup Relay Race
- Kids balance a plastic teacup on a saucer and race to the finish line.
- Add small obstacles for extra fun and challenge.
- Offer a small prize to the fastest or most careful team.
Pin the Handle on the Teacup
- Use a large teacup poster and blindfold the kids.
- Have them try to place a paper handle in the right spot.
- This twist on a classic game brings lots of laughs.
Tea Bag Toss
- Cut a teapot shape with a hole in the middle from cardboard.
- Kids toss bean bags (decorated like tea bags) into the hole.
- Adjust the distance based on the children’s ages for a fair challenge.
Fancy Hat Contest
- Provide hats, ribbons, and other decorations.
- Let kids design their own tea party hats, then hold a mini fashion show.
- Award prizes for categories like “Most Creative” or “Best Use of Sparkles.”
Dress Code and Etiquette
Encourage the children to dress up for the occasion. They can wear their fanciest clothes, hats, or even costumes. It’s all about making them feel special and adding to the fun of the event.
Teach them some basic tea party etiquette. Show them how to hold a teacup, say “please” and “thank you,” and take turns speaking. It’s a great opportunity to introduce some manners in a fun, relaxed setting.
Ideas for Proper Attire and Manners
- Classic Dresses: Think floral prints, pastel colors, and light fabrics like cotton or linen. These dresses are perfect for a traditional tea party look. Add a ribbon or bow for extra charm.
- Fancy Hats: A tea party isn’t complete without fancy hats. Wide-brimmed hats decorated with flowers, ribbons, or lace can make the kids feel elegant and special. You can even have a hat-decorating station at the party.
- Pearl Necklaces: Fake pearl necklaces can add a touch of sophistication to any outfit. They are safe for kids and make them feel like they’re part of a fancy event.
- Button-Up Shirts and Vests: For boys or girls who prefer a more tailored look, a button-up shirt paired with a vest can be stylish. Choose light colors and add a bow tie for a polished finish.
- Tutu Skirts: These are fun and playful, perfect for a whimsical tea party. Pair them with a simple top and a little cardigan to complete the look.
- Gloves: Little white or pastel-colored gloves can make kids feel like they are part of a royal tea party. These are especially fun for older children who enjoy playing dress-up.
- Sundresses: Comfortable and cute, sundresses are great for outdoor tea parties. They come in various prints and colors, making it easy to find one that matches the party theme.
- Fairy Wings: Add a magical element with fairy wings. They can be paired with simple dresses or skirts and tops. Kids love the idea of being fairies, and it adds a playful touch to their outfits.
Party Favors
Send the kids home with a little something to remember the day. Small bags filled with goodies like stickers, small toys, or even a packet of tea can be a sweet touch. Personalized teacups they decorated or a framed group photo from the party can also be great keepsakes.
Ideas for Children’s Tea Party Favors
- Miniature Tea Sets: These can be found in toy stores or online. A tiny tea set is a perfect memento for a tea party, and kids will love playing with them at home.
- Decorative Fans: Small, colorful folding fans can add a bit of elegance to the party. They are inexpensive and can be found in many party supply stores.
- Personalized Tea Bags: Create custom tea bags with the names of each child. You can use herbal or fruit teas, which are kid-friendly.
- Cookie Cutters: Fun-shaped cookie cutters can inspire future baking adventures. Look for shapes like teapots, cups, or flowers to match the tea party theme.
- Bracelets or Necklaces: Simple, cute jewelry can make kids feel special. Look for inexpensive, colorful options that suit the party’s theme.
- Stickers or Temporary Tattoos: Choose designs that match the tea party theme, such as teacups, flowers, or fancy hats. Kids love these and they are easy to apply.
- Coloring Books and Crayons: Small coloring books with tea party-themed images and a set of crayons can provide entertainment long after the party ends.
- Bubbles: Little bottles of bubbles are always a hit. They are perfect for outdoor play and can keep kids entertained for hours.
- Tea Party Hats: Provide small, decorated hats that the kids can wear during the party and take home as a keepsake. You can even have a hat-decorating activity during the party.
- Miniature Books: Tiny, themed books or fairy tale collections can be a delightful gift. Look for small editions that are easy for kids to carry and enjoy.
Final Thoughts
Throwing a kids tea party doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With a bit of planning and a lot of heart, you can create a memorable experience that the kids will talk about for weeks. It’s all about enjoying simple pleasures and spending time together. So, gather those teacups and get ready for an afternoon of fun and laughter.
