If you’ve got a little one who’s all about tea parties and teddy bears, you’re in for a treat. Today, we’re spilling the tea on 20 kids’ tea party ideas that will have your child’s imagination brewing with excitement.
20 Super Fun Kids’ Tea Party Ideas
Tea parties are more than just sipping tea; they’re an opportunity for kids to unleash their creativity, make lasting memories, and have a blast with their friends. Whether you’re planning a birthday bash or a simple afternoon get-together, these ideas will make your little one’s day a memorable one. No need to stress; we’ve got you covered with easy, fun, and practical ideas that your child and their friends will love. Let’s get started!
1. Setting the Scene: Transforming Your Space into Wonderland
When it comes to hosting a kids’ tea party, the magic begins with the decorations. Creating an enchanting atmosphere will transport the kids to a whimsical world. You can turn your backyard, living room, or even a corner of your home into a wonderland with some creative touches.
To create an Alice in Wonderland-inspired tea party, set up a “down-the-rabbit-hole” entrance using a large cardboard tunnel. Decorate the area with colorful bunting, paper lanterns, and hanging teacups to add a touch of wonder. Scatter plushy flamingos and playing cards for a surreal touch.
2. Invitations: A Dash of Elegance and Personalization
Sending out tea party invitations to your little one’s friends adds an element of excitement to the event. Keep the invites elegant yet fun, incorporating elements like teacups, teapots, and flowers.
Create DIY invitations with a teapot-shaped cutout and hand-write the details in fancy calligraphy. Add a touch of humor by playfully mentioning that “Hats and bowties are optional but highly encouraged!”
3. Dress Code: Fancy and Fabulous
Encourage the young guests to dress up in their fanciest attire, just like attending a royal tea party. Whether it’s frilly dresses, bowties, or top hats, let their imaginations run wild.
If your child is a fan of superheroes, how about a superhero-themed tea party where everyone comes dressed as their favorite caped crusader? Picture your little one pouring tea while wearing a Spiderman mask – a memory to cherish forever!
4. Table Settings: Delightful Details That Count
The tea party table is the heart of the event. Pay attention to the little details that make a big difference.
Set up a mismatched collection of vintage teacups, saucers, and plates, adding a charming touch of eccentricity. Place small bouquets of fresh flowers in mini teapots for centerpieces. You can also scatter colorful confetti or rose petals to bring that extra dash of whimsy.
5. Kids Tea Party Menu Planning Ideas: Tiny Tummies, Delicate Treats
Tea parties are not just about tea! Offer a variety of finger foods and treats to satisfy those tiny tummies.
Prepare a selection of mini sandwiches, such as cucumber and cream cheese, ham and cheese, and peanut butter and jelly. Bake some adorable bite-sized cupcakes and scones. Don’t forget to include a delightful assortment of fruit skewers and a refreshing fruit-infused punch.
6. Teatime Activities: Fun and Laughter All-Around
To keep the little guests entertained, plan some engaging and playful activities.
Organize a “Teacup Treasure Hunt” where the kids follow clues hidden in teacups leading to a treasure trove of goodies. Hold a “Best Hat Contest” and let the children vote for the most creative and amusing hat.
7. Craft Corner: Unleash Creativity
Incorporate a craft corner where the children can indulge in some imaginative fun.
Provide plain white teacups and saucers along with non-toxic markers, stickers, and paint. Let the kids personalize their cups as party favors to take home. It’s a wonderful way to encourage creativity and gives them a tangible memory to cherish.
8. Magical Tea Leaf Reading: Mystical Moments
For a whimsical touch, have a “tea leaf reading” session for the kids. Use herbal tea bags and encourage them to look for shapes and symbols in the tea leaves. Of course, it’s all in good fun, but their innocent interpretations will surely bring laughter.
Step 1: Sip and Savor
“Alright, my little fortune seekers, take a sip of your tea and savor the flavors. Notice how the warmth of the tea embraces you like a cozy hug, filling you with happiness.”
Step 2: The Magic of Imagination
“Now, as you finish your tea, hold the cup in your hands, and close your eyes for a moment. Imagine that you are floating on a cloud, surrounded by twinkling stars and friendly fairies. Feel the magic in the air and let your imagination soar!”
Step 3: Tip the Cup
“Next, tip your cup gently over the saucer, swirling the liquid around, and let the tea leaves settle into whimsical patterns at the bottom. Do you see any shapes or symbols forming? Remember, it’s all about using your imagination.”
Step 4: Tea Leaf Interpretations
“Alright, it’s time to decode the mystical messages hidden in the tea leaves. Let’s see what fortunes await you!”
- A heart shape: “Oh, how lovely! A heart shape in your tea leaves means that you have a big, loving heart and are surrounded by caring friends and family. You spread love wherever you go, and people are drawn to your warm and kind personality.”
- A crescent moon: “The crescent moon signifies that there might be some exciting adventures coming your way. Perhaps you’ll discover a new hobby or meet someone special who will bring joy and wonder into your life.”
- A star: “Ah, a star! This is a sign of good luck and success. Your dreams and wishes are shining bright, and if you work hard, they might just come true!”
- A spiral: “The spiral represents a journey of self-discovery and growth. You might encounter some challenges, but fear not, as they will lead you to greater strength and wisdom.”
Step 5: Sharing and Laughter
“Now, let’s take turns sharing what we saw in our tea leaves. Remember, there are no wrong answers, and it’s all in good fun!”
The kids take turns excitedly sharing their tea leaf interpretations, giggling and delighting in the imaginative stories they’ve weaved from the tea leaves.
9. Kids Tea Party Photo Booth Ideas: Capturing the Magic
Create a photo booth area with fun props, like oversized teacups, cardboard top hats, and silly mustaches.
Set up a giant “frame” with the words “I’m Mad About Tea Parties!” written on it. Gather all the kids and snap some pictures of their delightful smiles and laughter.
10. Party Favors: Treasures to Remember
As the tea party draws to a close, don’t forget to send the little guests home with charming party favors.
Fill goodie bags with tea party-themed treats, personalized tea cups, and a small craft kit. Adding a heartfelt thank-you note is the perfect finishing touch.
11. Tea Party Etiquette: Manners and Grace
Tea parties are not just about scrumptious treats and imaginative play; they also present a wonderful opportunity to instill good manners and graciousness in our little ones.
Before the tea party begins, gather the kids around and explain some basic tea party etiquette. Teach them how to hold a teacup properly with their pinky fingers down, the importance of saying “please” and “thank you” when served, and how to engage in polite conversation with one another.
Encourage them to take turns pouring tea for each other and complimenting one another’s choices of dress. These little gestures of kindness and courtesy will make the tea party even more special and memorable for everyone involved.
12. Themed Kids Tea Party Ideas: Endless Possibilities
A themed tea party adds an extra layer of excitement and intrigue to the event. Get creative and think outside the teapot when coming up with themes.
How about a “Mad Hatter’s Tea Party,” inspired by Lewis Carroll’s classic tale? Encourage guests to wear their most eccentric hats and serve treats with whimsical names like “Curiouser and Curiouser Cupcakes” and “Queen of Hearts Tarts.”
You could also have a “Fairy Tale Tea Party,” where the kids dress up as their favorite storybook characters. Serve treats like “Cinderella’s Pumpkin Scones” and “Snow White’s Fruit Wands.” The possibilities are endless, and you can tailor the theme to suit your child’s interests and favorite stories.
13. Ideas to Weather-Proof Your Kids Tea Party
If you’re planning an outdoor tea party, it’s essential to have a backup plan in case the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Set up a cozy indoor tea party space complete with blankets and pillows, transforming your living room into a tea party haven. Kids can create a “magic rain dance” with paper umbrellas, and you can even play soothing rain sounds in the background for added ambiance.
Rain or shine, the tea party will be a delightful experience if everyone is together, sharing laughter and love.
14. Tea Party Dress-Up Station
For some added fun, set up a dress-up station at the tea party. Provide a selection of hats, scarves, boas, and costume jewelry for the kids to adorn themselves with.
Encourage the little ones to mix and match outfits to create unique and quirky looks. You might end up with a mini tea party fashion show that will have everyone in stitches.
15. Tea Party Entertainers: A Dash of Enchantment
Hire a tea party entertainer if you want your gathering to stand out from the crowd.
A professional storyteller can captivate the kids with magical tales while an entertainer dressed as a fairy or a character from their favorite storybook can bring an extra touch of enchantment to the event.
16. DIY Tea Blending Station
For an educational twist, set up a DIY tea blending station where the kids can create their tea blends.
Offer a variety of loose-leaf teas, dried fruits, and edible flowers. Let the kids experiment with different combinations and flavors, and then use tea filters or muslin bags to create their personalized tea bags.
17. Afternoon Picnic Adventure – Kids Tea Party Ideas
For a change of scenery, consider hosting the tea party in a local park or garden.
Layout picnic blankets, cushions, and colorful tablecloths. Arrange a selection of tea sandwiches, snacks, and treats in baskets, and have a magical tea party under the open sky. The kids can also enjoy some outdoor games and run around freely in the fresh air.
18. Birthday Tea Party Extravaganza
A tea party is an excellent idea for a birthday celebration, but you can go all out and make it an extravagant affair.
Rent a small event venue or decorate your backyard with twinkling lights and colorful streamers. Hire a professional baker to create a stunning tea party cake and consider setting up a mini dessert table with an array of delectable treats.
19. Thank-You Notes and Memory Books
After the tea party is over, help your child create personalized thank-you notes for their guests.
Using craft supplies, make each thank-you card unique and tailor-made for the recipient. Include a special message from your child, expressing gratitude for sharing in the magic of the tea party.
Consider creating a memory book or scrapbook of the tea party. Include photographs, drawings, and notes from the guests, making it a cherished keepsake that your child can revisit whenever they want to relive those enchanting moments.
20. Finding Joy in the Unexpected
No matter how well you plan, unexpected moments are bound to happen during the tea party, and that’s perfectly okay!
Maybe a teapot tips over, or the kids get into a fit of giggles over a silly joke. Embrace these delightful little accidents and join in the laughter. It’s these spontaneous, candid moments that often become the fondest memories for both you and your child.
Finger Sandwich Kids Tea Party Ideas
Finger sandwiches are an essential part of any proper tea party, and they offer a delightful array of flavors that both kids and adults will enjoy. Let’s explore some creative and tasty finger sandwich ideas that will elevate your tea party menu to new heights.
Cucumber and Cream Cheese Delights
Classic, refreshing, and oh-so-elegant, cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches are a must-have at any tea party.
Ingredients:
- Sliced white or whole-wheat bread
- Fresh cucumber, thinly sliced
- Cream cheese (plain or flavored like dill or chive)
Preparation:
- Spread a generous layer of cream cheese on each slice of bread.
- Layer the cucumber slices on one slice of bread.
- Place the second slice of bread on top to form a sandwich.
- Trim the crusts and cut the sandwich into bite-sized rectangles or triangles.
Kids Pesto Chicken Tea Party Sandwiches
Add a touch of savory goodness to your tea party with these delightful pesto chicken sandwiches.
Ingredients:
- Sliced white or whole-wheat bread
- Cooked chicken breast, thinly sliced or shredded
- Pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Baby spinach leaves
Preparation:
- Spread a thin layer of pesto sauce on each slice of bread.
- Layer the chicken slices and baby spinach leaves on one slice of bread.
- Place the second slice of bread on top to form a sandwich.
- Trim the crusts and cut the sandwich into dainty squares or fingers.
Strawberry and Nutella Bliss
For a touch of sweetness, these strawberry and Nutella sandwiches are simply divine.
Ingredients:
- Sliced white or whole-wheat bread
- Nutella spread
- Fresh strawberries, thinly sliced
Preparation:
- Spread Nutella on one slice of bread.
- Layer the strawberry slices on top of the Nutella.
- Place the second slice of bread on top to form a sandwich.
- Trim the crusts and cut the sandwich into small squares or hearts for an extra adorable touch.
Turkey, Cheddar, and Apple Medley
A delicious combination of flavors that adds a savory-sweet twist to your tea party spread.
Ingredients:
- Sliced white or whole-wheat bread
- Sliced turkey breast
- Sharp cheddar cheese, thinly sliced
- Apple slices (choose a crisp and sweet variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji)
Preparation:
- Layer the turkey slices and cheddar cheese on one slice of bread.
- Add a layer of apple slices on top of the cheese.
- Place the second slice of bread on top to form a sandwich.
- Trim the crusts and cut the sandwich into elegant squares or circles.
Egg Salad Tea Sandwiches
A timeless classic that always delights, egg salad sandwiches are a tea party favorite.
Ingredients:
- Sliced white or whole-wheat bread
- Hard-boiled eggs, finely chopped or mashed
- Mayonnaise
- Dijon mustard (optional)
- Fresh chives or dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
- In a bowl, mix the chopped/mashed hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard (if using), chopped chives or dill, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the egg salad mixture onto one slice of bread.
- Place the second slice of bread on top to form a sandwich.
- Trim the crusts and cut the sandwich into petite triangles or rectangles.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Pinwheels
Give the classic PB&J sandwich a whimsical twist with these pinwheel-style delights.
Ingredients:
- Sliced white or whole-wheat bread
- Peanut butter (or almond butter for a nut-free option)
- Jelly or jam (choose your child’s favorite flavor)
Preparation:
- Flatten each slice of bread with a rolling pin to make it more pliable.
- Spread peanut butter and jelly or jam evenly on each slice of bread.
- Roll up the bread tightly, starting from one end, to create a pinwheel shape.
- Slice the rolled-up sandwich into bite-sized pinwheels.
Tuna and Avocado Tea Sandwiches
A delectable combination of tuna and creamy avocado will leave everyone wanting more.
Ingredients:
- Sliced white or whole-wheat bread
- Canned tuna, drained and flaked
- Ripe avocado, mashed
- Lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
- In a bowl, mix the flaked tuna and mashed avocado.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice plus salt, and pepper to taste.
- Spread the tuna and avocado mixture onto one slice of bread.
- Place the second slice of bread on top to form a sandwich.
- Trim the crusts and cut the sandwich into petite squares or circles.
Roast Beef and Horseradish Elegance
A sophisticated and savory choice that will add a touch of elegance to your tea party.
Ingredients:
- Sliced white or whole-wheat bread
- Thinly sliced roast beef
- Creamy horseradish sauce
- Arugula leaves
Preparation:
- Spread a thin layer of horseradish sauce on each slice of bread.
- Layer the roast beef slices and arugula leaves on one slice of bread.
- Place the second slice of bread on top to form a sandwich.
- Trim the crusts and cut the sandwich into elegant rectangles or diamonds.
Ham and Cheese Dainties
A classic combination that will never disappoint, ham and cheese sandwiches are a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- Sliced white or whole-wheat bread
- Sliced ham (choose your child’s favorite variety)
- Cheese slices (cheddar, Swiss, or provolone work well)
Preparation:
- Layer the ham slices and cheese on one slice of bread.
- Place the second slice of bread on top to form a sandwich.
- Trim the crusts and cut the sandwich into small squares or circles.
Veggie Medley Tea Sandwiches
For a fresh and vibrant option, these veggie medley sandwiches are perfect.
Ingredients:
- Sliced white or whole-wheat bread
- Cream cheese or hummus
- Assorted vegetables (cucumber, bell peppers, carrots, etc.), thinly sliced
Preparation:
- Spread a layer of cream cheese or hummus on each slice of bread.
- Layer the vegetable slices on one slice of bread.
- Place the second slice of bread on top to form a sandwich.
- Trim the crusts and cut the sandwich into bite-sized squares or fingers.
Bonus: Gluten-Free Ideas for Your Kids Tea Party
For children with gluten sensitivities, consider using gluten-free bread or using alternative bases for sandwiches, such as rice cakes, cucumber slices, or gluten-free tortillas.
Remember to keep an eye on any allergies or dietary restrictions your little guests might have and provide a variety of sandwich options to accommodate everyone’s preferences.
With these finger sandwich ideas, your tea party menu will be a delightful mix of flavors and textures that will surely impress your young guests and their parents.
(Here is my princess above at a tea party that her school hosted)
Not really a kids tea party, but I wanted to share a quick memory that came to me while writing this piece.
Lacey and I attended a delightful Mother’s Day tea party at her school, a cute event filled with laughter and love. The gym was beautifully decorated with handmade paper flowers and pastel streamers, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Each table was set with dainty teacups and plates, complementing the array of delicious treats like mini sandwiches, scones, and a variety of teas and juices. The children, beaming with pride, served their mothers with such care. We all enjoyed a wonderful afternoon of bonding. The highlight was when Lacey presented me with a handmade card and crafts that she had made! This tea party was a memorable celebration of the special bond we share.
Final Thoughts on Our Kids Tea Party Ideas
Hosting a kids’ tea party is about more than just tea and sandwiches. It’s a chance to create a world of wonder for your child and their pals, nurture their imagination, teach good manners, and build friendships.
As you plan, don’t sweat the small stuff, be spontaneous, let your creativity shine, and remember that it’s often the unexpected moments that become the best memories.
On the big day, take a moment to enjoy the laughter, the joy, and the happy faces around the tea table. These are the special moments that warm our hearts and make it all worthwhile.
