Planning the perfect tea party involves more than just setting the table with your best china. One of the most important aspects is choosing the right tea party food. This might seem overwhelming, especially if you’re trying to cater to different tastes or stick to a theme. But it doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little planning, you can create a spread that will impress without breaking a sweat.
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Classic Tea Party Sandwiches
Let’s start with the classics. Tea sandwiches are a staple at any tea party. They’re easy to make, can be prepped ahead of time, and are always a crowd-pleaser. You can’t go wrong with traditional cucumber sandwiches. Simply spread some cream cheese on soft white bread, add thinly sliced cucumbers, and cut off the crusts. If you want to switch things up, try using smoked salmon or egg salad instead. These are simple, yet elegant options that fit perfectly with the theme.
The key to great tea sandwiches is keeping them small and manageable. Think of them as a few bites rather than a full sandwich. This way, your guests can sample a variety of flavors without feeling too full.
Elegant 3 Tier Porcelain Stand
This 3-tier porcelain stand features high-quality, food-grade ceramic platters in a stylish square shape, ideal for displaying various treats. It is easy to assemble, disassemble, and move, with a compact design that saves space while offering a visually appealing way to showcase your culinary creations.
Scones with Jam and Cream
No tea party is complete without scones. These little pastries are the perfect accompaniment to a cup of tea. Serve them warm with clotted cream and a selection of jams. If you want to add a little extra flair, you can make fruit scones by adding dried currants or raisins to the dough.
Scones are also versatile. You can go savory by adding cheese and herbs to the mix, giving your guests an unexpected treat. And don’t forget to serve them with a good selection of jams—strawberry, raspberry, and apricot are all great choices.
Mini Quiches: Tea Party Food
Mini quiches are another excellent addition to your tea party food spread. They’re light, flavorful, and can be made in advance. Plus, they offer a nice balance between the sweet and savory items on your table. You can fill them with anything you like—spinach and feta, ham and cheese, or even a mix of vegetables.
These bite-sized treats are not only tasty, but also look great on the table. The best part is that they can be served warm or at room temperature, which means you won’t have to stress about timing everything perfectly.
Tea Party Food Ideas: Fresh Fruit and Cheese Platters
A fresh fruit platter adds a splash of color to your tea party spread. It’s also a refreshing option that balances out the richer foods like scones and quiches. Choose fruits that are in season for the best flavor. Berries, grapes, and melon are all good options.
Pair the fruit with a selection of cheeses. A soft brie, a sharp cheddar, and a tangy goat cheese make for a well-rounded platter. Add some crackers or slices of baguette, and you’ve got an easy, yet sophisticated addition to your table.
Petite Fours and Other Sweet Treats
Petite fours are the ultimate tea party treat. These tiny cakes are usually decorated with icing or fondant and come in a variety of flavors. They’re the perfect size for a sweet bite without being too heavy. If you’re not up for making them yourself, many bakeries offer petite fours that you can order in advance.
You can also include other sweets like macarons, éclairs, or even a simple shortbread cookie. These sweets add a nice contrast to the savory items and give your guests a little something to satisfy their sweet tooth.
50 Perfect Tea Party Food Menu Ideas
Tea Sandwiches
- Cucumber and Cream Cheese Sandwiches
- Smoked Salmon and Dill Sandwiches
- Egg Salad Sandwiches
- Chicken Salad Sandwiches
- Ham and Cheese Sandwiches
- Turkey and Cranberry Sandwiches
- Roast Beef and Horseradish Sandwiches
- Avocado and Bacon Sandwiches
- Tomato and Basil Sandwiches
- Pimento Cheese Sandwiches
Scones
- Classic Scones with Clotted Cream and Jam
- Blueberry Scones
- Lemon Poppy Seed Scones
- Cranberry Orange Scones
- Chocolate Chip Scones
- Cheese and Chive Scones
- Apricot Almond Scones
- Cinnamon Raisin Scones
- Cherry Scones
- Lavender Scones
Pastries and Sweets
- Petite Fours
- Macarons
- Eclairs
- Lemon Bars
- Shortbread Cookies
- Fruit Tarts
- Madeleines
- Mini Cheesecakes
- Chocolate Truffles
- Almond Biscotti
Savory Bites
- Mini Quiches (Spinach & Feta)
- Mini Quiches (Ham & Cheese)
- Savory Tarts (Tomato & Goat Cheese)
- Sausage Rolls
- Cheese Straws
- Mini Crab Cakes
- Stuffed Mushrooms
- Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon
- Cucumber Cups with Hummus
- Deviled Eggs
Fruit and Cheese
- Fresh Fruit Platter (Berries, Grapes, Melon)
- Cheese Platter (Brie, Cheddar, Goat Cheese)
- Fruit Skewers with Yogurt Dip
- Caprese Salad Skewers
- Baked Brie with Fig Jam
- Apple Slices with Nut Butter
- Grapes and Nuts Platter
- Pear and Blue Cheese Crostini
- Watermelon Feta Bites
- Fig and Prosciutto Crostini
Tea Selection
While the food is the star, don’t forget about the tea itself. Offering a selection of teas is a nice touch that allows your guests to choose their favorite. Black teas like Earl Grey or English Breakfast are always popular choices. For those who prefer something lighter, consider offering a green tea or a herbal blend.
To make things easier, you can pre-brew a few pots of tea and keep them warm with tea cozies. This way, your guests can help themselves, and you won’t have to worry about constantly boiling water or steeping new pots.
Tea Party Food Presentation Matters
How you present your tea party food is almost as important as the food itself. Use tiered trays to display your sandwiches, scones, and sweets. Not only does this look elegant, but it also saves space on your table.
Mix and match your serving pieces for a more eclectic look. You don’t need a matching set of china to have a beautiful tea party. In fact, using different pieces can add to the charm and make your table look more interesting.
Make sure to also include some fresh flowers on the table. Seasonal blooms in a small vase add a nice touch without being overpowering. Keep things simple, and let the food be the star.
White Porcelain Tea Set
This luxury British-style tea set features an elegant design with golden trim, including a teapot, six teacups with saucers, spoons, a sugar bowl, creamer, and an exquisite stand. Made from food-grade porcelain and adorned with German Heraeus gold glaze, it offers a safe and sophisticated way to enjoy tea with friends.
Dietary Considerations
It’s always thoughtful to consider your guests’ dietary needs when planning your menu. If you know someone has a food allergy or is following a specific diet, try to include at least one option they can enjoy.
For example, you can make gluten-free scones or sandwiches with gluten-free bread. Offer a dairy-free option by using plant-based cream cheese or butter substitutes. And if you’re serving a lot of sweets, consider including a few sugar-free options as well.
Planning and Preparation
One of the best parts about a tea party is that much of the food can be made ahead of time. This allows you to enjoy the party instead of being stuck in the kitchen. Most tea sandwiches can be prepared the morning of the event, and scones can be baked the night before and reheated just before serving.
Set the table the night before as well, so all you have to do is add the food and tea when it’s time. This way, you can relax and enjoy the company of your guests without feeling rushed or stressed.
Final Thoughts on Tea Party Food
Creating a memorable tea party is all about balance. You want to offer a variety of tea party food that’s both delicious and visually appealing. By sticking to a few classic items and adding your own personal touches, you can host a tea party that’s sure to be a hit with your guests.
