Valentine's Day Tea Party: A Heartfelt How-To Guide

Valentine's Day presents a unique opportunity to host a charming and intimate gathering: a Valentine's Day Tea Party. This event combines the elegance of traditional tea parties with the romantic essence of Valentine's Day, creating an unforgettable (and delicious!) experience for you and your guests.

Here's a summary of the steps for how to host an unforgettable Valentine's Day Tea Party:

1. Pick the Perfect Date and Time
2. Lock in your Guest List & Send out Invitations
3. Set the Decor and Ambiance
4. Select the Best Tea (we got you covered!)
5. Create a Tea Party Menu
6. Add Valentine's Day table settings
7. Don't Forget the Dress Code
8. Add some Music & Entertainment
9. Give Tea Gifts to Your Guests
10. Have FUN!

Creating the Perfect Date and Time

Aligning your tea party with Valentine's Day traditions means selecting a date and time that resonates with the spirit of the day. Consider an afternoon tea to bask in the daylight or an evening gathering under the stars. If the weather is too cold, make sure you pick an indoor setting that has enough seating for your guests!

Invitations and Guest List

Craft themed invitations that set the tone for your party. Your guest list might include close friends, family, or couples, making it an inclusive celebration of love in all forms. 

Setting the Scene: Decor and Ambiance

Romantic decor ideas can transform your space into a Valentine's haven. Think heart-shaped adornments, floral arrangements, and soft lighting to create a cozy atmosphere. Here are some different ideas you can incorporate for your Valentine's Day Tea Party:

Selecting the Tea: Types and Flavors

Choose from traditional teas like Lavender Earl Grey or venture into unique blends with floral or fruity notes like our Fruit & Berry Oolong and caffeine-free Hibiscus Rose. You will want to make sure you offer a selection of both caffeinated and non-caffeinated teas for your guests. Tea with Tae has a unique and delicious selection of the highest quality caffeinated and non-caffeinated teas. If you need more guidance selecting the right teas for your Valentine's Day Tea Party, please reach out to us.

A good starting point is our Valentine's Tea Bundle, which you can explore here.

Delectable Tea Party Menu

Offer a mix of sweet treats like heart-shaped scones and savory delights such as finger sandwiches. This variety caters to different palates and adds an element of surprise to your menu. 

Expert Tip: Don't just offer desserts. As our society continues to focus more on health-conscious diets, consider offering delicious (yet healthy) finger foods like smoked tuna spread on cucumbers (instead of crackers), mini stuffed mushrooms, melon kabobs, or mini lettuce wraps (w/ choice of protein). Even though these might not be your "traditional" tea party finger foods, these can be big hits at your event, since your guests will not only feel good about what they're eating, but it will also make your Valentine's Day Tea Party more unique and memorable.

Valentine's Day-Themed Table Setting

A harmonious color scheme with reds and pinks sets a romantic mood. Elegant tableware and a creative centerpiece can become conversation starters. You can also choose more muted colors like light pink, rose, and tan. Just don't forget the little hearts and cupid arrows!

Dress Code: Adding a Festive Touch

Suggesting a dress code like "Valentine's Chic" adds a festive touch and makes the event more memorable. 

Music and Entertainment

Curate a playlist of love songs and plan simple games or activities to keep guests entertained and engaged.

Gifts for Your Guests: A Signature Valentine's Tea Blend

Consider giving your guests a little take-home present at your Valentine's Day Tea Party. This can be anything from a little 5-sachet sampler pack of your favorite tea blend (Hibiscus Rose perhaps?) or a little mini tea tube. This may be a small token of gratitude, but giving little take-home tea gifts to your guests keeps your Valentine's Day Tea Party going even after it's over. If you want to send your guests home with a more meaningful, bigger gift, consider giving the signature Tea Bento Box to each of your guests. It is one of the most unique, luxurious, and affordable tea gifts you can give.

Other Things to Keep in Mind 

• Hosting: From greeting guests warmly to ensuring everyone's comfort, good hosting etiquette is key to a successful tea party.
• Photography and Capturing Memories: Set up a photo booth or encourage guests to capture candid moments. These photos will be cherished reminders of a delightful day. You can even bring in some polaroid printer cameras to entertain your guests.
• Accomodations & Last-Minute Changes: Be prepared and flexible for last-minute changes. If a certain appetizer doesn't come out right, make sure you have a backup prepared!
• HAVE FUN! Make sure YOU get to enjoy all your hard work and planning. Mingle with your guests, catch-up with old friends, and share laughs over delicious sips of tea. These special events only come once a year, so cherish them and be present.

Conclusion: Making Valentine's Day Special

Hosting a Valentine's Day Tea Party is not just about the delicious tea or the decorations; it's about creating a warm, loving atmosphere that celebrates the essence of Valentine's Day. Whether it's through a shared laugh over a cup of tea or a quiet moment of appreciation, the memories made will linger far beyond the day itself.