Learn how to host a fun Valentine tea party celebration with these simple Valentine tea party ideas. Get tips about Valentine tea party food, Valentine tea party themes, Valentine tea party decor, Valentine tea party games, Valentine tea party activities, and Valentine tea party favors. Whether you are hosting a Valentine bridal shower tea party, Valentine baby shower tea party, Valentine children’s tea party, Valentine engagement tea party, or any other type of Valentine tea party, you’re in the right place.
A Valentine tea party can be for adults, kids, or both together. While many of these Valentine tea party ideas are generally for ladies, gentlemen may certainly attend a Valentine tea party as well. As a veteran member of school and church social committees, I have planned and attended a plethora of fun tea party functions. So don your favorite tea party hat, brew a cup of your favorite tea blend, and enjoy browsing through this comprehensive guide to Valentine tea parties.
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My Valentine Tea Party Backstory
I grew up drinking tea with my dear, late Canadian grandmother. She had a lovely collection of teacups and saucers she had accumulated over the years. Many of the finest in her collection were purchased during her years of work in a china shop. Even though the teacups were fragile, my grandmother was not afraid to let my sister and I choose our favorite in which to enjoy a serving of our sweetfriendship tea blend. We felt so elegant, sitting around the kitchen table, sipping our cups of tea together. Sometimes, we would dress up in our grandmother’s old fancy dresses. What fun memories!
As an adult, I enjoy taking tea with friends in tea rooms or hosting tea parties for bridal showers at work. Inspiration for tea parties can be found in many places. I like to look to my garden for tea party themes, and since I’m a school librarian, books often provide inspiration as well. With the right theme, planning a Valentine tea party can be fun and easy. It doesn’t have to break the bank either. Since my birthday falls near Valentine’s Day, I’ve had many opportunities to experience tea during the Valentine season over the years. Let’s get started with planning your special Valentine tea party!
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Valentine Tea Party Themes
For a Valentine’s Day tea party, consider these themes:
Romantic Garden Valentine Tea:
Decorate with floral arrangements and soft colors.
Use vintage tea sets and lace tablecloths.
Serve floral-infused teas and heart-shaped treats.
Love Letters and Lace Valentine Tea:
Incorporate lace elements into decorations.
Create a love letter station for guests to write notes.
Serve teas with romantic names and delicate pastries.
Cupid’s Arrow Valentine Tea:
Decorate with arrows, hearts, and shades of red and pink.
Offer heart-shaped sandwiches and desserts.
Include Cupid-themed activities or games.
Vintage Valentine’s Tea Affair:
Opt for a vintage aesthetic with classic decorations.
Serve traditional teas and retro-inspired treats.
Encourage guests to dress in vintage attire.
Chocolate Lover’s Valentine Delight:
Focus on rich chocolate-themed decor.
Serve chocolate-infused teas and an array of chocolate desserts.
Consider a chocolate fondue station.
Offer a tray of chocolate-covered oddities for guests to sample.
For even more Valentine tea party theme inspiration, get over 50 other tea party theme ideas here.
Valentine Tea Party Invitations
Create charming Valentine’s Day tea party invitations with these ideas:
Free Valentine Tea Party Invitation:
Access these free Valentine tea party invitations and customize as you wish using Google Slides. Just click to access, then go to File, then Make a Copy, and select entire presentation. The beauty of using Google Slides is that you can make your changes, then save the file as a pdf, JPG, PNG, or Powerpoint. So easy! Change the font, change the text, and add your own special touches. No time to change anything? Just type in the party details and you are set. All instructions are included to customize your own invitations for free.
Other Free Printable Party Invitations
If you are looking for other free printable party invitations with a floral theme for a Valentine celebration, you can choose from a wide variety of free invitations for a variety of themes.
Love-filled Messages:
Craft invitations in the shape of hearts or teacups. (Tip: If you have access to a die-cut machine at a school or a Cricut, cutting out shapes can be easy.)
Include sweet messages like “Sip, Sip, Hooray! Join us for a Valentine’s Tea.”
Vintage Elegance:
Design invitations with a vintage touch, using lace or floral patterns.
Add a classic font and pastel colors for a timeless feel.
Cupid’s Bow and Arrow:
Feature Cupid’s bow and arrow illustrations.
Include phrases like “Cupid’s Tea Party – You’re Invited!”
Tea Bag Tags:
Attach small tea bag tags to your invitations.
Use clever phrases like “Steeped in Love, Join us for Tea.”
Red and Pink Palette:
Opt for a color scheme of red and pink.
Incorporate heart-shaped details or confetti.
Digital Elegance:
Design digital invitations with animated elements.
Include a link to an RSVP page or provide contact details.
Remember to include essential details like date, time, location, and any specific instructions. Add a touch of whimsy or romance to make your invitations stand out for your Valentine’s Day tea party.
Valentine Tea Party Decorations
Enhance the ambiance of your Valentine’s Day tea party with these charming decorations:
Heartfelt Centerpieces:
Create centerpieces with heart-shaped vases, teacups, or bowls filled with flowers.
Scatter heart-shaped confetti or petals on tables.
Romantic Table Settings:
Use red, pink, or white tablecloths and napkins.
Incorporate vintage china or elegant tea sets.
Candlelit Glow:
Place tea light candles or LED candles in decorative holders.
Consider heart-shaped or themed candle holders for a romantic glow.
Floral Elegance:
Arrange bouquets of red and pink flowers in vases.
Integrate floral arrangements with roses or other romantic blooms.
Banner of Love:
Hang a banner with messages like “Love is Brewing” or “Cupid’s Tea Party.” Stamp the banner with heart-shaped potato prints, which are easy to make. Kids can help!
Create a garland with heart-shaped cutouts or fabric.
Tea Station:
Set up a tea station with a variety of teas and cute labels.
Include heart-shaped sugar cubes and charming teacup tags.
Dessert Display:
Showcase desserts on tiered stands.
Decorate cupcakes or cakes with heart-shaped toppers.
Photo Booth Fun:
Create a photo booth with Valentine’s Day props.
Use a backdrop with romantic patterns or fairy lights.
Combine these ideas to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for your Valentine’s Day tea party.
Valentine Tea Party Food
Delight your guests with a delectable spread for your Valentine’s Day tea party. Consider these themed treats:
Heart-Shaped Sandwiches:
Create tea sandwiches using heart-shaped cookie cutters.
Fill them with classic combinations like cucumber and cream cheese.
Love Potion Teas:
Serve a variety of teas with romantic names like “Berry Bliss” or “Passionate Peach.”
Provide honey and lemon for customizable sweetness.
Sweet Sips:
Offer a signature Valentine’s Day tea blend.
Include options like hot chocolate or berry-infused mocktails.
Decadent Desserts:
Present an array of desserts like chocolate-covered strawberries, white chocolate raspberry truffles, dark chocolate raspberry truffles, or death by chocolate.
Bake heart-shaped cookies or cupcakes adorned with festive decorations.
Fruit Medley:
Arrange a fruit platter with heart-shaped watermelon slices.
Include berries, grapes, and other colorful fruits.
Scones and Other Baked Goods:
Serve classic scones with clotted cream and jam.
Offer a selection of pastries, such as fruit tarts or éclairs.
Chocolate Fondue:
Set up a chocolate fondue station with various dippables.
Include marshmallows, pretzels, and fruit for dipping.
Remember to cater to different dietary preferences and consider labeling each item with a cute, themed tag. This way, your Valentine’s Day tea party menu will be both delicious and delightful.
Valentine Tea Party Menu
Craft a delightful Valentine’s Day tea party menu with a mix of savory and sweet treats. Many of the selections on this example menu are taken from the Valentine Tea Party Food section above:
Savory Selections:
Heart-Shaped Cucumber Sandwiches with Herbed Cream Cheese
Smoked Salmon and Dill Tea Sandwiches
Caprese Skewers with Heart-Shaped Mozzarella
Spinach and Feta Phyllo Cups
Tomato Basil Bruschetta
Mini Sausage Rolls
Sweet Delights:
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting (Use a cake mix and mini muffin pan)
Heart-Shaped Cinnamon Shortbread Cookies or Sugar Cookies
Chocolate Covered Shortbread Bars
Miniature Strawberry Tarts
Scones and Pastries:
Classic Plain Scones with Clotted Cream and Jam
Orange and Dark Chocolate Chip Scones
Glazed Lemon Blueberry Scones
Mini Fresh Blueberry Tartlets
Beverages:
Love Potion Tea Blend (Hibiscus, Rose, and Berry)
Raspberry White Hot Chocolate
Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade (Mix sparkling water instead of regular water, lemon juice, and a few crushed strawberries in a pitcher.)
Assorted Herbal Teas
Flavors like Stash Strawberry Pomegranate, Raspberry Zinger, Red Bush Tea (Rooibos), or Raspberry Hibiscus would be excellent choices.
Extras:
Fruit Medley Platter with Heart-Shaped Watermelon Slices
Dark Chocolate Fondue with Assorted Dippables
Heart-Shaped Macarons
Labeling each item adds a thoughtful touch to your Valentine’s Day tea party menu. Remember any dietary preferences or restrictions your guests may have and note those items on the labels as an added touch of consideration for your guests.
Valentine Tea Party Games
Elevate the fun at your Valentine’s Day tea party with these engaging games:
Love Bingo:
Create bingo cards with romantic words or images.
Use heart-shaped markers and offer small prizes for winners.
Cupid’s Arrow Toss:
Set up a bean bag toss game with a Cupid’s arrow theme.
Assign different point values to targets.
Valentine’s Day Trivia:
Prepare a trivia game with questions about love and Valentine’s Day history.
Form teams and enjoy friendly competition.
Tea-Related or Valentine-Related Word Scramble:
Challenge guests with a word scramble featuring tea-related or Valentine-related terms.
Provide small prizes for those who unscramble the words first.
Heart Hunt:
Hide small heart-shaped items around the venue.
Encourage guests to find as many hearts as they can.
Valentine’s Mad Libs:
Provide guests with Mad Libs with a Valentine’s Day theme.
Share the humorous results during the party.
Love Song Charades:
Write down popular love songs on slips of paper.
Have guests act out the songs for others to guess.
Love-themed Pictionary:
Play a love-themed version of Pictionary.
Use romantic words or phrases for an entertaining twist.
These games add a playful and interactive element to your Valentine’s Day tea party, ensuring a memorable and entertaining experience for everyone.
Valentine Tea Party Activities
Enhance the festive atmosphere at your Valentine’s Day tea party with these delightful activities:
Cookie or Scone Decorating Station:
Provide heart-shaped cookies, icing, and various toppings. You could also offer a selection of scones for guests to decorate.
Let guests decorate their own sweet treats.
DIY Valentine’s Day Cards:
Set up a crafting station with card-making supplies.
Guests can create personalized cards for their loved ones. One option is a simple origami flower card. Another easy-to-make Valentine card is one with pressed flowers.
Tea Blending Station:
Offer a variety of dried tea components, like tea leaves, dried edible flowers, and dried fruit.
Provide some classic tea blend recipes as a guide.
Have guests create their own customized tea blend.
Include small bags, jars, and labels for guests to name their creations.
Love Letter Writing:
Provide stationery and pens for guests to write love letters.
Include stickers and markers for guests to add decorative elements.
Valentine’s Day Photo Booth:
Create a photo booth area with props like heart-shaped glasses and signs.
Encourage guests to capture fun memories.
DIY Flower Crowns:
Supply materials like faux flowers and wire.
Guests can create their own flower crowns to wear during the party.
Candle Making or Soap Making:
Host a candle-making or soap-making activity using heart-shaped molds.
Guests can take home their handmade candles or soap as party favors.
Decorate Your Teacup:
Provide plain teacups and acrylic markers.
Let guests express their creativity by decorating their own teacups.
These activities add an interactive and creative touch to your Valentine’s Day tea party, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable celebration.
Valentine Tea Party Read Aloud:
For your younger guests, offer a Valentine storytime with books selected from this Valentine book list.
Valentine Tea Party Favors
Send your guests home with thoughtful and charming Valentine’s Day tea party favors:
Handmade Chocolates:
Pack small boxes or tins with chocolates you made yourself. It‘s easy when you have some simple recipes and creative packaging ideas.
Heart-Shaped Tea Infusers:
Provide heart-shaped tea infusers for a practical and stylish favor.
Custom Tea Blends:
Create personalized tea blends and package them in cute containers.
Scented Candles:
https://amzn.to/4avry8KGift small scented candles with romantic fragrances.
Tea Cup or Teapot-Shaped Cookies:
Arrange individually wrapped tea cup or teapot-shaped cookies.
Miniature Jars of Honey or Homemade Jam:
Package small jars of honey or jam with a thank-you tag.
Heart-Shaped Soaps:
Choose heart-shaped soaps for a fragrant gift option.
Heart-Shaped Plantable Seed Paper:
Give seed paper hearts that guests can plant to grow flowers.
Heart-Shaped Chocolates:
Place heart-shaped chocolates in elegant packaging.
Remember to add a personalized thank-you note expressing gratitude for their presence at your Valentine’s Day tea party. These favors will serve as delightful mementos of the celebration.
Common Valentine Tea Party Questions
What is Valentine tea?
“Valentine tea” generally refers to a special tea blend or selection that is curated or enjoyed in celebration of Valentine’s Day. It can include a variety of teas, often with flavors that evoke a sense of romance or warmth, such as blends with floral notes, berries, or chocolate. Some tea companies create limited-edition Valentine’s Day teas with unique combinations to add a festive touch to the celebration. You can find a variety of Valentine-themed teas at specialty tea shops or online, and they are often enjoyed as part of Valentine’s Day gatherings or tea parties.
What do you serve at a Valentine tea party?
At a Valentine’s Day tea party, you can serve a delightful mix of sweet and savory treats, along with themed beverages. For a detailed menu, take a look at the example Valentine Tea Party Menu items listed above. Here are some of the highlights:
Heart-Shaped Cucumber Sandwiches with Herbed Cream Cheese or other bite-sized savory sandwiches
Heart-Shaped Cinnamon Shortbread Cookies, Sugar Cookies, or Mini Tarts
Orange and Dark Chocolate Chip Scones or other scone variety
Raspberry White Hot Chocolate or Friendship Tea
Assorted herbal tea flavors like Stash Strawberry Pomegranate, Raspberry Zinger, Red Bush Tea (Rooibos), or Raspberry Hibiscus
Fruit Medley Platter with Heart-Shaped Watermelon Slices
What kind of tea do you serve at a tea party?
When hosting a tea party, offering a variety of teas ensures there’s something for everyone. It’s helpful to attach labels to each teapot to assist your guests in making their choice, as in the photo above. Consider including the following types of tea:
Black Tea:
Classic options like English Breakfast or Earl Grey are popular choices.
Green Tea:
Green tea varieties like Jasmine or Sencha add a refreshing touch.
Herbal Tea:
Include caffeine-free options such as peppermint, chamomile, or fruit infusions.
Floral Tea:
Teas with floral notes, such as rose or hibiscus, can add a romantic element.
Fruity Blends:
Serve fruit-infused teas like berry blends or citrusy options.
White Tea:
Delicate white teas like White Peony or Silver Needle provide a mild flavor.
Specialty Blends:
Consider themed or seasonal blends created for special occasions.
Set up a tea station with hot water, teapots, and a selection of tea bags or loose leaves. This allows guests to choose their preferred tea and enhances the overall tea party experience.
What are the 3 main foods served at an afternoon tea?
Traditional afternoon tea typically includes three main food components:
Finger Sandwiches:
Delicate, crustless sandwiches with various fillings. Common options include cucumber and cream cheese, smoked salmon, egg salad, or ham and mustard.
Scones:
Scones are a quintessential part of afternoon tea. They are served with clotted cream and jam. Traditional flavors include plain, fruit-filled, or even savory variations.
Pastries and Sweets:
This category encompasses a variety of sweet treats like petit fours, cakes, tarts, and biscuits. Some classic choices include Victoria sponge cake, lemon mini drizzle cakes, or fruit tartlets.
These three elements, along with a selection of teas, create a well-rounded and enjoyable afternoon tea experience. Additional items like petit* fours, macarons, or other mini desserts listed elsewhere in this post may also be included to add a touch of indulgence.
What’s the difference between high tea and afternoon tea?
The terms “high tea” and “afternoon tea” are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to different dining experiences with distinct origins:
Afternoon Tea:
Timing: Afternoon tea is a light meal served in the late afternoon, usually between 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm.
Setting: It is typically a more formal and refined affair, often served in hotels, tearooms, or upscale restaurants.
Menu: Afternoon tea consists of a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of pastries and cakes. The emphasis is on sweets and light savory items.
Tradition: Afternoon tea is a tradition that originated in England in the 1840s and was popularized by Anna, the duch*ess of Bedford.
High Tea:
Timing: High tea is more of a substantial evening meal and is usually served between 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm.
Setting: High tea is less formal and was historically associated with the working class. It is often served at a dining table rather than in a sitting room.
Menu: High tea includes heartier fare, such as meat dishes, pies, vegetables, and desserts. It is closer to a full dinner, and the selection varies depending on regional and cultural influences.
Tradition: High tea has roots in the working-class supper traditions of the 18th and 19th centuries in Britain.
In summary, afternoon tea is a lighter, more elegant affair traditionally served in the late afternoon, while high tea is a heartier evening meal with a more substantial menu, often associated with the working class.
How many finger sandwiches for 25 people?
When planning finger sandwiches for a group, the exact quantity may depend on the variety of sandwiches and the overall menu. As a general guideline, you might estimate 3 to 4 finger sandwiches per person for a tea party or light meal.
For 25 people, this would mean preparing approximately 75 to 100 finger sandwiches. To offer variety, consider including different fillings like cucumber and cream cheese, smoked salmon, egg salad, or ham and mustard.
Keep in mind the preferences and dietary restrictions of your guests when selecting sandwich fillings. Adjust the quantity based on the overall menu and whether you are serving additional courses or treats at your gathering.
What are the most popular sandwiches for afternoon tea?
Classic and popular choices for finger sandwiches at afternoon tea include:
Cucumber and Cream Cheese:
Thinly sliced cucumber paired with smooth cream cheese on soft bread. It’s a refreshing and traditional option.
Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese:
Smoked salmon combined with cream cheese on bread, often accompanied by a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of dill. For a budget-friendly option, you could use this smoked salmon cream cheese ball recipe as a spread instead of shaping it into a ball. Omit the outer coating of parsley and nuts to make a sandwich filling.
Egg Salad:
Mashed or chopped hard-boiled eggs mixed with mayonnaise and seasonings, served between slices of bread.
Ham and Mustard:
Thinly sliced ham with a layer of mustard, creating a savory and flavorful combination.
Chicken Salad:
Shredded or diced chicken mixed with mayonnaise, celery, and sometimes grapes or nuts, served in sandwich form.
Roast Beef with Horseradish:
Sliced roast beef paired with horseradish sauce for a slightly spicy kick.
Prawn or Shrimp co*cktail:
Prawns or shrimp dressed in a light co*cktail sauce, served on bread for a seafood twist.
Coronation Chicken:
A classic British filling featuring cooked chicken in a curry-spiced mayonnaise dressing. Here is a simple Coronation Chicken recipe:
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
2 tablespoons mango chutney
1 tablespoon curry powder
1/4 cup sultanas (golden raisins)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (coriander)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, mango chutney, and curry powder. Mix until well combined.
Add shredded chicken to the bowl and mix, ensuring the chicken is well coated with the dressing.
Fold in sultanas and chopped cilantro.
Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the curry powder or other ingredients according to your preference.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the Coronation Chicken filling for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Assembling the Tea Sandwiches:
Select a soft bread of your choice (white or whole wheat work well).
Spread a thin layer of the Coronation Chicken mixture onto the bread slices.
Top with another bread slice to create a sandwich.
Optionally, remove the crusts and cut the sandwiches into bite-sized finger sandwiches or triangles. You can also serve tea sandwiches open-faced, as in the photo above.
These sandwiches are typically served in small, bite-sized portions as part of a selection during afternoon tea. You can mix and match these options to create a diverse and delightful assortment for your tea party guests.
What condiments are served at afternoon tea?
At afternoon tea, various condiments and accompaniments are served to enhance the flavors of sandwiches, scones, and other treats. Common condiments include:
Clotted Cream:
A rich and thick cream often spread on scones, especially in the British tradition.
Jam or Preserves:
Typically, strawberry jam or raspberry preserves are offered for spreading on scones.
Lemon Curd:
A tangy and sweet curd made from lemon juice, sugar, butter, and eggs. It’s a delightful addition to scones.
Honey:
Some tea services provide honey, which can be drizzled on scones or added to tea.
Mustard:
Mustard, especially alongside ham sandwiches, is a savory condiment that can be offered.
Butter:
Unsalted butter might be provided for spreading on sandwiches or scones.
Devonshire or Clotted Cream and Jam Order:
There is often debate about whether clotted cream or jam should be spread first on scones. The “Devonshire” method spreads clotted cream first, followed by jam, while the “Cornish” method does the opposite.
These condiments add variety and flavor to the different components of an afternoon tea, allowing guests to customize their experience based on personal preferences.
More Tea Party Ideas
Host a sunflower tea party, a lemon-themed tea party, a butterfly-themed tea party, a reindeer-themed tea party, or a pumpkin-themed tea party. The type of tea party theme you choose may be determined by items you already have on hand. A tea party theme may also be inspired by the preferences of your tea party guests or your guest of honor. Have fun deciding on a fun tea party theme to get your ideas flowing.
Organize Your Party (and Your Life) with This Lemon-Themed Planner
If you love planning tea parties, check out this lemony undated monthly planner. Since it’s undated, you can download and print it again and again, year after year. Get party-planning inspiration every day when you organize and plan in this eye-catching printable.
Get the lemon-themed planner!
More Party Planning Inspiration
It’s always nice to have a plan when it comes to meals and parties. If you’re looking for a way to get more organized with your Valentine tea party planning efforts, I’ve got something for you. Free, editable meal planners! The templates can be used over and over, as often as you need them. You can make as many duplicates as you like, and you’ll be able to save old party food plans for future reference. I hope it simplifies things for you.
Get my free editable meal plan templates!
Have fun planning a Valentine tea party. May all of your tea party planning endeavors meet with great success!
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