Tea parties are a delightful way to spend time with friends and family. These gatherings often feature dainty foods and refreshing beverages that create a charming atmosphere. From savory finger sandwiches to sweet pastries, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
You’ll find 30 tasty recipes perfect for your next tea party in this article. These ideas range from classic treats to modern twists on traditional favorites. Whether you’re hosting a formal event or a casual get-together, these recipes will help make your tea party a success.
Classic scones are a staple of afternoon tea parties. You can make these delightful treats at home with just a few simple ingredients. Start by preheating your oven to 425°F.
Mix flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until the mixture looks like breadcrumbs. Gradually add cream or milk to form a soft dough.
Shape the dough into circles and place on a baking sheet. Brush the tops with egg wash for a golden finish. Bake for 12-15 minutes until risen and lightly browned.
Serve your scones warm with clotted cream and jam for a traditional English tea experience. These versatile pastries can also be flavored with fruits, nuts, or chocolate chips for variety.
Cucumber sandwiches are a classic tea party treat. To make them, start with thin white bread slices. Spread a mixture of cream cheese, mayonnaise, and herbs on each slice.
Peel and thinly slice an English cucumber. Pat the slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps prevent soggy sandwiches.
Arrange cucumber slices on half the bread pieces. Top with the remaining slices. Trim off the crusts for a dainty look.
Cut the sandwiches into small triangles or rectangles. Serve them immediately so they stay fresh and crisp. These light, refreshing bites are perfect for a summer tea gathering.
Deviled eggs are a classic tea party favorite. To make them, start by boiling eggs and carefully removing the yolks. Mix the yolks with mayo, mustard, and seasonings.
For a twist, try adding unique flavors. You can use blue cheese and buffalo sauce for a spicy kick. Or go for a tangy taste with lemon juice and hot pepper sauce.
Tea-marbled deviled eggs offer an elegant look. Crack the eggshells slightly and simmer them in tea, soy sauce, and spices. This creates a pretty marbled effect on the egg whites.
When serving, pipe the filling into the egg halves for a neat appearance. Garnish with herbs or spices to make your deviled eggs stand out at your tea party.
Earl Grey tea is a popular choice for tea parties. This flavored black tea has a distinctive citrusy taste from bergamot oil.
You can serve Earl Grey hot or iced. For a classic cup, steep the tea for 3-5 minutes in hot water.
Try adding milk and sugar to taste. Or make a London Fog by mixing Earl Grey with steamed milk and vanilla syrup.
Earl Grey also works well in baked goods. You can infuse cakes, cookies, or scones with its unique flavor. Simply add ground tea leaves to your recipe or steep them in warm milk before mixing.
You can make classic cucumber sandwiches by spreading cream cheese on thin white bread and topping with sliced cucumbers. For a protein-packed option, try egg salad or ham sandwiches.
Smoked salmon with dill cream cheese is an elegant choice. Coronation chicken, a mix of curry-spiced chicken salad, adds a flavorful twist to your spread.
To keep sandwiches fresh, cover them with a damp paper towel until serving. Cut off crusts and slice into small rectangles or triangles for easy eating.
Mini quiches are perfect for tea parties. These tiny savory tarts are easy to make and customize. You can use pre-made frozen pie crusts to save time.
Fill your mini quiches with cheese, bacon, mushrooms, or spinach. Mix eggs, milk, cream, salt, and pepper for the base. Pour the mixture into the crusts and bake until golden.
Serve these bite-sized treats warm or at room temperature. They’re great for passing around on platters. Your guests will love having their own individual quiches to enjoy with tea.
Victoria Sponge Cake is a classic British teatime treat. You’ll love this light and airy cake filled with sweet jam and cream.
To make it, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake tins.
Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time. Fold in flour and baking powder. Divide the batter between the tins and bake for about 20 minutes.
Once cool, spread one cake layer with jam and whipped cream. Top with the second layer. Dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.
This elegant cake is perfect for your tea party. Your guests will be impressed by its simple yet delicious flavors.
Chantilly cream is a fancy name for sweetened whipped cream. It’s easy to make and adds elegance to your tea party treats.
To make Chantilly cream, you’ll need cold heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Chill your bowl and beaters before starting.
Mix the ingredients in the cold bowl. Whip on high speed until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat, or you’ll end up with butter!
Serve Chantilly cream with scones, fresh fruit, or as a topping for cakes and pies. It’s a versatile addition to your tea party menu that your guests will love.
Smoked salmon canapés are a classic tea party favorite. You can make them easily with just a few ingredients. Start by slicing a baguette into thin rounds.
Spread softened cream cheese on each slice. Top with a small piece of smoked salmon. Add a slice of cucumber for crunch.
Garnish with fresh dill and a caper for extra flavor. These bite-sized treats look elegant on a serving platter. They’re perfect for your next afternoon tea gathering.
You can prepare the components ahead of time. Assemble just before serving to keep the bread from getting soggy. Your guests will love these tasty and sophisticated canapés.
Lemon drizzle cake is a classic British treat perfect for tea parties. You’ll love its light, moist texture and bright citrus flavor.
To make it, mix butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and lemon zest. Bake until golden brown. While still warm, poke holes in the top and pour over a lemon syrup.
The syrup soaks in, creating a deliciously moist cake with a tangy sweetness. A crunchy lemon glaze on top adds extra zing and texture.
This simple cake is sure to be a hit at your next tea gathering. Serve it with a cup of Earl Grey for a truly British experience.
Macarons are delicate French cookies perfect for tea parties. These colorful treats have a crisp outer shell and a soft, chewy center.
To make macarons, you’ll need almond flour, powdered sugar, and egg whites. Mix these ingredients to form a smooth batter. Pipe small circles onto a baking sheet.
Let the piped circles rest until they form a skin. Then bake them at a low temperature. Once cooled, sandwich two cookies together with a flavored filling.
Popular macaron flavors include vanilla, chocolate, and fruit. For a tea-inspired twist, try earl grey or matcha. Their elegant appearance and delicate taste make macarons a standout at any tea gathering.
Berry tartlets are a delightful treat for any tea party. These mini desserts combine a buttery crust with a creamy filling and fresh berries on top.
To make the crust, mix flour, sugar, and butter until crumbly. Press the mixture into small tart tins and bake until golden.
For the filling, whip cream and blend it with lemon curd, sugar, and vanilla. This creates a smooth, tangy base.
Top your tartlets with a mix of fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. The vibrant colors will make your tea table pop.
These bite-sized treats are easy to eat and perfect for guests to enjoy while mingling. You can prepare them ahead of time and assemble just before serving.
Almond biscotti are crunchy Italian cookies perfect for your tea party. To make them, mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
In another bowl, beat sugar, butter, eggs, and almond extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to form a dough. Fold in sliced almonds.
Shape the dough into logs and bake at 350°F until golden. Let them cool, then slice diagonally.
Bake the slices again at a lower temperature to achieve that signature crunch. Serve these twice-baked treats alongside your favorite tea for a delightful pairing.
Gingerbread cookies are a perfect addition to your tea party. These spiced treats pair wonderfully with a warm cup of tea.
To make them, mix flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves in a bowl. In another bowl, beat butter until smooth, then add brown sugar and molasses.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients. Add an egg and mix well. Chill the dough for 30-90 minutes.
Roll out the dough and cut into festive shapes. Bake until the edges are lightly browned. Let cool before decorating with icing.
These cookies have a warm, spicy flavor that your guests will love. They’re crisp on the outside and soft on the inside.
Chocolate truffles are a decadent treat perfect for your tea party. You can make them easily at home with just a few ingredients. Start by melting chocolate and cream together to create a ganache.
Let the mixture cool, then roll it into small balls. For extra flavor, you can add vanilla extract or liqueur to the ganache.
Coat the truffles in cocoa powder, chopped nuts, or melted chocolate. You can also try different flavor combinations like dark chocolate with orange zest or white chocolate with coconut.
These bite-sized sweets pair wonderfully with tea and will impress your guests. Make them ahead of time and store in the fridge until your party.
Fruit skewers are a colorful and refreshing addition to your tea party spread. You can create these easy treats by threading bite-sized fruit pieces onto wooden or bamboo skewers.
Choose a variety of fruits like strawberries, grapes, melon chunks, and pineapple pieces. Cut larger fruits into similar-sized cubes for even cooking. Aim for a rainbow effect by alternating different colored fruits on each skewer.
To keep the fruit fresh, prepare the skewers up to 6 hours before your event. Store them in a single layer on a tray, covered with plastic wrap in the fridge. Add banana slices just before serving to prevent browning.
For extra flair, serve your fruit skewers with a simple yogurt dip. Mix Greek yogurt with a touch of honey and vanilla extract for a tasty complement to the fresh fruit.
Chai spiced cookies bring the warm flavors of chai tea to your tea party. These treats blend cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and other spices into a soft sugar cookie base.
To make them, mix butter, sugar, and spices in a bowl. Add flour and other dry ingredients. Shape the dough into balls and roll in a spiced sugar coating before baking.
The result is a chewy cookie with a crisp exterior and complex flavor. Serve these alongside a cup of hot tea for a perfect pairing. Your guests will love the aromatic spices and sweet taste of these chai-inspired cookies.
Cheddar and chive scones are a tasty savory treat for your tea party. You’ll need flour, baking powder, butter, milk, cheddar cheese, and fresh chives.
Mix the dry ingredients, then cut in cold butter. Add shredded cheddar and chopped chives. Stir in milk to form a soft dough.
Pat the dough into a circle and cut into wedges. Brush with milk and sprinkle extra cheese on top if desired.
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes until golden brown. Serve warm for the best flavor. These scones pair well with tea or coffee.
Orange zest madeleines are delightful French cookies perfect for tea parties. You’ll need eggs, sugar, flour, baking powder, butter, and orange zest.
Beat eggs and sugar until smooth. Add orange zest and mix. Gently fold in flour and baking powder. Stir in melted butter last.
Grease and flour madeleine molds. Fill each mold about 3/4 full with batter. Bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
Let cool briefly before removing from molds. Dust with powdered sugar if desired. Serve these light, citrusy treats warm with tea for a lovely addition to your party spread.
Mini eclairs are a delightful treat for your tea party. These bite-sized pastries are filled with creamy vanilla custard and topped with chocolate glaze.
To make the pastry, you’ll need water, butter, flour, and eggs. Boil the water and butter, then mix in flour. Let it cool before adding eggs one at a time.
Pipe small lines of dough onto a baking sheet and bake until golden. Once cooled, fill with custard using a piping bag.
For the glaze, melt chocolate and butter together. Dip the tops of the eclairs in the mixture. Let them set before serving.
These mini eclairs are sure to impress your guests with their elegant appearance and delicious taste.
Chocolate-dipped strawberries make a delightful treat for your tea party. To make them, start by washing and drying fresh strawberries completely.
Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. Hold each strawberry by its leaves and dip it into the melted chocolate.
Gently shake off excess chocolate and place the dipped strawberries on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let them cool and harden at room temperature or in the fridge.
For added flair, drizzle white chocolate over the dark chocolate coating. You can also roll the dipped strawberries in chopped nuts or sprinkles while the chocolate is still wet.
Goat cheese tartlets are a tasty treat for your tea party. You can make them with puff pastry for a flaky base. Cut the pastry into circles and place them in mini muffin tins.
For the filling, mix soft goat cheese with black pepper. Spread this on the pastry circles. Top with caramelized onions for extra flavor.
To caramelize onions, cook them slowly in olive oil until golden brown. Add a touch of balsamic vinegar and honey for sweetness. Place a spoonful on each tartlet.
Bake the tartlets in a 375°F oven until the pastry is golden and puffy. Serve them warm or at room temperature. These bite-sized snacks are sure to impress your guests.
Benefits of Hosting a Tea Party
Tea parties bring people together and offer health perks. They create a special setting for socializing and enjoying tasty treats along with beneficial tea.
Social and Cultural Significance
Tea parties foster connections. You can catch up with old friends or meet new ones in a relaxed setting. The gentle clinking of teacups and soft chatter create a calm mood.
Tea parties also let you share your culture. You can serve foods from your background or try new international treats. It’s a chance to learn about different customs and tea traditions from around the world.
These gatherings work for many occasions. You might host one for a birthday, baby shower, or just because. Tea parties fit both casual and formal events. You can keep it simple with a few snacks or go all out with fancy tableware and decorations.
Health Benefits of Tea
Tea offers more than just good taste. Many types have helpful compounds that may boost your health. Green tea has antioxidants that could help your heart and brain. Black tea might lower stress and improve focus.
Herbal teas can soothe and heal. Chamomile may help you sleep better. Peppermint tea could ease an upset stomach. Ginger tea might reduce nausea.
Tea parties encourage you to slow down and savor each sip. This mindful break in your day can lower stress. Sharing tea with others adds a social boost that’s good for your mood and overall well-being.
Tea Pairings and Recommendations
Picking the right tea and pairing it with food can make your tea party memorable. The right combinations enhance flavors and create a balanced experience.
Choosing the Right Tea for Your Menu
Start with classic black teas like Earl Grey or English Breakfast. These go well with many foods. For a lighter option, try green tea. It pairs nicely with fruits and vegetables.
White tea is delicate and works best with subtle flavors. Oolong tea is versatile and can match both sweet and savory dishes.
Herbal teas offer caffeine-free choices. Chamomile complements desserts, while peppermint refreshes the palate between courses.
Consider the season too. Serve iced teas in summer and warm, spiced teas in winter.
Tea and Food Pairing Tips
Match tea strength with food flavors. Robust teas like Assam go well with hearty sandwiches. Lighter teas suit delicate pastries.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
