BestReviews is reader supported and may earn affiliate commissions. Learn more.
Everything you need for a perfect high tea
The final four episodes of Netflix’s enchanting drama, Bridgerton, dropped on June 13, and fans are celebrating by throwing lavish tea parties themed around their favorite show. To get in on the tea party trend, Bridgerton fans are donning their best dresses, plating up finger sandwiches, and partying in Regency style. Use these tea sets, tea party tablescapes, and more to host a tea party that’s sure to be a hit.
Featured in this post: Sparkle and Bash Pink Scalloped Cocktail Napkins with Gold Foil Accents, YaoTown Stainless Steel Tea Strainer, Cuisinart PerfecTemp 1.7 Liter Stainless Steel Electric Kettle
High Tea and Afternoon Tea
When Americans think of a tea party, what we actually picture is what is known in Britain as “afternoon tea.” “High tea” got its name from the height of the dinner table or counter at which a hearty meal was served around 5pm in working-class homes. Afternoon tea was also called “low tea” because it was served at a low, small table in upper-class homes.
Tea Party Menu Ideas
Afternoon tea menus are generally light and focused on savory foods like finger sandwiches, scones and small sweet treats. Depending on the number of guests you’re inviting and the size of the party you want to host, you can choose a simple “cream tea” with scones, jam and clotted cream, or go all out with a “full tea” with multiple sweet courses.
The perfect tea for a tea party
Medium to full-bodied black teas are most common at tea parties, but Earl Grey and herbal teas are also popular. Consider serving multiple tea options so all your guests can sample their preferred flavors and caffeine levels or discover new favorites. Be sure to provide creamer, sugar, and teaspoons so guests can customize their cups.
Consider adding a few other drinks, especially if you have guests who love the atmosphere of a tea party but aren’t fans of the drinks themselves. Iced tea is one option, but lemonade and champagne are also popular tea party drinks.
Tea party food
Food for afternoon tea is traditionally served on a two- or three-tiered stand, with the bottom tier usually containing savoury and hearty dishes, and the top tier housing sweet treats and scones. Whatever you choose to serve, choose items that are easy to eat with your fingers and won’t make too much of a mess.
Here are some classic afternoon tea dishes you can consider adding to your party menu:
- Scone: These tea essentials can be served plain, garnished with sweet dried fruit, or savory, with plenty of cheese and mustard.
- Finger sandwiches: Stuff with smoked salmon, cucumber, chicken salad, or egg salad and cut into small rectangles or triangles.
- Clotted cream: Although the name doesn’t sound particularly appetizing, clotted cream is a delicious, rich spread that can be purchased at specialty stores or made in a slow cooker.
- Jams and jellies: American palates generally favor berry jams, while British tastes tend to favor orange marmalade and lemon curd.
- Cakes and cookies: Make or buy small treats like madeleines, mini cupcakes, and bite-sized tarts, or choose a full-sized store-bought dessert like tiramisu and carefully cut them into perfect squares for your party.
Best Bridgerton Tea Party Merchandise
Pukka Home Porcelain British Royal Series Tea Set
This delicate porcelain tea set is adorned with golden details inspired by British royalty. The ceramic pieces feature grooved sides and a curved shape that fits in the palm of your hand. The set comes with everything you need for a tea party for six, including a stainless steel tea strainer.
ZUMELER Gold 5 Piece Metal Cake Stand
Beautifully display your teatime treats on elegant gold-tone metal stands. Set includes one-, two- and three-tier cake stands, a cupcake stand with handles and a rectangular platter, all with romantic laser-cut and filigree details.
Sparkle & Bash Pink Scalloped Cocktail Napkins with Gold Foil Accents
Every detail matters to Ton. Serve your tea with these gorgeous, stylish napkins. The pink blend is perfect for a party, and the gold scalloped edges give it a more luxurious feel than regular paper napkins.
NEWDRIP Gold Long Handle Teaspoon x 12
Stir your tea or coffee with elegance. These gold-tone spoons are approximately 7″ long and look great on a saucer. This set contains 12 dishwasher-safe spoons.
YaoTown Stainless Steel Tea Strainer
This ball-shaped tea infuser is made from durable stainless steel mesh, has a latch closed to prevent tea leaf fragments from escaping into your tea, and has a convenient chain with a hook that can be hung on the side of your teapot or cup.
Symple Stuff Unscented Flameless Tealight Candles, Pack of 8
These LED tealight candles allow you to create ambiance without worrying about wax splatter or fire hazards. Set includes 8 flameless candles and batteries.
DUJUST porcelain serving tray
This vintage-inspired serving centrepiece has an integrated handle and non-skid feet for easy transport and display of treats, and the scalloped edges are finished with gold trim.
Silver Spoon Disposable Dessert Plates, Set of 20
If you don’t want to hand-wash your fine china after your tea party, consider these premium disposable options. They feature a vintage rose color and floral edges. At 7.5 inches, they’re the perfect size for finger sandwiches and tea biscuits.
Cuisinart PerfecTemp 1.7L Stainless Steel Electric Kettle
This electric kettle has six temperature settings and a “keep warm” setting to brew any kind of tea to perfection, plus an auto shut-off feature and a large display window with labels to measure the capacity.
Garvey’s Downton Abbey Best of Traditional British Organic Scone Mix
With this trusty scone mix, you don’t have to be an expert baker to make delicious scones. Just add butter and milk, mix and bake. One pack makes up to 12 scones.
English Tea Store Buckingham Palace Garden Party Loose Leaf Tea
Inspired by the royal tea parties hosted by the late Queen Elizabeth, this medium-bodied black tea combines the classic flavor of Earl Grey with floral notes of jasmine. Steep 2.5 grams per 8 oz for perfect flavor.
Prices shown reflect the date of publication and are subject to change.
Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices, and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspiration and sales info.
