Mother's Day Afternoon Tea Party

Tea Parties for Mom: Tips and Ideas for Mother's Teatime Gift

Apr 1, 2008 Janienne Jennrich

An English afternoon tea party for Mom on or near Mother's Day can be easy, fun, fancy or elegant. Choose from these simple ideas and treats. Or take Mother out for tea.

Mother’s Day is perfect for treating Mom to a special afternoon tea party. What a wonderful chance to have some girl time, chat, and catch up over delicious teatime treats and a cuppa tea. It’s a Mother’s Day gift for Mom and everyone invited.

Choosing a Location for a Mother’s Day Tea

The easiest way to have tea with Mom (and/or Grandmother) is to make a reservation at a lovely teahouse. If this is the plan, reservations must be made far in advance, as this is a busy day for tea cafes.
If one wished to plan a private tea at home, a nice table near a warm fireplace is cozy for cool days. This is best for a small event for four to eight people.
In summer or in warm weather, a garden party is sweet. Find a spot near flowers, or bring flowers in containers into the party area. Try to avoid an outside event on a windy day.
Many community facilities have charming dining rooms where a larger event with family and friends can be held.

Dressing Up for an Afternoon Tea Party: Elegance or Fun

Send fancy or fun invitations, in keeping with the event theme so guests have a sense of what to wear. Invite guests to dress in elegant, glitzy, or themed clothing.
Consider wearing fancy hats. If Mom doesn’t have one, get her one as a gift.
For a fun tea, plan a themed party based on something Mom will enjoy. Certain colors, polka dots, and spring flowers are all nice theme ideas.

Food and Beverage Ideas for Mom’s Teatime

By simplifying what is served and preparing in advance, you will make the party flow smoothly. Afternoon tea basic beverages and foods might include:

A few assorted teas (black, Earl gray, rosehip, mint and lemon)
Milk sugar, lemon, & honey (for tea),
Fresh scones (blueberry or plain scones are popular)
English muffins, biscuits or crumpets
Double or clotted cream (Devonshire cream)
Orange marmalade, lemon curd, butter and an assortment of delicious jams
Tea sandwiches (small and dainty with delicate fillings like chicken salad, and the crusts cut off)
Yummy pastries, tarts or cakes
Pretty candies or petit fours

Check online or at local English stores for treats such as the clotted cream and lemon curd. Also look for pretty, fun cookies, biscuits and candies to fit the theme.

Set up the table in advance, or have a lovely buffet-style serving area set up. This makes things easier for the hostess. For more ideas on specific items needed for serving tea, see the following links.

For more tea party ideas and planing information, see: Afternoon Tea Party Planning 101, English Afternoon Tea Etiquette, and Sweet Words for Mother's Day Cards.

For more information about tea parties, see this Squidoo Tea Party page.

Afternoon tea is a lovely way to celebrate all the mothers in the family. Daughters may also be mothers, and with a relaxing tea party, everyone can have a wonderful day. Happy Mother's Day!

The copyright of the article Mother's Day Afternoon Tea Party in Entertaining is owned by Janienne Jennrich. Permission to republish Mother's Day Afternoon Tea Party in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Tea and Treats