Determine the type of party you plan to host.
Make a complete list of people to invite.
Choose a Date, Time, and Location for your Party. Be sure your location can accommodate the number of guests.
Choose Invitations. Hand Write pre-printed Invitations or have Special Invitations made at your local gift shoppe/paper shoppe, or Print them yourself with your home computer. Visit your local craft store for ideas and pretty papers. Don't forget an RSVP date & your phone number & indicate whether the party is a surprise. Print directions for guests as well and enclose with the invitations. See our online shop page for other invitation ideas.
Hand Write addresses on all envelopes. Include a return address & proper postage. Mail invitations 2-4 weeks prior to your event (weddings require a bit more notice).
Choose your menu. Don't forget to offer a variety to accommodate special dietary requests. Have a menu printed if you would like and place at each person's place setting at the party. Cut them out with fancy scissors...very cute.
Choose Party Activities and the General Itinerary for the Party. If you are having games, will you be offering prizes? You can get some very nice prizes at your local discount/$1 store or on clearance shelves at other stores.
Suggestions for prizes and/or favors: picture frames, small vases, candy dishes, holiday decor, teacups, teaspoon & teabags wrapped with our tea ribbon (contact us for availability), small glass dishes filled with sugar cubes-wrapped with sheer fabric & ribbon with a sugar tong or small spoon attached, The Tea House Times --rolled up & tied with tea ribbon (or possibly with a teabag and sugar tongs attached). The Tea House Times is available in bulk for party favors. See shop for more ideas & small teapot shaped gift bags to hold your favor goodies.
Centerpieces? Your centerpiece may be floral, or for a change try this: Purchase a large, pretty fruit bowl or a basket, fill with items to fit the party theme, wrap in sheer fabric or cellophane, and tie with a big beautiful ribbon. Place at the center of each table and create a way to win at the end of the party. Fill it with tea towels, teacups, teas, jams, jellies, lemon curd, scone mix, sugar cubes, anything you can think of "tea" related. Again, visit your local discount stores such as Home Goods. Always check expiration dates on food items. Fit your centerpiece to your budget. If it's just not in the budget, use some pretty candles. Or float rose petals and floating candles in a large pretty bowl filled with water. Or get very inexpensive teapots and fill with flowers yourself (reasonable prices for floral bouquets at your supermarket or wholesale food market). See our gift shop for teapot shaped gift bags.
If you plan to have assigned seating, plan the seating arrangements and prepare place cards. Use our teapot card holders and place cards sold in the shop.
Always be sure to confirm your arrangements if you are having your party at a restaurant or tea room.
Assist the guest of honor in greeting guests and making sure everyone is comfortable and their dietary needs are met.
Assist the guest of honor by writing down a list of all gifts received and the giver's name/s.
If you are having games; lead the party games and be sure the prizes get to the winners. See our free tea party games, just register at our home page and log in.
Don't leave the party until all the guests have gone and you make sure everything is cleaned up (especially if someone else offered to host the party at their home). Pitch in and leave the place as pretty as you found it.
