Baby Tea Party Ideas
Experience, Read, Sing, and Play
Tea Party
This series is inspired by the principals of literacy promoted by our local library: Talk, Sing, Read, Write, and Play. I replaced “talk” with “experience” to provide activity ideas that you can talk during or talk about before and after the experience. I also took out the writing portion since my child is not yet old enough to write (6 months at the time this blog first posted.)
Baby Tea Party Ideas
Experience
My first introduction to a tea party was at my Grandma’s house. She had a sweet little vintage tea set but she didn’t like tea (a trait I inherited from her) so she served us diet coke instead. I LOVED playing tea with my grandma, which is probably why I love splurging on high tea to this day (though I’ve since replaced the diet coke with champagne.) I’m hoping to share this love of afternoon tea time with my son and I already took him to his first tea, starting off with a bang with a Peter Rabbit-themed tea at the Peninsula Hotel.
The Peter Rabbit Themed Tea at the Peninsula Hotel in Chicago (or their regular tea service if the Peter Rabbit tea is no longer running)
Eloise Tea in the Palm Court at the Plaza Hotel in NYC (based on the Eloise books)
Alice in Wonderland Tea at The Langham (my friends say their regular afternoon tea is the best they’ve been to in Chicago)
The Palm Court at the Drake Hotel (this was one of the first teas I attended after moving to Chicago, it was a real treat)
I was pleasantly surprised to find that most high teas, especially at hotels, have reduced pricing for children - it really is a kid-friendly experience. With the exception of the American Girl tea time, these are all quite gender-neutral as I would love to see more boys engage in tea parties. I found some great gender-neutral tea party books below, keep reading!
Left: Peter-Rabbit Tea at the Peninsula Hotel in Chicago; Middle: Tea at the Plaza Hotel in NYC; Right: Tea at the St. Regis in Miami.
Tea Party Theme Ideas:
Garden Glam Tea Party
Let delicate florals, vintage china, and soft pastel linens set the scene.
More info & new tips:
Use a variety of mismatched teacups (borrow from family or thrift stores) for that authentic feel.
Tip: Place a miniature watering can at each place setting as a quirky floral accent.
For a tea party baby shower twist: scatter small seed packets for guests to take home as favors—it ties in the garden theme and the expectant mama’s new season.
Play gentle acoustic music in the background to keep the vibe relaxed.
Alice-in-Wonderland Tea Party
Whimsical, quirky, and full of storybook fun—perfect for little ones or grown-ups with childlike wonder.
More info & new tips:
Incorporate “Eat Me” cookies and “Drink Me” little bottles of lemonade tea.
Tip: Use oversized chairs or cushions to create playful scale and novelty.
For a tea party baby shower: Set up a “Mad Hatter Hat” decorating station—guests can decorate small top-hats for the baby’s first photo op.
Add a card game of “Which Wonderland character are you?” for added entertainment.
Vintage High Tea
Elegant, timeless, and oh-so-charming—think lace tablecloths, silver trays, and tiered standers.
More info & new tips:
Rent or borrow a small silver tea set to elevate the experience.
Tip: Serve finger sandwiches with crusts removed and label each with a small calligraphy tag.
For a tea party baby shower: Create a “Memory in a teacup” game where guests write wishes for baby on tea-bag tags and drop them into a teacup.
Provide vintage postcards for guests to write advice for the new parents and pin onto a floral board.
Storybook Tea Party
Merge your love of reading with tea time—guests could bring favorite children’s books to share.
More info & new tips:
Set up a cozy reading corner with plush pillows, soft blankets, and a stack of classic children’s books.
Tip: Serve tea in mason jars dressed with ribbons, for a casual yet sweet feel.
For a tea party baby shower: Ask guests to bring a children’s book instead of a card—great keepsake for baby’s first library.
Have a short group reading of a children’s book as a “read” component.
Parisian Patisserie Tea Party
Chic and stylish—we’re talking macarons, eclairs, striped awnings (if space allows), and a mini café vibe.
More info & new tips:
Display pastries on a black-and-white striped runner to echo café tables.
Tip: Use Eiffel Tower figurines as table accents or photo props.
For a tea party baby shower: Create a “French name” station where guests guess baby’s future French dessert-inspired nickname (just for fun!).
Offer guests mini café press pots of tea so they can brew their own small pot.
Garden Tea with Pollinators
A nature-inspired theme perfect for a spring/early summer gathering—think butterflies, bees, wildflowers.
More info & new tips:
Place small terracotta pots with succulents or wildflower clusters at each place setting to reinforce the theme.
Tip: Use yellow and black ribbon on napkins to hint at the bee motif.
For a tea party baby shower: Set up a “plant a seed” station for baby’s first garden—each guest plants a seed in a little pot with baby’s name on it.
Invite a local beekeeper or gardener (if available) to share a 5-minute fun fact about pollinators for extra educational sparkle.
Mad Hatter’s Afternoon
A bold and fun alternative—colorful mismatched prints, quirky accessories, playful signage.
More info & new tips:
Mix and match teapots, plates, chairs, and tablecloths for that eccentric “tea time turned upside down” look.
Tip: Add mismatched socks or gloves as chair bows or napkin wraps for whimsy.
For a tea party baby shower: Create a “Baby’s First Hat” station where guests design crazy hats for baby’s first photo expression.
Play a quick “find the teapot/gold coin” scavenger game for added playtime.
Nautical Seashell Tea Party
Combine seaside charm with teacups—ideal for summer or coastal-loving families.
More info & new tips:
Use driftwood centerpieces, sea-blue linens, and seashell tea light holders.
Tip: Float a few small starfish (real or faux) in a glass bowl of water as a centerpiece accent.
For a tea party baby shower: Offer a keepsake “Message in a Bottle” station—guests write wishes for baby, roll them up in mini scrolls and place them in a glass bottle to keep.
Use tea blends with tropical/sea breeze notes (like jasmine or coconut-infused) to tie in the seaside feel.
Royal Tea (Kids Edition)
Perfect for little royalty—princess dresses, crowns, pink and gold, tiaras included.
More info & new tips:
Set up a crown decorating station for the children in attendance (including little Miles!).
Tip: Serve “royal scones” with clotted cream and preserves—kids will love saying “Your Majesty” at the table.
For a tea party baby shower twist: Have guests select a “royal baby title” (e.g., His/Her Royal Highness Baby [name]) and write predictions for baby’s future “reign” (how tall, what hobby).
Provide a cookie-crown cookie as part of the place setting for each child.
Garden Fairy Tea Party
Whimsical and delicate—think tiny fairy lights, mushrooms, pastel teapots, soft moss, butterflies.
More info & new tips:
Add subtle battery-operated fairy lights to centerpieces and above the table to create that magical ambiance.
Tip: Sprinkle faux moss around the teapot bases for an outdoor-enchanted look, even if indoors.
For a tea party baby shower: Invite guests to write hopes for baby on small seed tags and hang them from a “fairy branch” centerpiece.
Have a cup of herbal “petal tea” (like rose-petal) for a floral-fairy touch.
Seasonal Harvest Tea Party
Perfect for fall or even winter—warm linens, pumpkin-spiced teas, rich colors, seasonal foliage.
More info & new tips:
Use deep jewel-tones like burgundy, amber, and forest green for table setting; add pinecones or small gourds.
Tip: Serve mini tartlets made with seasonal fruits or veggies (pear, apple, butternut) to contrast with delicate teacups.
For a tea party baby shower: Create a “Baby’s First Harvest” photo board with leaves and baby’s name, guests can sign leaves with wishes.
Offer warm blankets or shawls if you’re hosting outdoors—guests will appreciate the cozy touch.
Monochrome Black & White Tea Party
Sleek. Modern. Stylish. A unique spin for grown-ups who want a more minimalist tea experience.
More info & new tips:
Use black plates, white teacups, silver cutlery, and crisp black/white striped or polka-dot napkins.
Tip: Add a pop of metallic (gold or silver) via placemats or tea-light holders for extra polish.
For a tea party baby shower: Use a monochrome guest-book board where guests write advice for baby in black pen on white leaves or feathers.
Serve black-and-white themed treats (e.g., dark chocolate and white chocolate petit fours) for the full effect.
Carnival Tea Party
Bright, playful, and full of fun—mini popcorn cones, colorful bunting, playful tiered cakes.
More info & new tips:
Hang carnival-style bunting and use pastel striped tablecloths for a festive flair.
Tip: Serve “tea-float” mocktails (iced tea with soda and a scoop of sorbet) to bring playfulness.
For a tea party baby shower: Set up a photo-booth corner with oversized cotton-candy props and mini top hats for guests and baby.
Have a game of tea-cup ring toss or tea-bag toss to keep kids and adults entertained.
Additional overall tips:
Favors matter: For any of these themes (including tea party baby shower occasions), consider theme-matching little take-home items—think mini tea-bags, seed packets, personalized cookies, or small succulents.
Acoustic backdrop: Having a soft playlist—acoustic guitar, vintage jazz, or lullabies (for baby-friendly settings)—adds ambience without overwhelming conversation.
Photo opportunities: Set aside a themed corner with props tied to your theme (crowns, hats, signs, vintage books) so guests can take a memorable photo or two.
Label everything: Guests appreciate knowing what tea they’re drinking, what ingredients are in the pastries, and where seating is—especially if you have little kids like Miles attending.
Time-of-day adjustment: Morning tea vs mid-afternoon vs evening tea—adjust your menu accordingly (lighter pastries for morning, richer for later).
Allergy-friendly options: Always have at least one gluten-free or dairy-free treat and clearly label them—makes things more inclusive.
Interactive element for little ones: Since your son Miles enjoys pretend play, including a “serve your own tea” mini-station with child-safe teapots gives him something to do while adults converse.
Layer the décor: Use table runners, varied heights (cake stands, books, pots) and textures (linen, lace, moss) to make the table feel rich and inviting—even if the space is modest.
Read
Reading books about tea parties to kids offers a charming and engaging experience with numerous benefits:
Promoting Social Skills: Tea parties are often social events where children come together to interact, share food, and engage in conversation. Reading books about tea parties can teach children important social skills such as communication, cooperation, and etiquette as they learn how to host and participate in tea gatherings.
Encouraging Imagination and Creativity: Tea party-themed books often feature imaginative scenarios, whimsical settings, and fanciful characters, sparking children's imagination and creativity. They can imagine themselves hosting their own tea parties, planning menus, and decorating tables with imaginative flair.
Enhancing Vocabulary and Language Skills: Tea party books expose children to new vocabulary words, descriptive language, and storytelling techniques. They learn about different types of tea, teatime treats, and table settings, expanding their vocabulary and improving their language skills.
Teaching Manners and Etiquette: Tea parties provide opportunities to teach children about manners and etiquette, such as saying "please" and "thank you," taking turns, and using polite table manners. Reading books about tea parties can reinforce these important social conventions in a fun and engaging way.
Fostering Bonding and Connection: Tea parties are often associated with warmth, hospitality, and friendship, creating opportunities for bonding and connection among participants. Reading tea party books with family and friends can strengthen relationships and create lasting memories of shared experiences.
Introducing Cultural Traditions: Tea has a rich cultural history and is celebrated in various traditions around the world. Reading books about tea parties can introduce children to different cultural customs and rituals associated with tea drinking, fostering an appreciation for diversity and global perspectives.
Promoting Healthy Eating Habits: Tea party books often feature a variety of delicious and nutritious foods such as sandwiches, fruits, and pastries. Children can learn about healthy eating habits as they read about balanced menus and tasty teatime treats.
Encouraging Role-Playing and Pretend Play: Tea parties inspire children to engage in imaginative role-playing and pretend play as they take on the roles of hosts, guests, and servers. They can use their creativity to plan and organize their own tea parties, fostering imaginative play and storytelling skills.
Stimulating Sensory Experiences: Tea party books describe sensory experiences such as the sights, smells, and tastes of teatime treats and beverages, engaging children's senses and enhancing their reading experience. They can imagine the aroma of freshly brewed tea, the taste of sweet treats, and the sound of clinking teacups.
Creating Memorable Experiences: Reading books about tea parties with children creates memorable experiences and traditions that they can cherish for years to come. They may fondly recall the stories they read together and recreate tea party scenes with family and friends, creating a sense of warmth and nostalgia.
In summary, reading books about tea parties to kids offers a delightful and educational experience that promotes social skills, imagination, vocabulary development, manners, cultural awareness, healthy eating habits, and sensory exploration. Whether children are planning their own tea parties, enjoying teatime treats, or engaging in imaginative play, tea party books provide valuable opportunities for learning, creativity, and connection with others.
