22 June 2021
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It’s official – teatime is the new happy hour.

A relaxing cup of tea in the morning, noon, or nighttime is a tradition in many cultures, creating a comfy cozy atmosphere for socialization. Eager to reunite, many party planners are organizing outdoor tea parties for their closest friends, complete with deliciously delicate bites and beverages. Tea parties are where vintage and modern elements converge to create a relaxing yet memorable experience.

When planning your tea party ideas and theme, accents are everything. Handmade touches can add an air of classic elegance to your spread. Creating customized place settings, centerpieces, and food accessories from scratch is a breeze with inspiration from Cricut projects and creators. We’ve compiled some of our favorites below to help you craft the perfect tea party, just in time for summer!

Outdoor tea party decor idea.  A burlap and pastel colored banner with tea party motifs sits on a farmhouse wall

Begin with a beautiful banner

Welcome your tea partygoers with a handmade statement banner. Pastels and neutrals are usually preferred, but mixing and matching textures can create a quirky, homestyle element. This porcelain and burlap banner balances the perfect combination of refinement and coziness. With hints of rustic charm, this project is perfect for a modern vintage tea party.

A white tea cup is surrounded by neutral colored paper roses and pearls

Create a showstopping teacup centerpiece

Pearls, lace, and vintage china are a dream team grouping. Each material adds another dimension to the tea party tablescape when combined, creating a classically beautiful look. Create an eye-catching teacup centerpiece with Cricut-made roses and doilies, customizing colors or prints to match the overall aesthetic of your party. Scatter smaller flowers and unused teacups across the table to minimize empty spaces and capture a delightfully detailed scene.

A white teacup with a golden crown design sits on a white saucer

Customize your china

Many teacups come available with printed patterns and designs, but why not make them a bit more personal? Apply unique vinyl designs to striking white china for a clean yet graphic look. Stick with a timeless and regal design, like our crown teacup and saucer, or apply your own images for a special touch your guests will recognize.

A white teacup sits on a pink lacey paper design

Layer on the lace

Lace is a timeless material that can soften the look of colder ceramics and cutlery. Layering lace between plates and saucers adds to the overall dimension of your tea party place settings. Lace plate chargers can easily be crafted to suit dishes of any color or size, offering a complement to any tea party theme.

Tea party decorated sandwiches.

Fancify your fare

One of the best parts of a tea party is the mouthwatering finger fare. Mini sandwiches, tea cakes, and pastries are a must when catering any backyard banquet. Accentuate these little dishes with fun food fans that match the color of your scheme, or cute teacup-themed food wrappers that pay homage to the traditional tea party motif.

Floral tea bags sit on a white blanket

Craft with tea bags

Tea bags can be repurposed or refurbished in a variety of ways that can beautifully elevate your tea party theme. These delicate vellum tea bags create gorgeous faux butterflies that add a fairy tale whimsy to your table. Mini tea bag notes can also be crafted to leave personalized messages for each of your guests, adding to the specialized atmosphere of your event.

Fabric tea bag sachets in pink and blue sit on a brown table

Take the experience home

Everyone loves the serene sights, sounds, and scents of teatime. Capture the unique aroma and memory of your party with tea party scent sachets that your guests can stash in their car, drawer, or other small spaces. Each time they encounter it, they’ll remember the wonderful time you had together.

Looking for additional summer party inspiration? Check out these pool party DIYs and tips for creating the perfect dinner party tablescape. Your next backyard bash will definitely be one to remember!