How to host the perfect tea party -

With inspiration from Good Food and Challenge Diary, here are some tips and tricks for planning the ultimate afternoon tea. Take a look!

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Afternoon tea - Tea parties are not only for older generations, but for all!

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Tea parties - Tea parties are a great way to enjoy quality time with your closest friends of all ages. Kids love to have a tea party and it is a great way to spend time with friends without drinking alcohol.

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Location, location, location - First and foremost, establish where you want to have the party. 

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Outdoors - If you have a patio, why not move a table outside and add some fresh flowers for a spring event?

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At home - Or even use the coffee table for a more casual version. Just add a few tableware essentials and voilà, you have a fancy tea room in your living room!

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Make it a picnic - Enjoy the afternoon sun with a scone or finger sandwiches on a blanket on the grass.

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Tea room - If hosting is not your thing, tea rooms with set menus are for you.

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How to get started - Once you have a location decided, start planning and baking.

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Lay the table - Spread a bright tablecloth on the table and see where the theme takes you.

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It's all about the china - Matching sets can help bring together the theme of your party.

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Cups for days - But mixing vintage teacups can make your table even more colorful and beautiful.

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Tableware - If you don't own any tea supplies, you can rent them. Many online services will happily deliver them to your home. Alternatively, ask your guests to bring their own cup and invest in a teapot!

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Tea party essential - What is a tea party without a cake stand to display your baking skills?

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Cake - You can always cheat and buy the pastries from a local bakery or supermarket! Nobody needs to know.

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Different types of tea - If you're not a big fan of black tea, consider herbal infusions or fruit teas.

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Mix it up - Who says a tea party has to look a certain way? As long as there is tea and cake, it's a tea party! Make it your own!

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Different tastes - Make sure you know how your guests like their tea, and cater accordingly. Milk, lemon, sugar, and honey are essential ingredients to have on hand. Consider alternatives to dairy and artificial sweeteners if you have particular guests.

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Hot or cold? - If the weather is warm or you don't like hot drinks, what about a jug of delicious iced tea with lemon and mint?

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Tasty ice cubes - Kick it up a notch and make flower- or fruit-infused ice cubes.

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Sweet and savory - Offer an assortment of sweet and savory snacks to please all tastes and keep your guests satisfied through lunch time.

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Scones - A tea party is nothing without scones. Don't forget a quality jam and some rich clotted cream.

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Sandwiches - With endless fillings to choose from, sandwiches are also a tea party must. Mix up the options with different breads and vegetarian options.

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Macarons - An easy and tasty sweet that is also naturally gluten-free, macarons will add some French sophistication. Make life easier and buy a box from the bakery!

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Take the easy route - If your guests have intolerances, buy some delicious cakes from a local specialist bakery.

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Make too much food - More food means more leftovers!

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Make it personal - Want to keep it old school? Consider sending handmade personalized invitations.

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Don't have the time? - Create a cute e-mail invite or a group chat. Whichever way works best to keep the guests informed!

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Two's a crowd - Or just invite one guest. Who says a tea party can't be for two? It's a great opportunity to reconnect with an old friend, your mom, or someone special in your life.

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The purpose -

After all, it's all about having fun in the company of your loved ones!

See also: 30 fascinating facts about tea

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