Throwing fun parties for kids… is totally my cup of tea!
Treat your favorite people in the world with a magical tea party. It’s a fun way to create memories they’ll cherish for years.
I’m not really sure what it is about tea parties, but just thinking about it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Maybe it’s the idea of starting your own tea tradition with the little ones. Or maybe it’s the savory treats, the colorful decorations, the cupcakes, and of course, the sweet moments you share as a family.
If you’re too busy to plan a fancy tea party, don’t worry! Just make a few sandwiches, buy a couple of store-bought cupcakes, make a pot of tea, and voila! You just need a playlist, some party games, and maybe a few tea decorations for kids that come together in a flash.
Want to learn how to host an epic tea party for kids? Scroll down and get ALL the tea (pun very much intended!)
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Step 1: Decide Who’s Coming to the Party
The toughest part of planning a party is deciding who’s coming, especially if you’re on a budget. So sit down with your kids and be realistic about how many people you can host in your home.
Are you inviting the neighbors and your kids’ classmates? Or are you sticking just to best friends and family members?
Next in line is picking a date for the party. If possible, send the invitations at least 3 weeks in advance so your guests have plenty of time to prepare for the big day.
Step 2: Decide Your Budget
A good rule of thumb is to assume that only 75% of the guests on your list will make it to the party. So don’t invite more people than you can actually afford.
Find a budget you’re comfortable with and add a few extra bucks to cover any last-minute expenses, like one of your kids’ friends coming over with a sibling. Keep in mind that some parents will leave after dropping off their kids, but others might stay (even if they weren’t invited). So it’s a good idea to stock up on extra sandwiches, and extra tea for those unexpected guests.
If you’re on a tight budget, there’s nothing wrong with sticking to just tea and cupcakes, and a few fun party games. Your kids will have a blast either way!
Step 3: Decorate the Table
You don’t have to spend a lot on decorations and party favors. But a tea party is nothing without a stylish tablecloth, flower arrangements, tea cups, mini place cards, (which you can print at home), a teapot, and a tiered dessert stand. If you’re too busy to decorate, that’s okay. There are tons of simple and budget-friendly ways to dress up the dessert table:
- Buy fresh flowers or small plants and put them inside a teapot to create a sweet tea themed centerpiece.
- Cut some corners and get a tea party kit that comes with everything you’ll need to decorate the table –flowers decorations, a banner, balloons, and a few cute centerpieces. Here’s another tea party pack that comes with even more balloons, two foil curtains, and a rose-gold table runner.
- The moment you set this adorable Alice in Wonderland cupcake stand on the table, you’ll get so many “oohs” and “ahhs” from your mini guests!
- This 6.6-foot flower garland is a tea-rrific way to decorate a window or a wall. Plus, it’ll come in handy for future parties.

Step 4: Add a Touch of Magic with a Blooming Flower Teapot
You can’t forget to make room for the star of the party: the teapot. You can go with one you already own. Or you can score some extra brownie points with your kids by getting a mesmerizing blooming flower teapot.
A blooming flower teapot will wow your pintsized guests, taking tea time to a whole new level.
The magical experience begins when you drop a tea flower ball inside the pot. As it steeps, a magical show begins to unfold right before their eyes, allowing everyone to rejoice as the flowers bloom inside the pot. Can we all agree this teapot deserves an award, or what?
Step 5: Plan the Tea Party Menu
No tea party is complete without some delicious party treats. You’ll want to have a varied selection of sweet and savory bites, plus a few simple snacks like s’mores, chips, nuts, or Rice Krispies treats.
For more food inspiration, check this tea party ideas for kids post.
Stick to easy recipes you already know how to make, instead of trying to make something new and complicated, like macarons or a four-layer rainbow cake. That’s just a recipe for disaster!
If you’re stumped on what to add to your tea party table, here are a couple of suggestions that are perfect for kids:
- Matcha snickerdoodle cookies
- Brownies
- These no-bake strawberry cheesecake cups that literally come together in 5 minutes
- Cupcakes wrapped in fancy wrappers
- Chocolate truffles covered in sprinkles
- Simple tea party finger sandwiches (which can be store bought or homemade. Go for simple sandwiches the little ones will like, like turkey and mayo, ham and cheese, or peanut butter and jelly)
- Shortbread cookies
But don’t go overboard. Stick with just 2 or 3 desserts that are really special, arrange them well, and then add some simple snacks, candies, or bites.
Otherwise, you’ll be slaving away in the kitchen the entire week before the big day. And while I’m a huge fan of homemade food, there’s no shame in keeping things simple and buying a few things at the supermarket.
Now, it’s time to dazzle your guests with a three-tiered cake stand. Tea sandwiches and savory bites go on the lowest level of the stand. Traditionally, scones go on the second level, but since it’s a kid’s tea party, I’d place muffins and cupcakes there. Sweet treats like cookies, cookie dough bites, and truffles go on top.
Display your desserts, cupcakes, and mini bites as creative as you can and don’t forget to play around with different plates and serving trays.
Step 6: Pour the Tea & Have Some Fun!
It’s time to set up the table with your nicest tablecloth, napkins, and tea cups. Hang the decorations, place the centerpieces, and brew a proper teapot with your favorite selection of teas. Don’t forget to include little trays or bowls filled with sugar cubes, and voila!
Relax, drink some tea, and enjoy!
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