How to Host an Elegant Baby Shower Tea Party

When my older sister was expecting her first baby, I wanted to throw her an extra-special shower that spring. Because I live in a different state, my amazing friends volunteered to host at their house. They suggested a tea party with the theme “A Baby Is Brewing.”

So that is precisely what we did. And let me tell you, it could not have been any lovelier or more elegant. The only thing missing was Downton Abbey in the background.

If you’re hosting a baby shower, here are nine ideas from our celebration, including what we served, how we decorated, and the game that got everyone talking.

1. Choose a Tea-Themed Invitation

As I searched online, I found many fun tea-themed baby shower invitations. But I wanted to choose one that had the right feel. As soon as we saw this invite on Zazzle, we all agreed it was the perfect fit! The old-fashioned picture of a baby boy in a teacup suited our vintage tea party theme!

2. Plan a Baby Shower Tea Party Menu

We served finger sandwiches, scones, and bite-sized sweets that guests could enjoy with their tea. Here’s our baby shower tea party menu:

1. Cucumber Sandwiches with fresh dill
2. Egg Salad Sandwiches on Marble Rye
3. Fruit Salad with Basil, Lime, and Honey
4. Homemade Biscuits and Jam
5. Homemade Chocolate Chip and Lemon Strawberry Scones
6. Macarons in Several Flavors
7. Cheesecake Bites
8. Tea and Mimosas

Offer a nonalcoholic option, too, such as orange juice with sparkling water, so everyone has something to sip.

Related: Baby Shower Food Ideas Guests Will Love

3. Offer a Selection of Teas

To draw out the tea theme, it is fun to offer various tea choices. One of the hostesses drove to a local coffee shop for my sister’s shower and picked out several of her favorite kinds of tea. This was a great conversation starter as guests told the hostesses what kind of tea they wanted to drink because it let them say a little about themselves. Are you a “Breakfast in Paris” tea type of girl or a “Mojito Mint” type?

Label the teas and include a decaffeinated option alongside water.

4. Decorate With Fresh Flowers

What is a tea party without flowers? In an ideal world, you could host the tea party outside near a garden, but we were unsure of rain with the time of year we hosted. So we chose to sit indoors and bring the flowers inside. And boy, did we ever! The hostesses bought flowers, flowers, and more flowers and adorned the tables with them. They were beautiful and feminine and fragrant.

5. Choose Tea Party Attire and Fascinators

On the invitation, we included the phrase, “Please wear your best tea party attire.” So the shower hostess thought it would be fun if the three hostesses and mommy of honor all wore fascinator hats. So we did. She ordered them from Light in the Box. And if I do say so myself, they looked so chic and festive.

For guests who want more direction, suggest a floral dress, a skirt and blouse, or dressy separates. Make fascinators optional so no one feels they need to buy one.

6. Welcome Guests and Keep Refreshments Coming

Our hostesses made guests feel welcome by offering drinks as soon as they arrived and keeping refreshments coming throughout the shower. The hostesses refilled guests’ plates with food throughout the event and kept their drinks filled. An extra special touch that makes such a difference!

7. Set the Tables With China and Teacups

At many showers, guests just stand and talk while munching on food or sitting in chairs to open gifts. But for a tea party, it is much more fun to let guests sit and eat from a table. It allows for more group conversation and makes the party feel dressier. As for the tableware, using real china (or at least plates that are not plastic) makes such a difference in creating an elegant feel.

We used family heirloom plates and napkins from my mother, and some tableware my friends bought at an auction for this tea party. It came together beautifully. Borrowing or mixing pieces you already have can give the table character without buying a matching set.

8. Use Floral or Lace Tablecloths

Flowers and lace always add a tea theme to a party. So we wanted our tablecloths to be floral or lace. However, we struggled to find the right size and length of tablecloths for both tables. So we used one floral tablecloth on one table and then a plain colored tablecloth on the other, covered by a lace curtain. We let out the curtain hems to make them long enough.

9. Play a Baby-Name Story Game

Baby shower games can be fun, but they should fit the theme of a tea shower. So, for this shower, we chose a different type of game. Before opening presents, we had everyone in the room tell the group how their parents chose their name or chose their children’s names. And let me say this is one of the best games I have ever played at a shower.

It broke the ice and helped us get to know each other. If the mom-to-be has chosen a name and wants to share it, as my sister did, she can tell everyone the story behind it. If she is like most expecting mommies, there is a lot of meaning and thought put into choosing a name, so it’s very rewarding to share! Let guests pass if they’d rather listen, and don’t put the mom-to-be on the spot if she’s keeping the name a surprise.

All in all, the shower went off without a hitch, and the guests had a wonderful time! But like anything in motherhood, no matter how picture-perfect the event, real life comes rushing back when the kids get involved, and the heels come off.