A Magical Garden Etiquette Tea Party
By: Nancy Hoogenboom / Daily Etiquette
The Garden Etiquette Tea Party was created in honor of Marlowe’s sixth birthday, a family friend’s daughter. I’m grateful for the four generations of Afternoon Tea parties in my family, which have carried on the tradition of my mom’s tea parties through the years.
Gather your best friends, don your party dresses and hats, and get ready for an afternoon filled with delicious treats — savory tea sandwiches, scones with cream and jam, fruit tarts, French macarons, mini cakes, and more. Picture a magical garden setting, where flowers bloom, bees buzz, and butterflies flutter around, all welcoming you into this charming experience. It’s an afternoon for fancy conversation, practicing good manners, and, most importantly, having fun!
Here’s your guide to being the perfect host (or guest) at a garden tea party:
1. Dress Up Like Tea Party Royalty
Tea parties are all about feeling fancy, so make sure to wear your best party attire. Don’t forget your favorite shoes and handbags to complete the look!
2. Set the Table with Style
A beautiful table is a must! If you’re hosting, start by covering your table with a pretty cloth, or use a lace tablecloth for an extra special touch. Set a teacup, saucer, utensils, napkins, and plate in front of each guest, and consider adding small flowers or candles to create a truly magical atmosphere.
3. Use Your Best Manners: How to Hold and Drink Tea Properly
A garden tea party is the perfect opportunity to showcase your best manners! Here’s how to drink tea the proper way:
- Hold your cup by the handle with your fingers — not by the rim — to prevent spills.
- Take small sips while looking into the teacup, not over it.
- To hold the teacup correctly, pinch the handle between your thumb and index finger, resting your middle finger under the handle, and let the other fingers follow.
- Position your teacup at three o’clock for easy handling.
- Traditionally, milk was poured before the tea to protect delicate china, but in modern times, it’s common to add milk after the tea is poured.
- Taste your tea before adding sugar. When you do add it, stir gently from six o’clock to twelve o’clock, avoiding contact with the sides of your cup. After stirring, place the spoon on the back side of the saucer.
And of course, always remember to say “please” and “thank you” when someone passes you something delicious!
4. The Afternoon Tea Experience
Once seated, place your napkin on your lap, folding it in half with the fold at your waist. Tea sandwiches are typically eaten with your hands, so enjoy the savory ones first, followed by scones, and then dive into the mini cakes and sweets. If you prefer using utensils, that’s perfectly fine too.
To keep things tidy, use the inside corners of your napkin to dab your lips between bites. You don’t want any crumbs on your clothes or the tablecloth! If you need to step away from the table, place your napkin on your chair. When you’re finished, place the napkin to the left of your plate, never on top of it.
5. Enjoy Conversation and Have Fun
Tea parties aren’t just about the food — they’re about connecting with friends! Talk about your favorite books, hobbies, or recent adventures. Make sure to listen carefully when others speak and remember that the most important part is to have fun and show kindness to everyone around you.
6. Say “Thank You”
When it’s time to say goodbye, don’t forget to thank everyone for attending your tea party. If you’re the guest, be sure to express your appreciation to the host for such a lovely time. A warm smile and a simple “thank you” go a long way, but for an extra touch, consider sending a handwritten thank-you note afterward.
Bonus Tip for Hosts: If you’re planning a garden tea party, consider having a special surprise for your guests, such as a fascinator or flower crown. It will add an extra touch of magic to the day!
How to Make Cucumber, Cream Cheese, and Dill Sandwiches for a 6-Year-Old’s Birthday Party
These cute, tasty sandwiches are perfect for a birthday party! Light, fresh, and easy to make, they’re ideal for little hands to help with. Here’s a simple guide to making cucumber, cream cheese, and dill sandwiches that everyone will love:
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of soft white bread (or whole wheat, if you prefer)
- 1 small cucumber
- 1 package of whipped cream cheese (about 8 oz.)
- Fresh dill (or dried dill if you don’t have fresh)
- A butter knife or spreader (for spreading the cream cheese)
1. Prepare the Cucumber: Wash the cucumber thoroughly and cut off both ends. Slice the cucumber into thin rounds, about 1/8 inch thick, to make them the perfect size for your sandwiches. Lay the cucumber slices on a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture — this will help prevent sogginess in the sandwiches!
2. Prepare the Bread: To make clean cuts, freeze the bread beforehand. This makes it easier to cut off the crusts and spread the cream cheese. Once the bread is frozen, trim off the crusts and lay the slices out flat.
3. Spread the Cream Cheese: In a bowl, mix the cream cheese and dill together. Using a butter knife, spread a generous layer of the cream cheese-dill mixture on each slice of bread. Be sure to cover the entire slice — edge to edge!
4. Add the Cucumber: Take a cucumber slice and place it gently on the cream cheese. You can arrange them neatly in a row or layer them slightly for a fun, layered effect.
5. Assemble the Sandwiches
- For a “closed” sandwich, top with another slice of bread, cream cheese side down, and press gently to stick them together.
- Alternatively, leave the sandwiches open and serve them “open-faced” without a top slice of bread.
- Cut the sandwiches into smaller pieces, such as triangles or squares, or use a cookie cutter to create fun shapes like hearts or stars!
6. Serve and Enjoy! Arrange the sandwiches on a cute serving platter and sprinkle a little extra dill on top for a special touch. If you have extra cucumber slices, use them to decorate the edges of the platter for an extra burst of color.
Ready for your garden tea party? Grab your favorite stuffed animal, gather your best friends, and start practicing your tea-sipping skills. Remember, it’s all about having fun, being kind, and making everyone feel part of a royal adventure.
Happy Tea Partying!
–Nancy Hoogenboom / Daily Etiquette
About the Author:
Nancy Hoogenboom is the founder of Daily Etiquette, the Southern California School of Etiquette and Protocol, and The International Etiquette Trainer Society. As a trainer, author, director of Cotillion, and speaker, Nancy empowers individuals worldwide through her Train the Trainer program, helping them establish their own etiquette and protocol businesses.
Nancy believes that manners and etiquette can be summed up in three simple words:
RESPECT * KINDNESS *CONSIDERATION
At Daily Etiquette, she brings timeless etiquette principles into the context of modern professional and social interactions. Through the Southern California School of Etiquette and Protocol, Nancy provides fresh insights into communication, fostering stronger connections in both personal and professional lives. Her charismatic personality makes her a beloved figure to those who work with her.
Fun Fact: Nancy had the pleasure of training an actor and dancer from Dancing with the Stars for a national TV segment on the art of Afternoon Tea.
Finds Nancy on Socials: @daily.etiquette and Daily Etiquette USA
Photos provided by @garrisoncharlesphoto
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One response to “A Magical Garden Etiquette Tea Party”
We could all use a little more etiquette these days. Mother made me go to cotillion classes when I was growing up. At the time it was not something I was interested in doing but I appreciate the lessons that I learned and cherished them later in my life.