I love hosting tea parties. I think they are a great way to make friends or family feel special with very little effort required. If you have the basics, it is very easy to pull off.

Having a High Tea is a good chance to entertain in your own home without much stress, an opportunity to catch up with friends or to celebrate a special occasion such as an engagement or new job position.

If you imagine having tea with friends at your home but just adding a bit of flare and punch to make it that little bit extra special and I’m sure it will get your friends talking. It does not need to be at any great expense either. You can pull it off in under $30 if you would like.

My top tips for pulling off a high tea include;

• a High Tea can be held really at any time of the day. I prefer mid-morning

• choose a cute location. I usually host it at my home at the dining table but you could also host it out on the deck, in the garden on the balcony

• choose a colour theme. I usually go for a red and white theme or pink and white. I have also done a green and white theme. A Mad Hatters Theme could also be an option

• send out a cute invitation to make it more exciting for your guests. I prefer to mail mine

• children love attending High Teas as well. I love spoiling my niece and daughters of my friends

• set the table and have it all set up prior to your guests arriving

• consider dietary requirements e.g. gluten or dairy free

• white is an easy base colour to use for the tablecloth, serviettes/napkins, serving platters, plates...

• hang some bunting around the room if you have it or make one beforehand that you can reuse for your next party

• raid your mothers stash of old vintage teas cups and saucers to use

• provide at least five options for different herbal teas

• have milk, honey or lemon handy as well for those who like to add it to their tea

• have your hot water ready to go

• if you want to spice things up you can offer champagne rather than just tea

• play some soft music in the background

• offer some of the leftover food for your guests to take home with them

Try to get the food you are serving to match your colour theme too. Do not think you need to slave over the kitchen for the few days before your party, it is much more convenient to buy already made from the shops or ask your guests to bring a plate with them.

For a red and white theme I would go for;

• scones with cream and jam in small bowls

• jam sandwiches cut in small triangles

• fairy bread in small triangles

• pikelets with cream jam in a small bowl

• butterfly cakes

• red jelly cups

• fruit platter - watermelon, strawberries, red grapes

• lolly jar - milk bottles, strawberries and creams, raspberries, mini marshmallows, red liquorice, mini meringues

Other foods you could prepare include;

• cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches

• cupcakes

• iced vovos or macaroons

• mousse in cups

• chocolate brownies

• lemon meringue pies

• fruit cake

If you are having children at the party you may like to supply lemonade, creaming soda, milkshakes or juice.

It is easy to go over the top but just a little of everything spread around the table, on different white dishes, tiered plates and cake stands, so your guests can help themselves will really set your party up well.

Now just relax and enjoy your guests and tea!

Have you hosted a tea party at your place? What things do we need to consider? We would love it if you joined the discussion and left a comment below.