29 Elegant Tea Party Foods to Charm Your Guests in 2025

Tea party food doesn’t have to be stuffy or overdone. In fact, the renewed interest in afternoon teas across the U.S. proves there’s still plenty of charm in setting the table with dainty bites and a good pot of Earl Grey. According to Pinterest’s 2024 trend report, searches for “tea party aesthetic” and “British tea party” are on the rise, especially among Gen Z and Millennials looking for nostalgic rituals with a modern twist.

From vintage-chic garden setups to cozy kitchen tables, tea parties are back — and they’re more relaxed than ever. Whether you're hosting a birthday, baby shower or just a breezy afternoon with friends, these tea party food options bring just enough tradition with a bit of flair.

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• What’s All the Fuss, Then? A Brief Look at the Tea Party Tradition
• Plan Your Spread With a Bit of Bridgerton Flair
• Easy Afternoon Tea Party Food Ideas for Adults
• Fun Tea Party Foods for Kids
• Best Store-Bought Tea Party Foods

What’s All the Fuss, Then? A Brief Look at the Tea Party Tradition

Or as the British might say, what’s all the kerfuffle? The tradition of afternoon tea dates back to 1840 and is credited to Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, who began inviting friends to join her for tea and light snacks to tide over the long wait between lunch and dinner, according to Historic UK.

What started as a private ritual quickly became a fashionable social event among upper-class women by the 1880s. These days, afternoon tea is less about etiquette and more about connection — and of course, the food. Finger sandwiches, fluffy scones and dainty cakes still make up the traditional tiers, but there’s plenty of room for modern favorites too.

Plan Your Spread With a Bit of Bridgerton Flair

If you’re embracing the tea party trend thanks to shows like Bridgerton, you’re not alone. The modern tea table is less about formality and more about creating a beautiful, shareable moment — pinky lifts optional. Think floral china, dainty finger foods and just enough sparkle to make it feel special without the stress.

For a helping hand, there are plenty of hands-on cooking classes that walk you through making picture-perfect tea party food. Book a cooking class near you or try online cooking classes and learn how to make tea party food from scratch with help from a talented local chef. You’ll get expert tips on assembling elegant finger sandwiches, baking buttery scones or even crafting your own jam — all in a fun, social setting.

Easy Afternoon Tea Party Food Ideas for Adults

1. Scones and Jam

Scones are a must-have tea party food, especially for an adult gathering. With so many flavor variations, there’s something for everyone — from fruity favorites like strawberry, blueberry, lemon and orange to rich chocolate or hazelnut options that feel a little more indulgent.

Classic scones also give you the perfect excuse to break out the jam. Offer a selection of jellies, marmalades and curds so guests can mix and match their perfect bite.

Want to try your hand at a traditional version? BBC Good Food’s classic scone recipe is a great place to start.

2. Edible Flower Ice Cubes

While ice cubes may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of tea party food, these beautiful floral cubes are easy to make and look great with your cold drinks, like a zesty cup of the best ginger tea. 

Simply freeze edible flowers and herbs like chamomile, lavender, butterfly pea and squash blossoms in your ice trays and give your beverages an extra touch of elegance. 

3. Cucumber Sandwiches

Cucumber sandwiches are another classic tea party food that always makes an appearance. They look elegant but are surprisingly simple to make — just thinly sliced cucumber, a layer of cream cheese, fresh herbs and a bit of seasoning, all tucked between slices of soft white bread.

These finger foods feel fancy without the fuss and fit right in with other easy party appetizers that bring charm to any gathering. Perfect for a tea party food menu that’s both classic and crowd-pleasing.

4. Tea Sandwiches

Cucumber sandwiches aren’t the only option when building a tea party food menu. Experimenting with new flavor pairings adds variety and gives guests a chance to try something unexpected. If you're planning a tea party-themed wedding, these light bites also make an elegant addition to your wedding food idea.

Try tomato and cheddar for a modern twist on a classic, or go sweet and salty with ham, brie and apple. Or go with steak au poivre sandwiches for a bolder, more savory option. However, you mix and match, tea sandwiches are a fun way to play with texture and flavor.

5. Lemon Curd-Filled Lemon Cakes

If you’re going to learn to cook, lemon cakes filled with curd are a great place to get started. These sweet treats have a little tang that will add zest to any tea party menu.

Lemon curd is easy to make and will add a unique texture to a traditional cake. Try baking petite lemon cakes with a small hollow in the center for piping in curd. Adding a light vanilla glaze on top adds just the right touch of extra sweetness, without overwhelming the delicate flavors.

6. Honey Cookies

Sweet honey cookies are a simple yet satisfying treat for a tea party. With a soft, chewy center and crisp edges, they offer a lovely hint of sweetness.

Because honey is such a versatile ingredient, you can also try combining it with other flavors — think ginger, orange zest or lavender — to create unique cookies. You’ll have addictive sweet bites to add to your tea party food menu.

7. Apple Turnovers

If you’re looking for an easy tea party food that will delight the whole crowd, look no further than apple turnovers. They're always a crowd favorite, and they're easy to make and even easier to love. They’re also a popular baby shower food idea thanks to their flaky pastry and comforting filling. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar or a drizzle of icing for extra flair.

Mini versions are perfect for the dainty vibe of a tea party. And if you’re hosting a morning tea, they’re a lovely option to serve with coffee or tea.

8. Mini Berry Pies

Turn one of your favorite desserts into an easy tea party food. You won’t have to change the recipe, just use mini tart tins instead of a full pie dish. These bite-sized berry pies are packed with flavor and look beautiful on a tray.

Serve with mini forks so each guest gets their own pie, or wrap them up as a take-home favor at the end of the event.

9. Classic Macarons

French macarons are an iconic choice for a refined tea party. These little sandwich pastries are available in a number of flavors and colors, and they’re equal parts elegant and delicious. They also make a stunning addition to a tea party bridal shower, especially when matched with wedding colors or personalized with initials for the most unique bridal shower gift ideas.

Keep in mind, though, macarons aren’t as easy to make as they look. They take a lot of practice. For a little help, watch this step-by-step YouTube tutorial on how to make French macarons by Cupcake Jemma, which is highly rated and beginner-friendly. If all else fails, go for a store-bought option.

10. Blueberry Bundt Cakes

Bundt cakes are a visual showstopper on any dessert table. A blueberry version adds a fun spin on the classic, especially when topped with a lemon or vanilla glaze. Garnish with sugared blueberries for a look that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Fun Tea Party Foods for Kids

11. Strawberry Cupcakes

Cupcakes are always a crowd-pleaser, especially when they’re pink. Strawberry cupcakes make a charming addition to a kids’ tea party, and they’ll fit right into a pink color scheme.

Top them with a swirl of buttercream and sprinkles, or go mini for an adorable bite-sized option that’s easy for little hands.

12. Mini Chocolate Cakes

If you’re looking for fun tea party foods for kids, they will love mini chocolate cakes. Each guest gets their own, and that alone can make this tea party food unforgettable.

Decorate with chocolate shavings, berries or a monogram made of icing. Serve on dainty plates with kid-sized forks for a grown-up feel without the fuss.

13. Mini Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches

Not all kids are fans of cucumber sandwiches, but PB&J is usually a hit. Make mini versions using cookie cutters to create fun shapes and offer a few jams and jellies to mix things up.

They're simple and easy to prep and perfect for when you’re feeding a crowd.

14. Sugar Cookies

Sugar cookies are the ultimate blank canvas and always a safe bet at a kids’ tea party. Even picky eaters love them. You can bake them ahead of time using this classic sugar cookie recipe from Sally’s Baking Addiction and let kids decorate with frosting, sprinkles or edible glitter as a fun activity.

15. Petit Fours

Want to lean into a more traditional tea party theme while still keeping things kid-approved? Try petit fours. These small cakes with a glaze frosting feel fancy, but with flavors like chocolate, vanilla and raspberry, kids will still be interested.

They'll feel authentic to your tea party theme, while their small size makes them less intimidating for younger guests.

16. Turkey Sandwich Bites

For a savory tea party food idea, consider turkey sandwich bites cut into fun shapes and served on a platter. They're a great finger food option for kids because they probably already like the flavors, but now they look fancy.

Add a touch of mayo or mustard if your crowd is adventurous, or keep it simple. Either way, they’re tasty, familiar and easy to prepare ahead.

17. Mini Sausage Rolls

Another crowd-pleasing savory tea party food is mini sausage rolls or pigs in a blanket. They’re quick to bake, easy to eat and feel a little special, even though most kids have had them before.

Serve with ketchup, mustard or even a cheese dip for a party-ready presentation.

18. Cinnamon Rolls

Kids will rarely say no to a cinnamon roll, which makes them one of the perfect treats to serve at a tea party. You can buy premade ones that just have to go in the oven or make them from scratch at home.

Few kids will turn down a warm cinnamon roll. Mini rolls are ideal for a tea party, letting everyone try a bite without filling up. You can bake your own or grab a ready-to-bake version from the store — either way, they’ll disappear fast.

Either way, these are a crowd-pleasing option, even for the youngest or pickiest kids. Serve mini versions of them if you want to have a spread of other desserts.

19. Madeleines

Madeleines may look elegant, but their light, buttery flavor makes them surprisingly kid-friendly. Try dipping half in chocolate for a fun twist.

Make them from scratch using this reliable recipe from Preppy Kitchen — just don’t be surprised when the adults sneak a few too.

Some use almond flavoring, while others may use vanilla. The subtle flavor is pleasing even to picky eaters.

20. Cracker Sandwiches

Cracker sandwiches are easy to put together and quick for kids to eat. No need for a complicated tea party food recipe. You can make a variety of options, so kids have a choice of which sandwiches they want.

These are as simple as they sound — pair cheese, lunch meat or even veggies between two crackers or leave them open-faced. They’re easy to assemble, easy to eat and easy to customize based on what your guests like best.

Planning a children-themed celebration? These treats also pair perfectly with Alice in Wonderland party themes for a playful, storybook tea party setting.

Best Store-Bought Tea Party Foods

21. Eclairs

If you’re after a show-stopping dessert that’s ready to serve, eclairs are a top-tier pick. Fluffy pastry, creamy filling and a glossy chocolate top — they look just as good as they taste.

You’ll find them in many bakery sections or local pâtisseries. Arrange them on a tiered stand for extra flair.

22. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

A pretty and practical treat, chocolate-covered strawberries bring a bit of romance to the table. They’re easy to find at grocery stores, bakeries or even specialty candy shops. Some stores also offer custom colors or toppings to suit your theme.

They also make a thoughtful takeaway favor if you’re sending guests home with sweets.

23. Mini Quiches

If you’re looking for brunch party ideas, mini quiches are an ideal balance to all the sweets. They’re bite-sized, easy to serve warm or at room temp, and usually available in multiple flavors — think spinach, bacon or mushroom. They’re also easily found at grocery stores and bakeries.

You could also go with a larger quiche and serve it in slices.

24. Mini Brie Sandwiches

While you might not find these pre-made, everything you need is at your local store. Slice up a baguette, layer with brie and green apple slices, and serve open-faced.

They come together quickly and feel elegant without much effort. Plus, they pull double duty if you’re looking to dress up charcuterie board ideas, this is a great way to use some of the ingredients.

25. Swirled Cinnamon Bread

Pick up a loaf of cinnamon swirl bread, toast it lightly, and serve with butter or fruit preserves. It’s warm, familiar and great for guests who prefer something cozy over fancy.

Try slicing it into fingers or triangles to keep it aligned with other tea party food.

26. Dinner Rolls

For afternoon tea party food ideas, soft, pillowy rolls never go out of style. Warm them just before serving and pair with whipped butter, honey butter or even a sweet spread to make them party-ready.

They’re also a great filler item for hungry guests, especially if your tea party overlaps with lunch.

27. Lemon Pound Cake

Lemon pound cake is bright, zesty and feels just refined enough for your tea party food menu. Slice it neatly and garnish with sugared lemon peel or edible flowers for a lovely presentation.

28. Cheddar Scones

A savory spin on the traditional scone, cheddar scones break up the sugar rush in the best way. Serve them warm with a pat of butter, or alongside chutney or jam for a bit of contrast.

You can usually find them in the bakery section or pre-made frozen for easy reheating.

29. Flatbread

Flatbreads are one of the most flexible tea party food options, especially if you’re leaning into a more relaxed or rustic menu. You can serve them warm straight from the oven or slice them up ahead of time to make sharing easy.

Offer a mix of toppings so there’s something for everyone. Go savory with herbs and cheese, or add a sweet-savory twist like fig, goat cheese and honey. You can use ready-to-bake options or assemble your own with store-bought crusts and seasonal vegetables.

Afternoon tea may have royal roots, but today it’s a chance to gather, graze and enjoy a little ceremony in everyday life. From homemade scones to store-bought sweets that still feel special, the right tea party food brings everyone to the table. Whether you’re planning a cozy get-together or a full spread worthy of the ton, it’s all about creating something memorable — and just a little bit magical.

For even more fun party ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!