Planning the Perfect High Tea at Home

At PK Weddings and Events, we believe that every gathering should be a beautifully curated experience. Planning the perfect high tea is all about thoughtful details, from the guest list to the final sip of tea. Whether you’re hosting a bridal shower, a birthday celebration, or simply gathering loved ones for a fun afternoon, here’s how we create an unforgettable experience:

Step 1: Consider Your Guest List

Who will be attending? Understanding your guests—their age, preferences, and personalities—helps shape every element of your event. Whether it’s an intimate gathering with close friends or a grand affair with generations of family, we tailor each detail to ensure a warm, personalized, and inclusive atmosphere. Dietary needs and accessibility are also part of our planning process, because every guest deserves to feel special.

Step 2: Select the Perfect Location

The setting is everything! Depending on the time of year, we will find a venue that enhances the charm of your high tea. A garden-style venue, like the picturesque Canal Street Inn, creates a timeless and elegant backdrop with its historic architecture and blooming courtyards. For indoor events, think cozy lounges with vintage furniture, art galleries with natural light, or even a private residence transformed with the right touches.

Step 3: Define the Theme & Style

From classic English tea parties to modern, whimsical garden soirées, the theme sets the tone for everything from décor to dress code. We collaborate with one of our favorite stylists, Jeffery Clark Style, to create stunning tablescapes with delicate florals, vintage china, hand-lettered place cards, and elegant linens. We love adding custom touches like embroidered napkins, signature cocktails (or mocktails), and personalized menu cards to make your event one of a kind.

Whether your style is regal and refined or playful and pastel, we’ll curate a look that brings your vision to life.

Step 4: Curate the Perfect Menu

High tea isn’t complete without a delectable array of bites and sweets. We collaborate with a talented local chef to craft a menu that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Your spread might include:

• Savory delights like cucumber finger sandwiches, smoked salmon tartines, mini quiches, and gourmet canapés
• Sweet treats such as lavender shortbread, delicate macarons, fruit tarts, and buttery scones with clotted cream and jam

All pastries are lovingly prepared by Chez Ru Rene, known for their artistic presentation and flavor-forward confections. We also offer custom menu designs for vegan, gluten-free, or allergen-sensitive options—no guest left behind!

Step 5: Select the Perfect Tea

The tea selection is the heart of the experience. Whether you prefer a robust Earl Grey, a fragrant jasmine green, or a soothing hibiscus and mint herbal blend, we’ll help you choose a variety that pairs beautifully with your menu and theme. We’ll even schedule a tasting with our tea specialist from New Orleans Tea Company or explore European imports for a more refined selection. Loose leaf or bagged, hot or iced, your tea service will be as elegant as the rest of your event.

Step 6: Elevate the Atmosphere

Music is the invisible thread that ties the whole experience together. Picture a soft string melody drifting through a garden or light jazz setting the mood in a sun-drenched parlor. We partner with professional musicians like Dr. Iuliia Akers, whose violin performances can transport your guests to another era. Prefer a modern touch? A curated playlist tailored to your theme can provide the perfect vibe.

Step 7: Capture the Memories

A high tea is more than an event, it’s a moment to cherish. We work with professional photographers who specialize in capturing both candid joy and curated details. From wide shots of your tablescape to close-ups of delicate desserts, you’ll be able to relive the beauty and emotion of the day for years to come. We also offer options for instant photo booths or Polaroid guestbooks for an extra layer of fun.

With PK Weddings and Events, your high tea will be a seamless blend of elegance, charm, and sophistication. Let us bring your vision to life, one teacup at a time!

If you’re looking for even more inspiration, we were thrilled to contribute to the recent article, 13 High Tea Party Ideas: Elegant Ways to Host a Charming Afternoon at Home. It’s full of creative tips and ideas to help you plan a beautiful gathering, whether you’re hosting at home or booking with us.