Tea Party Invitations

Whether sending an invitation to tea or receiving an invitation to tea, there are protocals that should be followed.

Sending An Invitation To Tea

1- Select and elegant or fun pattern, depending on the occasion and/or theme of your tea party.

2- Include the date, time, and place of the tea. Indicate if it will be for a special occasion, such as a bridal or baby shower, birthday, etc. Also who the party will be for and by whom it is being given.

3- If directions are needed to the destination, put them on a separate paper and insert them in the card before mailing.

4- If you have a certain theme or dress code or a color , mention this in the invitation.

5- A request for an RSVP is appropriate and appreciated.

6- Send out the invitations at least 2 to 3 weeks before the party. Then your guests will have ample time to plan to attend.

Receiving An Invitation To Tea

If you happened to have a visiting guest, inform your hostess that you appreciate the invitation and would love to come, but due to your visitors you will need to decline. It is rude to ask one’s hostess if you may bring along another guest. Only if your hostess then suggests that you may bring your guest to the tea party is it correct to do so.

If an RSVP is requested, make sure you reply telling them whether you will be attending or not. If you fail to reply, do not just showing up. Or, if you have sent an acceptance to the invitation and find you will not be able to attend, notify your hostess as soon as possible that you will not be able to attend after all. Never be a no show.

Include in the RSVP of any food allergies you many have. This will give the hostess time to make adjustments. However, do not expect the whole menu to change on your behalf.

Read carefully, “Who is invited” on the invitation. Do not assume it is OK to bring your children with you. Unless they are included in the invitation, they are not invited and you need to make prior arrangements for them.

If you happened to have a visiting guest, inform your hostess that you appreciate the invitation and would love to come, but due to your visitors you will need to decline. It is rude to ask one’s hostess if you may bring along another guest. Only if your hostess then suggests that you may bring your guest to the tea party is it correct to do so.

Is it appropriate to bring a gift to you hostess at a tea party? Yes, as it is with other events, bring one that is appropriate to the occasion. If bringing a gift, do not expect it to be served or used at that event.

If the tea party is being held at a tea room and each guest is to order what they like, do not order the most expensive item on the menu. Your hostess may have made prior menu plans with the establishment on what will be served. Be gracious and accept what is being offered.

The next day, do send a thank you note or place a phone call to the hostess to let her know you had a wonderful time and to thank her for being invited.