How To Christmas Tea Party | Festive Themes, Menu & Hosting Tips

A Christmas tea party is a festive holiday gathering featuring seasonal foods like spiced cookies, cranberry scones, mini savory bites, Christmas cakes, and winter-themed pastries paired with warming teas such as chai, peppermint tea, Earl Grey, Assam, and holiday spice blends.

The holiday season brings opportunities to celebrate with warmth, flavor, and festive gatherings—and nothing is more charming than a Christmas tea party.

Combining the elegance of afternoon tea with the coziness of winter flavors, a Christmas tea party brings together comforting food, spiced treats, hot teas, and joyful decorations.

If you’re hosting a small family event, a winter girls’ afternoon, or a community holiday get-together, the right menu and ambiance set the scene.

What Makes a Christmas Tea Party Special?

A Christmas tea party blends:

• Winter flavors like cinnamon, orange peel, peppermint, clove, ginger, cranberry, and rosemary

• Seasonal teas such as chai, spiced black tea, peppermint tea, gingerbread blends, winter green teas

• Holiday pastries, finger foods, and festive decorations

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Essential Teas for a Christmas Tea Party:

1. Masala Chai

Rich, warming, and aromatic.
Notes: cinnamon, ginger, cloves, cardamom.
Perfect for winter warmth.

2. Earl Grey (Bergamot Tea)

Citrusy aroma pairs excellently with holiday baked goods.

3. Peppermint Herbal Tea

Cooling, refreshing, and festive—great after heavy foods.

4. Spiced Black Tea

Often includes cinnamon, orange peel, nutmeg, and clove—ideal for Christmas.

5. Rooibos Vanilla

A caffeine-free, creamy option for kids and evening gatherings.

6. Green Tea with Mint or Citrus

Lightens the menu while keeping a wintery feel.

Read Next: Chinese Tea Culture | Traditions, Rituals & History

Christmas Tea Party Food Ideas:

Classic Savory Bites

• Mini turkey cranberry sandwiches

• Cucumber and dill finger sandwiches

• Smoked salmon pinwheels

• Brie & cranberry crostini

• Mini quiches (spinach, mushroom, cheese variety)

Festive Sweet Treats

• Gingerbread cookies

• Cranberry scones

• Chocolate peppermint cupcakes

• Orange-spice shortbread

• Yule log slices (Bûche de Noël)

Holiday Pastries

• Cinnamon rolls

• Mince pies

• Almond stollen bites

• Fruitcake squares

Healthy & Modern Options

• Vegan gingerbread balls

• Gluten-free almond cookies

• Peppermint dark chocolate bark

• Fresh fruit platter with pomegranate seeds

Full Christmas Tea Party Recipes:

Recipe 1: Cranberry Orange Scones

Ingredients

• Flour

• Butter

• Sugar

• Dried cranberries

• Orange zest

• Baking powder

• Cream or milk

Method

1. Mix dry ingredients, add cold butter.

2. Fold in cranberries and zest.

3. Shape dough, cut into wedges.

4. Bake until golden and serve with clotted cream.

Pairs with: Earl Grey or spiced black tea.

Recipe 2: Gingerbread Cookies

Ingredients

• Flour

• Molasses

• Brown sugar

• Ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg

• Butter

• Egg

Method

Mix, chill dough, cut shapes, bake, decorate with icing.

Pairs with: Masala chai.

Recipe 3: Brie & Cranberry Crostini

Ingredients

• Sliced baguette

• Brie cheese

• Cranberry sauce

• Honey

• Rosemary

Method

Toast bread, add Brie, bake until melted, top with cranberry and honey.

Pairs with: Assam or Keemun black tea.

Recipe 4: Peppermint Chocolate Cupcakes

Ingredients

• Cocoa powder

• Flour

• Sugar

• Eggs

• Peppermint extract

• Buttercream frosting

Method

Make chocolate cupcakes, add peppermint flavor, frost with peppermint buttercream.

Pairs with: Peppermint tea or hot chocolate tea blends.

Christmas Afternoon Tea Menu:

1. Traditional Christmas High Tea Menu

• Turkey cranberry sandwiches

• Mince pies

• Cranberry scones

• Yule log cake

• Gingerbread cookies

• Teas: Earl Grey, Chai, Peppermint

2. Luxury Christmas Tea Party Menu

• Smoked salmon blinis

• Camembert pastries

• Orange-spice shortbread

• Chocolate truffles

• Macarons

• Teas: Darjeeling, Rooibos Vanilla, Spiced Black Tea

3. Family-Friendly Christmas Tea Menu

• Mini ham & cheese sandwiches

• Fruit cups

• Sugar cookies

• Hot chocolate + peppermint

• Teas: Herbal mint, Rooibos, Decaf chai

Decorating Ideas for a Christmas Tea Party:

1. Table Setting

• Red, green, and gold theme

• Festive candles

• Christmas napkins and linens

• Tiered trays for pastries

• Vintage teacups or Christmas-themed china

2. Ambiance

• Soft holiday music

• Twinkling fairy lights

• Cinnamon-scented décor

• Evergreen branches or wreaths

Christmas Tea Pairing Guide:

1. Masala Chai

Pairs with:

• Gingerbread

• Cinnamon rolls

• Savory pastries

2. Earl Grey

Pairs with:

• Orange desserts

• Cranberry scones

• Vanilla shortbread

3. Peppermint Tea

Pairs with:

• Chocolate desserts

• Candy cane treats

4. Assam Black Tea

Pairs with:

• Smoked salmon

• Brie crostini

• Mince pies

5. Apple Spice Herbal Tea

Pairs with:

• Fruitcake

• Stollen

• Apple pastries

Activities for a Christmas Tea Party:

• Gift exchange

• Christmas trivia

• Cookie decorating

• Ornament crafting

• Photo corner with holiday props

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Evidence-Style Mentions:

• According to the UK Tea & Infusions Association, tea consumption increases during winter due to comfort and cultural tradition.

• Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health recognizes tea as a rich source of flavonoids, offering warmth and antioxidant benefits—perfect for colder months.

• Food science studies published in the Journal of Culinary Science & Technology emphasize how spices like cinnamon, ginger, and clove enhance sensory warmth and pair beautifully with hot teas.

• NCCIH references the traditional calming benefits of herbal teas such as peppermint, chamomile, and ginger, which are often popular during cold seasons.

These boost authority without strict citations.

Tips for Hosting a Successful Christmas Tea Party:

• Brew teas fresh and serve in insulated teapots.

• Offer at least three tea varieties.

• Include savory, sweet, and vegan-friendly options.

• Use tiered cake stands to elevate presentation.

• Add Christmas music and warm lighting.

• Prepare make-ahead items the day before.

Take Away:

A Christmas tea party is an enchanting way to celebrate the holiday season with warmth, festive flavors, and cozy elegance.

With winter-themed foods like cranberry scones, gingerbread cookies, savory crostini, and spiced cakes, combined with rich teas like chai, peppermint, Earl Grey, and winter herbal blends, you can create a joyful and memorable gathering.