How to host a Galentine’s Day afternoon tea

Galentine’s Day, a modern twist on Valentine’s Day, is a special occasion dedicated to celebrating the cherished bonds of female friendship. A day to shower your closest friends with love, laughter and appreciation. And what better way to celebrate these precious connections than with a fun-filled afternoon tea party? 

Afternoon tea, a beloved British tradition, is a sophisticated way to gather with friends. It’s an invitation to slow down, savour delicious treats, and engage in delightful conversation. This blog post with guide you through the process of hosting a memorable Galentine's Day tea party, from planning and preparations to creating a menu and setting the table. So, grab your teapot and get ready to celebrate the magic of friendship in style. 

Guest List: Keep the gathering intimate. Aim for 4-8 guests to create a more personal and meaningful experience. Don’t forget to consider your friends’ preferences when planning – are there any dietary restrictions you need to keep in mind? What are their interests? Tailoring the experience to their personalities will make the occasion even more special. 

Invitations: Invite your guests with a touch of personal flair. Consider DIY invitations, such as handwritten notes or printable templates, for an extra special touch.  

Decorations: Create a fun and playful Galentine's setting with a colour palette of pink and blue. For our Galentine’s Day set-up, we’ve opted for a mix of statement stripes to add a bold twist to our tablescape. Here’s what you’ll need: 

1.   Tablecloth: A soft pink tablecloth sets the stage for a cheerful and feminine gathering.  

2.  Crockery: Opt for classic blue and white striped china, such as the Steccato collection from Spode. The clean lines and mix of thin and thick stripes create a timeless and elegant look

3.  Napkins: For a playful twist on a Valentine’s set-up, top each setting with a heart-shaped pink napkin.  

4.  Candles: Softly glowing candles create a warm and inviting ambiance. Incorporate pink and blue tapered candles in different size glass holders to add height to the table. Decorate the holders with delicate pink and blue bows for an on-trend touch of Galentine’s Day charm.  

5.  Centrepiece: Your teapot, cream jug and sugar bowl all make a wonderful centrepiece – display on an eye-catching tray that ties in with your decor theme to bring it altogether.

Setting the mood: Create a playlist of yours and your friends’ favourite music for an upbeat atmosphere. Little personal touches like this show your gal pals just how much you care. 

Finger sandwiches in classic flavours, such as smoked salmon, egg salad, and coronation chicken, will always go down a treat at an afternoon tea. However, we recommend doing your research beforehand to make sure your friends’ favourite fillings are included so as not to disappoint. Of course, afternoon tea wouldn’t be the same without classic scones served with jam and cream and, of course, a selection of pastries, mini cakes and macarons.

For the refreshments, you can’t go wrong with a selection of teas to suit every palate. Include classic black teas (Earl Grey, English Breakfast), refreshing green teas, soothing herbal infusions, and fragrant fruit infusions. Don’t forget to provide the essentials – milk, sugar, and lemon for guests to customise their tea experience. You could also elevate the occasion with a signature cocktail or mocktail. A sparkling rose mimosa is a perfect choice for a Galentine’s Day celebration and would make a fun surprise when served from the teapot. 

To keep the conversation flowing and the laughter abundant at your Galentine’s Day afternoon tea, why not sprinkle in a few activities? Have a few conversation prompts handy, such as encouraging guests to share their favourite memories with each other. This helps to set the scene and creates a warm and nostalgic atmosphere.  

If time allows, you could incorporate a simple DIY craft project into your get-together. Making friendship bracelets is a fun and meaningful activity that allows guests to create a lasting keepsake

Hosting a Galentine’s Day afternoon tea is a wonderful way to celebrate the invaluable bonds of female friendship. It’s an opportunity to connect with your closest friends, share laughter and create lasting memories – we hope this blog has given you lots of inspiration for your Galentine’s Day celebration. Don’t forget to share your get-togethers with us on Instagram