English Afternoon Tea for Seniors
Easy Tea Party Tips & Activity Ideas for Senior Citizens
An English afternoon tea party for active older folks, the less active elderly, and visitors can be easy, fun, fancy or elegant. Choose from these simple ideas & treats.
A tea party is perfect for senior citizens. Fun, yet relaxing, tea can be set up for a couple friends or a mixed co-ed crowd.
Choosing a Location for an English Afternoon Tea
- If held in a private home, a nice table near a warm fireplace is lovely for cooler days. This is best for a small event for 4 to 8 people.
- In summer, a garden party may be appropriate. Be flexible in case a cool breeze comes up. Some guests may wish to move indoors.
- Senior citizen active-living facilities often have charming dining rooms where a larger event with family and friends can be held.
- An active group may enjoy a trip to a local tearoom. Many hotels and restaurants offer teas throughout the year. Holiday teas (Easter, Valentine's Day, and Mother's Day for example) are a special treat.
- If going out to tea, be sure the location is senior citizen accessible with ramps or other necessities for those with special needs.
Afternoon Tea Party Elegance, Fun, & Dressing Up for Seniors and Guests
- Send fancy or fun invitations, in keeping with the event theme.
- Entice guests by featuring a delicious menu listing.
- Invite guests to dress in elegant, glitzy, or themed clothing.
- Fancy hats are another easy way to get people active and talking.
- Leave disposable cameras on each table for use during the event to create memories.
Fun Teatime Activity Ideas for Active Senior Citizens
- Arrange for someone to tell the history of afternoon tea, demonstrate proper tea etiquette, or play live music before or during the event.
- Place cards make guests feel extra special. A star or sticker inside a few cards can designate door prize winners.
- For the holidays, "Christmas Crackers" are fun party favours. A "cracker" is a filled tube wrapped in holiday paper. These are cracked open to reveal trinkets inside, usually including a traditional paper crown. Purchased or homemade crackers can adapted to different holidays or themes for a fun addition.
Food and Beverage Ideas for a Senior Citizen English Tea Party
By simplifying what is served and preparing in advance, the party will flow smoothly. Afternoon tea basic beverages and foods might include:
- Assorted teas (black, Earl gray, herbal, rosehip, mint, and lemon tea)
- Coffee
- Hot apple cider for children
- Cream (for coffee), milk (for tea), sugar, lemon, & honey
- Fresh scones
- English muffins, biscuits or crumpets
- Double or clotted cream (Devonshire cream)
- Orange marmalade, lemon curd, butter and an assortment of delicious jams
- Tea sandwiches (small & dainty with delicate fillings)
- Shortbread
- Assorted pastries, tarts or cakes
- Chocolate candies or petit fours
Check online or at local stores for English treats such as clotted cream and lemon curd. Also look for pretty cookies, biscuits and candies to fit the theme.
Related Articles:
- Old-Fashioned Ginger Snaps Recipe
- Afternoon Tea Party Planning 101: Elegant English Tea Entertaining Ideas & Tips for Beginners
- English Afternoon Tea Etiquette: Learn Elegant Tea Party Manners and Traditions
- Plan a Springtime Easter Tea Party
- Online Senior Citizen Gift Ideas
For more information about senior living, see this Squidoo Seniors page.
Afternoon Tea is the Perfect Way to Celebrate Everyday Life or a Special Occasion
Ideas include a senior citizen birthday, an anniversary, a reunion of old friends, a holiday, a shower for a grandchild-to-be, or just about anything. Whatever the style (fancy or simple, large or small), the most important ingredients for a successful English-style afternoon tea are happy smiles, socializing, and the time to appreciate true friendship.
