How to host a Marian tea party

May is a celebratory month to honor the Holy Mother of God. Mary, the Mother of All Things Holy and the Mother of our Blessed Savior, is the perfect female role model for all women, through her life and Fiat. 

In addition to the traditional May crowning, why not host a Marian Tea Party with your kids, friends, or parish? You can make it a girls’ afternoon, a mommy-and-me tea, or a parish gathering. 

I’ve curated a hosting guide to throw a beautiful, elegant tea inspired by Our Lady, with Marian-inspired menu ideas, decor, activities, and tips and tricks for effortless entertaining. 

Decor and theme

Imagine a garden set tea party — blossoming flowers, darling china tea cups and tea pots, fragrant tea, savory bites, and petite treats, all enjoyed with the best of company. Think soft shades of blue and white with rose pink and gold accents. You can pick just a couple, or a mix of all! Keep the aesthetic soft, feminine, floral, and regal (Mary Queen of Heaven). 

For decorative elements, consider inspiration from French toile, dainty tea sets, antique serving wear, ribbons, lace, parasols, and fans. 

Decorate with flowers like roses, lilies, baby’s breath, or hydrangeas. Display in bud vases, vintage teapots, or whatever vases you have on hand. Sam’s Club, Costco, and Trader Joe’s are great for flowers! 

Dress code: Spring colored Sunday best 

Click here to view the moodboard. 

Decide how you want to delegate

Consider asking guests to bring their own rosaries and teacup. 

You can also ask guests to bring dishes. If you’re hosting a large group, create a sign-up for specific items. 

Activities

• Crown Mary: Have a dedicated table for the Queen. Make the table visible and a focal area of the party. Adorn the area below a beloved statue with flowers. 
• Pray a decade of the Rosary.
• Make bouquets: Have each guest bring a different type of flower, and then divide up the flowers, and each guest can bring home a complete variety bouquet or take it to Mary. 
• Paint paper folding fans.
• Tea cup exchange.
• Decorate mini tea cakes.
• Learn ladylike etiquette inspired by Mary’s virtues.

Marian inspired afternoon tea menu

Afternoon tea, a cherished British tradition, is not just a meal but an experience steeped in elegance and refinement. This delightful event is usually structured into courses with small bites often served on a tiered platter, beautifully presenting the culinary delights of each tier. The first course typically features light tea sandwiches and savories; the second, buttery scones with jam and clotted cream; and the final course, desserts and sweets. Serve your tea party menu on tiered platters if you have them, or on regular serving platters. You can serve it buffet-style or family-style.

First course – Tea sandwiches

Enclosed Garden (Hortus Conclusus) – Cucumber and Cream Cheese Tea Sandwiches – If you’re in a pinch, use store-bought herbed cream cheese spread. 

Mystical Rose – Prosciutto Rose Tea Sandwiches 

House of Gold – Apricot and Cheddar Tea Sandwiches 

Second Course – Scones, jams, and clotted cream

Tower of Ivory – English Scones

Mother Most Pure – Blueberry Scones

Quiet Light – Homemade Clotted Cream – If you need a shortcut or can’t find clotted cream, just use whipped cream. 

Jam suggestions: 

• Strawberry
• Raspberry 
• Blackberry or black currant
• Apricot

Third course – Petite sweets

Immaculate Heart – Mini Victoria Cakes with store-bought Pound Cake – Top with a raspberry or strawberry and a tiny “sword” (cocktail pick) to represent our Lady’s Immaculate Heart. 

Stella Maris (Star of the Sea) – Madeleines or Marmalade & Tea Madeleines – Tip: You can find madeleines at the grocery store bakery, too. Dust with powdered sugar or dip in white, blue, or pink candy melts. 

Morning Star – Iced Lemon Loaf Cake –  A Zeale/Refine recipe!

Teas (pick 2-3):

Best practice is to offer one black tea, one light tea, and one herbal tea.

• Virgin Most Venerable – English Breakfast
• Our Lady de Gray – Earl Grey
• Queen of Peace – Chamomile or Lavender
• Our Lady of Guadalupe – Jasmine
• Our Lady of the Rosary – Rose
• Queen of Apostles – Roobios

Sugar cubes, honey, milk, and lemon slices to serve. 

Non-tea refreshments:

• Lemonade
• Sparkling water

Other store-bought accompaniments to consider:

• Macarons
• Mini eclairs
• Chocolate truffles
• Fruit
• Cookies and shortbreads

Imagine the joy of coming together with friends old and new, surrounded by the warmth of community and faith. Picture the laughter shared over fragrant teas and delightful treats, the heartfelt conversations that unfold, and the shared prayers that lift spirits high. This gathering is an opportunity to deepen your connection with Mary and one another, creating memories that will linger long after the last cup of tea is poured. I encourage you to embrace this lovely new tradition to honor Mary this May. So gather your loved ones, set your table with care, and invite the spirit of Mary into your home — your Marian tea party awaits!