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A Feminine, Cozy Holiday Gathering For You And Your Favorite People
It’s such a special moment when you can gather with your girlfriends on a slow winter afternoon when the sun feels soft and the house smells like sugar, cinnamon, and freshly steeped tea. A Christmas Afternoon Tea + Gift Exchange brings together everything charming about the holidays. The pretty treats. The laughter. The wrapped gifts tucked softly under twinkling lights. The dainty teacups and the cozy conversations that everyone has been craving all season long.
If you have been wanting to host an aesthetic holiday get-together that feels relaxed but still beautifully put together, this guide will walk you through every detail. From invitations to menu ideas to table styling and the cutest printable touches, everything is designed to help you create a feminine, Pinterest-perfect Christmas tea party that your guests will remember.
What You May Need:
• Teacups and saucers
• Tiered dessert stands
• Loose leaf teas and a pretty teapot
• Tea sandwiches and petite sweets
• Wrapped gifts for exchanging
• Candles and greenery
• Printable party signs and tags
• Ribbon, twine, and small favor bags
Set The Tone With A Pretty Christmas Tea Theme
Imagine your table bathed in soft afternoon light with layers of lace, velvet, or gentle winter pastels. Before you begin planning, the first step is choosing a theme for your Christmas tea party. This sets the entire mood of the room and helps you create a cohesive aesthetic that looks stunning in photos.
Theme Ideas
• Classic Christmas with cranberry reds and deep greens
• Cottagecore Christmas with natural textures and wild greenery
• Pink and feminine Christmas with soft blush tones
• Vintage Tea Room Christmas with lace and old-fashioned china
• Winter whites with frosted greenery and warm candlelight
How to recreate the look
- Choose a color palette that feels warm and cohesive.
- Match your palette to your invitations so everything feels intentional.
- Add layers to your table linens to make the setup feel cozy.
- Place greenery along the center of the table and tuck in little berries or ribbons.
- Print your matching tea party favor tags and feminine Christmas stickers to tie everything together visually.
Pinterest-friendly phrase ideas: feminine Christmas tea party, Christmas tea table décor, elegant holiday gathering.
Send Out Pretty Christmas Tea Invitations
Receiving a beautiful invitation can feel so special. It sets the expectation for the whole event. Soft winter colors. Feminine fonts. A gentle hint of holiday charm. When your guests open your invitation, they should already feel the mood of your Christmas afternoon tea.
You can purchase an editable tea party invitation templates on Etsy to easily design your invite in minutes. The templates let you personalize details like the time, location, dress code, and the specifics of the gift exchange.
Action Steps
- Open your Christmas Tea Party Invitation Template in Canva.
- Add the date, time, and simple instructions about bringing a small gift.
- Customize your colors to match the theme you chose.
- Download as a JPG for digital invites or PDF for printing.
- Send them out early because December fills up quickly.
Your invitation is the moment everything begins to feel real, and your guests will appreciate that extra touch of thoughtfulness.
Create A Cozy, Feminine Christmas Table Setting
Imagine the table glowing softly with candles while delicate teacups catch the light. The room feels warm and inviting with greenery running down the middle and little pockets of vintage charm scattered throughout.
This is where your table becomes the heart of the gathering. A Christmas Afternoon Tea is all about layering textures, adding pretty accents, and creating a layout that encourages slow conversation.
How to recreate the look
- Start with a neutral tablecloth or something lightly textured like lace or velvet.
- Add a soft runner in your color palette.
- Place tiered dessert stands at the center.
- Set each place with a teacup, saucer, and small plate.
- Use linen napkins and secure them with velvet ribbon or fresh rosemary.
- Place a favor at each seat using your pretty favor tags.
- Add your Printable Gift Exchange Rules sign in a small frame near the center of the table so everyone can see it.
Pinterest-friendly phrase ideas: pink Christmas table décor, soft Christmas tea party setting, tea party centerpiece inspiration.
Prepare a Sweet and Simple Tea Menu
The aroma of warm tea drifts through the house. The quiet clinking of teaspoons. The little cloud of powdered sugar dusted over baked treats. A Christmas Afternoon Tea menu does not need to be complicated, but it should feel thoughtful.
Tea Options
• Peppermint tea
• Earl Grey
• Chamomile
• Winter spice blends
Savory Bites
• Cucumber sandwiches
• Cranberry chicken salad croissants
• Mini smoked salmon toasts
• Egg salad with fresh herbs
Sweet Treats
• Scones with jam and clotted cream
• Madeleines
• Mini fruit tarts
• Gingerbread cookies
• Shortbread snowflake cookies
There are so many Editable Menu Templates you can purchase on Etsy to create a beautiful printed menu card for each place setting or frame one at the table.
How to recreate the look
- Decide on two teas and three to four treat categories.
- Prepare everything ahead so the day feels calm.
- Customize your editable menu template in Canva.
- Print on cardstock for a polished look.
- Style the menu with a ribbon or greenery sprig.
Set Up A Lovely Gift Exchange Station
A Christmas Afternoon Tea paired with a gift exchange brings so much joy to the room. Guests love seeing the little wrapped treasures and the sparkle of anticipation when everyone gathers around.
How to recreate the look
- Choose a gift exchange style like something cozy, something under ten dollars, or a color-themed gift.
- Print your Gift Exchange Rules sign and place it near the gifts.
- Create a small tree or basket where guests can place their wrapped gifts when they arrive.
- Add a bowl of candy canes or a small tray of cookies nearby.
- Offer tea refills before the gift exchange begins to make the moment feel special.
Pinterest-friendly phrase ideas: easy holiday gift exchange ideas, feminine Christmas gift exchange, aesthetic Christmas party activities.
Put Together Thoughtful Party Favors
Imagine sending your guests home with a tiny token of the gathering. Something soft, sweet, and feminine. It can be as simple as a tea sampler or a cookie bag. When paired with pretty printable favor tags, the moment feels polished and heartfelt.
How to recreate the look
- Choose a small favor like a tea packet, lip balm, cookie bag, or mini candle.
- Print your Pretty Favor Tags on cardstock.
- Punch a small hole and tie them onto your favors using twine, ribbon, or velvet.
- Add your Feminine Christmas Stickers to the bags, boxes, or planner pages for extra charm.
- Place the favors at each place setting or gather them in a basket near the door.
Add Special Touches That Make The Afternoon Feel Extra Sweet
This is where your Christmas Afternoon Tea becomes Pinterest-perfect. It is in the small details. The tiny accents. The textures that make everything feel timeless and cozy.
Ideas to include
• Play soft Christmas instrumentals or classical music
• Add flickering candles in gold or glass holders
• Layer your greenery with pinecones, dried orange slices, or baby’s breath
• Wrap each guest’s gift with similar colors for beautiful photos
• Place a framed welcome sign near the entryway
These finishing touches are what bring your entire aesthetic together from the moment your guests walk in.
Take Pinterest-Worthy Photos
Soft natural light is your best friend for daytime gatherings. Capture your Christmas Afternoon Tea setup before guests arrive so you can enjoy the moment fully.
How to recreate the look
- Photograph the whole table from above and from the side.
- Take close-ups of teacups, menus, wrapped gifts, and favor tags.
- Capture textures like lace, ribbon, or sugared baked goods.
- Snap a shot of your Gift Exchange Rules sign near the gifts.
- Add dried citrus or greenery to the edges of your photos for a warm, styled look.
These photos make beautiful content for Pinterest, blogs, and your holiday memory book.
Guest Favor Ideas
Mini Tea Sampler Bags
Picture a tiny kraft or pastel bag filled with two or three tea sachets tied with soft velvet ribbon. Add your favor tag and one of your feminine Christmas stickers.
How to recreate:
• Pick three flavors like peppermint, chamomile, and Earl Grey
• Place in a small treat bag
• Tie with ribbon and add a favor tag
• Add a sticker for a polished look
Shortbread Snowflake Cookies
Sweet, delicate, and perfect for a winter tea theme.
How to recreate:
• Bake or buy shortbread cookies
• Place in a clear bag
• Add a lace or velvet ribbon
• Attach a favor tag with a sweet message
Mini Candle Tins
Soft scents like winter linen or vanilla sugar fit the mood beautifully.
How to recreate:
• Buy small tins or tea lights
• Add a sticker to the lid
• Tie with twine or ribbon
Lip Balm or Hand Cream
Feminine, practical, and always loved.
How to recreate:
• Choose winter-themed scents
• Wrap with vellum or tissue
• Add your favor tag tied with twine
Tiny Honey Jars
Perfect for a tea party and very photo-worthy.
How to recreate:
• Choose the small sampler size jars
• Tie a ribbon around the lid
• Add a mini wooden honey dipper if you want a cute upgrade
Tea Bag Ornaments
A cottagecore-inspired idea.
How to recreate:
• Take a clear plastic ornament
• Fill with loose tea or dried florals
• Add ribbon and your favor tag
Mini Scripture Card Bundles
Soft, encouraging verses for the season.
How to recreate:
• Print small cards
• Tie with ribbon
• Add one of your stickers on the back
Hot Cocoa Spoon Treats
A cozy winter favorite.
How to recreate:
• Dip wooden spoons into melted chocolate
• Sprinkle crushed peppermint
• Wrap lightly in clear bags
• Add a favor tag that says warm winter wishes
Host Gift Ideas
A Beautiful Loose Leaf Tea Tin -Gift something seasonal, like Christmas black tea or a winter blend. Pair it with a small infuser for a pretty set.
Velvet Ribbon Wrapped Bouquet – A small bouquet wrapped in parchment with a velvet ribbon feels feminine and festive without being too traditional.
A Set of Petite Jam Jars – Choose winter flavors like cranberry orange or spiced pear. Add one of your Christmas stickers on top for a charming touch.
A Cozy Throw Blanket – Neutral colors feel timeless and are always appreciated during December.
Vintage Style Teacup – Perfect for a hostess who loves Christmas tea parties. If you want it to feel extra special, slip a small packet of loose leaf tea inside the cup.
Scone Mix With a Wooden Spoon – Tie with ribbon and add one of your printable tags for a gift that looks artisan and thoughtful.
A Simple Scripture Print – Frame a soft, feminine Christmas verse or one of your printable wall art designs so the hostess can enjoy it all season.
A Pretty Candle In A Glass Jar – Choose soft scents and wrap the lid with ribbon. Elegant and always appreciated.
Final Thoughts
A Christmas Afternoon Tea and Gift Exchange is one of those rare gatherings that feels soft, slow, and joy-filled all at once. It invites everyone to pause the holiday rush and slip into a cozy afternoon of pretty treats, delicate teacups, thoughtful gifts, and meaningful conversation.
With a little intention and a few beautiful printable touches, you can create an experience that feels effortless yet unforgettable. Whether your guests leave with a tiny favor, a heartwarming gift, or simply the memory of being together, this sweet holiday tradition has a way of filling the season with warmth.
Here’s to creating a cozy, inviting space where your favorite people can feel celebrated, cherished, and at home.
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This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them