Online Class: Tea Parties 101

no certificate
with CEU Certificate*
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12Lessons
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18Exams &
Assignments -
895Students
have taken this course -
3Hours
average time -
0.3CEUs
Course Description
The simple words "tea party" can conjure a variety of different mental images: Alice in Wonderland, Teddy Bear Tea, a bunch of older women in floral dresses wearing gloves…each person probably has a different idea of what a tea party is, which is one of the great benefits of hosting a tea party: you can adapt it to suit any type of crowd, any budget, and any tastes.
Tea parties generally happen in between meals. The most common time frame is between 3-5 pm, but there's no reason you couldn't have a brunch tea or a dinner tea. In fact, the tradition known as "high tea" is actually just a simple dinner that was once common of miners and factory workers when they came home at the end of the day.
The menu at your tea party can include simple scones and sweets, or you can get creative with finger sandwiches and quiches, or even serve a full, simple meal--depending on the occasion, time of day, and how hungry your guests are likely to be.
This course will provide an introduction to the vast array of teas, the history of tea and tea parties, and the surprising social and political impact of this simple beverage. It will also provide tips for planning your own tea party, including food suggestions, tea-pairing ideas, and tips for tailoring your event to the intended audience and budget.
Course Motivation
Tea parties are often stereotyped as women's events, but there is no reason men can't attend or host a tea party. However, if you do host a mixed-company tea party, it is probably wise to avoid overdosing on frills like lace doilies, chintz chair cushions and finger sandwiches cut in the shape of fluffy bunnies.
Food preparation at a tea party is usually very simple, featuring the kinds of items you can make ahead of time, like sliced fruit, simple sandwiches, cookies and sweets. The food can be served buffet style or passed on plates for a smaller group. Since the foods are small and easy to eat standing or sitting without a table, you don't have to worry about providing a proper table setting for each guest, which allows you to comfortably host a large or small number of people at your tea party.
The scalability and simplicity of this type of party makes it an excellent choice for a wide variety of events from children's parties to bridal and baby showers and engagement parties, as well as birthdays, anniversaries, and even fundraisers. At one time, tea dances were quite popular, and they could still be a great occasion for teens and adults to dress up, practice their dance steps, and enjoy a light meal in the mid-afternoon.
Tea parties can work with any size crowd and budget. You can have one friend join you for tea at home to catch up on her life story, or you can have 250 people come together for tea and sandwiches at a silent auction fundraiser. You can adjust the budget by changing the types of foods and teas that you serve, and how they are presented. To keep it inexpensive, make your own muffins, scones or cookies and serve with the cups and mugs you already own. If you have a large budget, you can have a caterer prepare all the food, and you can invest in attractive china and table linens.
Tea parties can also be a great excuse to get dressed up. In an age when ties and dresses are, for many of us, a rare item indeed, a tea party is a great time to put on our finery. (We understand that, for some people, this may actually be a disadvantage).
One obstacle that you will have to overcome if you host a tea party is perception that a tea is a women's event. If you are hosting an event that already tends to appeal to women more than men, like a baby shower, choosing a tea party theme will definitely reinforce the notion that it is a women's party, which is fine if that is your intent--but if you want the guys to come too, you would do well to make sure they are clearly included in the invitation, and make sure to include something that appeals to guys--or at least avoid making the invitations overly cutesy or lacy.
- Completely Online
- Self-Paced
- Printable Lessons
- Full HD Video
- 6 Months to Complete
- 24/7 Availability
- Start Anytime
- PC & Mac Compatible
- Android & iOS Friendly
- Accredited CEUs

Course Lessons
Lesson 1: Introduction
Lesson 1 Video
Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
Complete Assignment: An Introduction
Assessment: Lesson 1 Quiz
Lesson 2: History of Tea
Lesson 2 Video
Assessment: Lesson 2 Quiz
Lesson 3: Party Planning
Lesson 3 Video
Assessment: Lesson 3 Quiz
Lesson 4: Logistics
Lesson 4 Video
Assessment: Lesson 4 Quiz
Lesson 5: Types of Tea
Lesson 5 Video
Complete: Lesson 5 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 5 Quiz
Lesson 6: Selecting Teas and Planning the Food
Lesson 6 Video
Complete: Lesson 6 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 6 Quiz
Lesson 7: Savory Menu Ideas
Lesson 7 Video
Assessment: Lesson 7 Quiz
Lesson 8: Sweet Menu Ideas
Lesson 8 Video
Complete: Lesson 8 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 8 Quiz
Lesson 9: Service
Lesson 9 Video
Assessment: Lesson 9 Quiz
Lesson 10: Tea Etiquette
Lesson 10 Video
Complete: Lesson 10 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 10 Quiz
Lesson 11: Tea Parties for Kids
Lesson 11 Video
Assessment: Lesson 11 Quiz
Lesson 12: Tea Parties for Adults
Lesson 12 Video
Lesson discussions: Your Opinion Matters: Course Rating; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments
Assessment: Lesson 12 Quiz
Assessment: The Final Exam
Learning Outcomes
- Summarize the history of tea.
- Describe party planning processes and logistics of doing a tea party.
- Summarize types of tea, selecting teas, and planning the food.
- Describe tea etiquette.
- Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
Additional Course Information

- Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
- Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
- Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
- View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
- Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media

Choose Your Subscription Plan
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Includes CEUs | X |
Self-paced |
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Instructor support |
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Time to complete | 6 months |
No. of courses | 1 course |
Certificate & CEUs
This course only
Includes certificate |
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Includes CEUs |
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Self-paced |
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Instructor support |
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Time to complete | 6 months |
No. of courses | 1 course |
Certificates & CEUs
Includes all 600+ courses
Includes certificate |
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Includes CEUs |
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Self-paced |
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Instructor support |
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Time to complete | 12 Months |
No. of courses | 600+ |
Certificates & CEUs
Includes all 600+ courses
Includes certificate |
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Includes CEUs |
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Self-paced |
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Instructor support |
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Time to complete | 24 Months |
No. of courses | 600+ |
Student Testimonials
- "This was an extremely informative and beautiful course. The lessons I learned provide me the confidence to properly host tea parties. It also generated a lot of creative ideas that I can incorporate in doing so. The instructor was prompt in communicating with me and grading my exams." -- Pamela S.
- "The online learning of this course exceptional and motivated my interest about teas and the proper setting, preparation, and food and tea selections and quality and quantity. My instructor very courtesy and professional, really knows how to give honest and clear feedback, structure and fair." -- Louise F.
- "This course was fun, well organized and so informative! I enjoyed every lesson!" -- Carrye W.
- "It was a very interesting and educative course. I learned a lot." -- Cristina G.
- "I have learned a lot from taking this class !" -- Theresa W.
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