How to Host a Modern Afternoon Tea Party in LA
Afternoon tea is making a comeback—but this time, it’s unapologetically modern. Gone are the days of stiff linens and rigid etiquette. In its place? A vibrant, soulful celebration of connection, comfort, and creativity. And if there’s one city built for the art of tea time, it’s Los Angeles.
At Sugarbird, we’ve been redefining tea time for years—bringing Asian-inspired flavors, buttery modern scones, and casual elegance to homes, rooftops, and backyards across LA. If you’ve ever dreamt of hosting your own afternoon tea gathering, this is your sign.
Here’s how to do it—Sugarbird style.
🌿 1. Find Your Setting
LA gives us the perfect canvas for hosting. Whether you’re nestled in a sunny backyard in Pasadena or lounging on a terrace in Silver Lake, choose a location that feels relaxed, beautiful, and easy to gather in.
Some of our favorite setups:
A long farm table under string lights in your back yard our your aunties.
A picnic blanket in the Rose Bowl gardens or at your near by park? There’s a great hidden gem near us, with shade and tables, tucked away, with lots of trees. Montrose Community Park. It's located at 3529 Clifton Place, Glendale, CA 91208,
A sunny corner of your living room styled with flowers + tea trays.
🧁 2. Craft a Dreamy Menu
The food sets the tone. With Sugarbird’s catering or pop-up pickup, you can mix and match your favorites:
Mini Scones: Our signature flavors like Fig Rosemary, Matcha White Chocolate, and Buttermilk Cream Cheese, especially for the kiddos, Strawberry Buttermilk is a HUGE hit!
Tea Sandwiches: Smoked salmon, cucumber dill, fig + brie, plus vegan and wheat-free options, for the kiddos we have plain cream cheese with turkey or cucumber, along with the PB+J
Petite Sweets: Blondies, meringues, fudgy brownies
Teas: Choose from our Herbal, Koa Black, or floral blends
Pair it with bubbly, rosé, or a matcha lemonade for a fresh take on tradition. We offer those in a to go box, ready pour into your ice filled glasses! You get find them here
✨ 3. Set the Mood
Think laid-back luxury. Afternoon tea doesn’t have to be overly formal—it should feel soulful and personal.
Use linen napkins, mix-and-match china, and foraged flowers We like these
Create a playlist (we love Parisian Jazz, Japanese Cafe, soft jazz, or vintage bossa nova)
Add a touch of ceremony—pour the tea slowly, savor the first bite, let guests linger
☕ 4. Invite Your Circle
Whether it’s 8 friends or 20 co-workers, keep the vibe intimate. Encourage guests to wear something garden-chic (hats optional, but encouraged).
Want to elevate the experience?
Host a mini tea tasting - get your favorite 5-8 tea bags or loose tea ready for brewing with a pairing of scones or chocolates
Invite a friend to read a poem or share a toast
Let each guest decorate their own scone with jam, cream, and fresh fruit
🍓 5. Let Sugarbird Handle the Magic
Hosting doesn’t have to be stressful. We’ve created options for every level of effort:
Pop-Up Pickup: Pre-order scones and tea sandwiches for pick up or delivery to your tea party set from Rosso Wines in Montrose
Afternoon Tea Catering: Let us handle everything—menu, setup, service
Frozen Scones: Bake them fresh and fool everyone into thinking you made them
Corporate or Large Events? We’ll customize a spread just for your group
🕊️ Tea Time Is a Vibe
At its core, afternoon tea is a moment to slow down, connect, and celebrate presence.
Whether you're celebrating a milestone or simply honoring the beauty of a Sunday afternoon, we’re here for it—with flaky scones and soulful blends to match.
📸 Hosting your own tea party? Tag us @sugarbirdsweets or use #sugarbirdteaparty so we can swoon over your setup!