LGBT Tea Dance Parties: Menu & Planning Checklist- OutCoast.com (2023)

Since the 1950s, tea dance parties have been the perfect complement to an afternoon cup of tea, glass of martini, and the vibrant gay dance scene. They were once a way for closeted gays to live loud, proud, and boisterously while enjoying guilty pleasures such as dancing and alcohol. Nowadays, you can enjoy a tea dance just about anywhere…or even plan your own!

Tea dances are also an excellent way to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, especially because there are hundreds of rainbow brews and spices from which to choose. If you’re trying your hand at planning a tea party for the first time, here are a few need-to-know tips, tea mixes, and spices that you should have in your pocket.

Tips For Planning a LGBTQ+ Tea Dance Party

High tea isn’t always an elegant affair. In the 60s, the gay tea dance scene was just about as lively as any party could get. Your tea dance party can be as loud, rambunctious, or sophisticated as you want! Whether you’re on a budget or have a pretty penny to spend, here are a few LGBTQ+ tea dance party-planning tips.

Save the Date

As with any event, you’ll want to pick an appropriate date. If you’re hosting a large number of people, the earlier you plan, the better! Plus, you’ll have ample time to design your invitations.

Depending on the occasion, you can hand out invites that are as simple or as flamboyant as you want. Also, think about what type of party favors you want to prepare. Personalized rainbow party tea bags and ribbons will do. If your budget can afford it, you might even consider a rainbow cup and saucer set!

Shortlist Some LGBT Party Themes

Since tea dances were wild and rambunctious in the 1960s, there’s no reason you can’t goeven biggerwhen choosing a theme.

Pick a theme that speaks to you and center everything around it –from plating to decorations. If you prefer something a little more “out there,” why not throw a Mad Hatter-themed bash, complete with giant teacups?

For musically inclined tea enthusiasts and queer Broadway fanatics, you can throw aKinky Boots-themed party into the mix. Prefer something a bit raunchier? TryAvenue Q!

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Plan Your Menu

Carefully planning your menu is the key to a successful and delectable tea dance party. Naturally, you’ll want to serve tea, but you also have to think about the type of food – and alcohol –that is going to go on your menu.

Typical tea party menus will include pastries, sandwiches, biscuits, and scones. As for alcohol, vodka and gin are always a hit! Later, we’ll talk more about what brews, sugars, and spices you’ll need in your tea dance party arsenal.

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Decorate

Your tea sets should be the center of attention when it comes to decorations, so don’t be shy to bring out your best china. However, a rainbow tea dance won’t live up to what it’s supposed to be without a bit ofoomph.You can place a whimsical arrangement of flowers on each table, and even take it a step further with streamers, balloons, and rave lights.

Get Dancing

Nowadays, you won’t find any shortage of dance studios that specialize in tea dance training. That means if you’re planning a party on your own, you’re going to want to brush up on your tango, foxtrot, waltz, and cha-cha skills! Plus, no tea dance party is complete without a bit of voguing, death dropping, and dipping! Of course, the type of dancing you want to occur at your gay party (if any) is entirely up to you.

Spices, Salts, & Sugars You Need on Your Menu

As with any tea dance party, what you’re serving is the most critical decision of the planning process! We’ve shortlisted a handful of rainbow-themed ingredients that you might want to add to your shopping list.

Red –Cajun Spice

This versatile spice brings Louisiana flavors to life and adds a kick to any delicious poultry or seafood dish. It is a spicy-hot blend of peppers, onions, and garlic, perfect for grilling, searing, or baking. We recommend using it to garnish aNew Orleans-style shrimp cocktailin classic martini glasses.Pair this dish with a milder, palette-cleansing tea, and you’re good to go!

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Orange –Tandoori Roasting Spice Blend

If you’re a fan of Indian food, a tandoori blend is a perfect complement to a matcha-centric tea party. You can sprinkle it onto spiced chicken or coat your favorite meat with a savory yogurt-tandoori mix.

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While traditionally cooked in a tandoor oven, you don’t need one to make a mouthwateringtandoori chickenfor your adventurous gay tea dance. Instead, you can grill your chicken after coating it in a marinade of tandoori, yogurt, and other spices.

Yellow –Indian Yellow Curry Spice Blend

Add this mild curry powder to your meat or vegetables, throw in a splash of coconut milk, and pair it with a side of chai tea for the perfect meal!

If you’re pressed for time but want to serve something zingy and intense with your chai, incorporate this Indian yellow curry spice blend into a delicioussavory vegetable curry!

Green –Holy Guacamole

Who doesn’t love guacamole? This blend of cilantro, garlic, onion, and jalapeno peppers features an unexpected kick of lime frost, sea salt, and black lime that makes any dip come to life. Sprinkle it onto acucumber guacamole tea sandwich,or get a little adventurous withmatcha guacamoleto bring your green tea party full-circle!

Blue –Wild Blueberry Sugar

There’s nothing quite like the taste of freshly-picked blueberries at a gay garden tea party. If the fresh variant isn’t available in time for your big bash, you can use this infused sugar instead. Mix it into a refreshing glass of electric lemonade, use it to top your favorite ice cream, or even add directly into your tea.

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Indigo –Lavender Flower

Known for its stunning color and aromatics, lavender has long been a welcome addition to any tea party –gay or not! What youmaynot know is that you can use lavender for just about anything, from rubbing onto meats to tossing into casseroles. If you haven’t yet added something sweet to your menu, you have to givelavender dandelion muffinsa try!

Purple –Merlot Sea Salt

Subtle in taste and stunning in color, merlot sea salt has to make an appearance at your rainbow tea party. Because it is primarily a table garnish, it’s perfect on the rim of yourmargarita glass.

Delectable Rainbow Tea Blends

Now comes the essential part of your tea dance party: the tea. With so many teas on the market to choose from, it can be challenging to decide what to serve. Fortunately, we’ve compiled a list of colorful drinks for you!

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Red –Spiced Ruby Cider Herbal Tea

This herbal tea is rich in warm spices, making it the perfect addition to hot apple juice or red wine. Thanks to its slightly tart notes and a kiss of cinnamon, this tea pairs well withsugar cookiesandsweet biscuits.

Orange –Blood Orange Tea Sparkler

Are you looking for something to get your taste buds tingling? This blood orange tea sparkler comes with a bag of orange smoothie herbal tea and Florida sunshine sugar – perfect for a sweet and zesty cocktail! This comboscreamstipsy tea.

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Yellow –Peach Turmeric Herbal Tea

Did you say teaandspices? This vibrant yellow tea is delicious when served either hot or iced. Fragrant, bright, and rejuvenating, this peach turmeric herbal tea is perfect to serve on a hot summer day –and there are a lot of those in Florida!

Green –Matcha Tea

This classic matcha green tea tastes even more delicious when paired with aseafood cocktail, chocolate-based dessert.or even abarbecue dinner…if you’re adventurous!

Blue –Blue Raspberry Crushed Herbal Tea

Beyond its stunning deep blue color, this blue raspberry crushed herbal tea is a perfect pick-me-up in the sweltering summer heat. Add a splash of citrus plus a dash of gin, and you’ll be buzzing all day.

Indigo –Blueberry Black Tea

If you’re a fan of full-bodied, luscious berries, blueberry black tea should definitely make it onto your tea party menu. Whether served hot or cold, this tea is bound to go down smooth and tart. Attendees with a sweet tooth will love pairing this tea withEarl Grey cupcakes.

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Purple –Mystic Dragon Tea

Adventurous palettes will love this mystic dragon tea, which marries vegetal flavors and a strawberry twist. As with most green teas, you’ll want to pair the mystic dragon with aseafood platterorvegetables.

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The Rainbow –Roy G. Biv Tea

No tea dance/gay bash is complete until every guest has had a sip of this rainbow tea! It combines fresh and bright botanical flavors with a touch of tropical fruit to make your palette (and attendees) dance. Serve it hot or cold to enjoy a playful punch of hibiscus and butterfly pea flowers.

The Bottom Line

Ultimately, your modern tea dance party is entirely up to your interpretation. When it comes to gay tea dance parties, the louder the better. But even if you’re not a fan of the tango or the cha-cha, you can still enjoy a colorful variety of tea flavors and endless menu possibilities!

You can stock up on everything you need by shopping with The Spice & Tea Exchange of St. Petersburg, which hosts charitable events for Metro Inclusive Health and other LGBT groups.

Want to learn more about tea dance parties before hosting your own? Check out upcoming events onOutCoast.

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***Disclaimer: There is a good chance that this post contains affiliate or sponsor links. If you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you (for which we are extremely grateful).

Also, while we do our best to highlight LGBTQ-friendly destinations and businesses, info provided is based solely on personal experience and recommendations by community partners. We hope that nobody experiences discrimination or homophobia while visiting Florida, but we make no guarantees. Please inform us if you experience discrimination or homophobia while visiting any destinationso wecan make updates to our recommendations.

FAQs

What do you serve at a tea dance? ›

Typical tea party menus will include pastries, sandwiches, biscuits, and scones. As for alcohol, vodka and gin are always a hit! Later, we'll talk more about what brews, sugars, and spices you'll need in your tea dance party arsenal.

How do you arrange a tea dance? ›

Rising to the occasion
  1. Welcome guests at the door and ask them to sign in.
  2. Once everyone's seated, run through the format of the event and point out emergency exits and toilets.
  3. Explain that each table will have its own waiting staff.
  4. Introduce the dance company and hand over to them to start the dancing.

What happens at a tea dance? ›

A tea dance is a social event that takes place in the afternoon, where people meet to dance and have tea. Tea dances are especially popular with older people.

What is a pride tea dance? ›

Tea dances were events organized on Sunday afternoons in the US gay community, originating in New York in the 1950s and 1960s. The original dances included tea service. They were a place for singles to meet. The name alludes to traditional tea dances of the English countryside.

What foods are served at a tea party? ›

Per tradition, there are three courses — savories, scones, desserts — served alongside a tea of your choice.

What are the 3 main foods served at an afternoon tea? ›

There aren't any rules when it comes to the food, but a standard afternoon tea menu comprises a tier of sandwiches, a tier of cakes and one of scones or teacakes.

How do you host a good dance party? ›

How To Host Your Own Dance Party
  1. Decide what kind of dancing you want to do. Choosing a specific style of dance helps to plan the party. ...
  2. Find a location with space to boogie. ...
  3. Hire a DJ who has song variety in your preferred genre. ...
  4. Coordinate with a dance instructor. ...
  5. Motivate your guests to participate.
Apr 28, 2016

What do ladies do at a tea party? ›

Along with purchasing several flavors of teas and making some finger foods, organize some games to help make your guests feel at ease and keep the conversation rolling. Board games, croquet, cards and badminton are fine ideas for a ladies' tea party, but you can also plan some games they may have never played before.

How do you start a tea ceremony? ›

Steps to Create Your Tea Ritual
  1. Preparation. ...
  2. Scoop the tea. ...
  3. Pour boiled water into teapot. ...
  4. Pour tea into a fairness pitcher. ...
  5. Pour from the fairness pitcher to tea cups. ...
  6. Steep the leaves again. ...
  7. Practice your ceremony regularly.

What is the queer dance called? ›

Waacking (also whacking) is an element from the street dance Punking created in the gay clubs of Los Angeles during the 1970s disco era. The style is typically done to 70s disco music and is mainly distinguishable by its rotational arm movements, posing and emphasis on expressiveness.

What is a bridgerton tea party? ›

⭐ Bridgerton Afternoon Tea is an afternoon tea party based on the iconic Netflix series Bridgerton.

What is a nutcracker tea? ›

A simple blend of fine black teas made festive with creamy, nutty vanilla flavor and a pinch of cinnamon. Named after the world's favorite ballet, The Nutcracker, this delightful tea perfectly captures the magic of the season.

What do you serve first at a tea party? ›

The correct order to enjoy the food that accompanies afternoon tea is savory to sweet: sandwiches first, then scones, and sweets last. You can use your fingers to eat all three courses. To eat a scone, you simply break it in half with your fingers.

What snacks go well with tea? ›

Best Snacks for Tea

For example, simple finger sandwiches with fresh bread, light creamy cheese or avocado and salmon are a great choice, especially with green tea. Fruit salads go well with lighter white, oolong or green teas. Scrumptious scones with clotted cream go very well with traditional black tea blends.

How much food do you need for a tea party? ›

For a light afternoon tea, I typically allow: roughly four little sandwiches per person (2 or 3 kinds); 1 average or 2 small scones: always one with cream and jams/honey; sometimes also one savoury variation. 1 or 2 pieces of cake/pastry (if 2, one rich, one simple)

How many finger sandwiches per person for afternoon tea? ›

Allow 3-4 sandwiches per person. But don't prepare them too early as they will either go soggy or dry out.

What size plates do you use for a tea party? ›

Small salad sized plates are used for eating the foods served at Afternoon Tea. Tea sandwiches, scones and sweets are small in size and are eaten as three separate courses, so large dinner sized plates are unnecessary.

How long should a dance party be? ›

6. Limit The Dance Party to about 2.5 Hours. Most couples want a dance party that will be talked about for years to come but don't know how long it should be. Some put the dancing to around 1 to 1.5 hours, which isn't enough time for your DJ to learn your crowd and build momentum.

How do you not be awkward at a dance party? ›

10 Tips to Make Your Dancing Look Less Awkward
  1. Know your beats. ...
  2. Nothing screams awkward than when you're too stiff when dancing. ...
  3. Be intentional with your movements. ...
  4. Match your energy to the music. ...
  5. If you make a mistake, keep going. ...
  6. Stay active outside of the studio. ...
  7. Change your position in class. ...
  8. Own your movements.
Nov 1, 2021

How do you stand out in a group dance? ›

To stand out in dance class..
  1. Talk to the choreographer before the class starts. ...
  2. Freestyle before and after the piece. ...
  3. Wear an outfit that's so "you" ...
  4. Ask quality questions during dance class. ...
  5. Engage with the rest of the dancers in the class. ...
  6. Show up consistently to dance class.
Feb 28, 2016

How do you make a dance party playlist? ›

How to Make Perfect Party Playlist
  1. Tailor the Playlist to Your Theme, Guest List, and Setting. ...
  2. Make Sure You Have a Good Mix of Styles. ...
  3. Make Sure Your Playlist is Long Enough. ...
  4. Don't Be Afraid to Play Some of Your Favorite Tunes. ...
  5. Sandwich Lesser-Known Songs Between Fan Favorites. ...
  6. Listen to Your Playlist and Make Harsh Edits.
Oct 15, 2021

What are good dance ideas? ›

A Super Long List of Dance Themes
  • Masquerade Ball.
  • Under the Sea.
  • Around the World.
  • Through the Decades.
  • Enchanted Forest.
  • Hollywood.
  • A Night in Paris.
  • Disco Fever.
Sep 21, 2020

What makes a good dance floor? ›

In addition to being sprung, your flooring of choice needs to be slip-resistant while also allowing for your preferred maneuverability. For example, ballet dancers who spend a significant amount of time on pointe benefit from floors that support their joints while offering them a sense of stability and security.

What not to do at a tea party? ›

These are just as important as the list of things you should do:
  • Don't lift your pinky. ...
  • Don't add the milk first. ...
  • Don't add milk to white or green tea. ...
  • Don't forget to use the strainer. ...
  • Don't stir your tea like you're beating cake mix. ...
  • Don't leave your spoon in the cup after you stir it.
Aug 18, 2021

How many people should be at a tea party? ›

Victorian tea parties typically had 8 guests, but you can invite as many or as few people as you like. Invites should always go out at least two weeks before a party.

How long should a tea party last? ›

Ideally, your tea party should last around two to three hours, but this variable will ultimately depend on the type of crowd you've invited. Children may want to stay a bit longer, but an event that's too long can lead to a tantrum or two.

How do you throw an inexpensive tea party? ›

Here are some fabulous tea party recipes:
  1. Apricot Cream Scones (serve with lemon curd)Spinach-Sausage Egg Bake (call it quiche for class)
  2. Hash Brown Quiche (this is delicious)
  3. Cucumber Mint Tea Sandwiches.
  4. Cucumber Tea Sandwiches(this sandwiches are pictured above)
  5. This site has a fabulous list of tea sandwiches.
Mar 13, 2021

Can woman wear pants to a tea party? ›

Dress pants or slacks are totally fine for men or women to wear as long as they're tailored to fit you perfectly. Wear a stylish blouse or shirt with the pants and consider throwing on a light blazer to make your outfit look really put together.

What are the 7 elements for making and serving tea? ›

Seven Steps to Great Tea
  • Step 1: Use Good Tea. This almost always means loose leaf tea. ...
  • Step 2: Use Good Water. ...
  • Step 3: Measure Your Tea. ...
  • Step 4: Measure the Water Temperature. ...
  • Step 5: Time Your Steep. ...
  • Step 6: Allow for Full Leaf Expansion. ...
  • Step 7: Stop the Steep.
Feb 18, 2016

Do you talk during a tea ceremony? ›

At the beginning of tea ceremony, when the host and the guests first meet, no one should speak, just bow to each other in silence. Then, while thick tea (koicha) 濃茶 is prepared, everybody keeps quiet. After the thick tea is served, only the main guest is allowed to speak to the host.

What is the LGBT dance style? ›

Waacking is a form of dance that originated in the gay clubs of the 1970s in California from the African American and Latinx population.

What is Daddy dancing? ›

Meaning of dad dancing in English

dancing to pop music by older men, in a style that people think is funny or embarrassing: Dad dancing tops the lists of things parents do that embarrass their children.

What is the forbidden dance called? ›

Carimbó Also known as the forbidden dance, from the time that Brazil was a Portuguese colony, Carimbó was a common dance in the northern part of the country. Carimbó was a loose and very sensual dance which involved many spins by the female dancer, who typically wore a rounded skirt.

What is the black powder put in the tea in Bridgerton? ›

The powder that Rosheuvel snorts during filming is a dyed sugar. "I think it's like glucose stuff. At the end of the day I'm like, yeah, wild sugar rush," Golda Rosheuvel told Decider. "It's harmless, it's fine.

What do they call menstruation in Bridgerton? ›

Courses is an older, fancier way of saying “menses,” or a period. In the Bridgerton time period, the presence or absence of someone's period was essentially the only way of determining whether or not she could bear children or was pregnant, so much is made of courses by the women on the show.

What did Kate put in her tea in Bridgerton? ›

In episode 3 of Bridgerton Season 2, we see Kate splitting the difference to make do; crushing cardamom pods right into her teacup in the hopes of flavoring whatever she has been served. It's a quiet, almost stealthy action — easy to overlook for anyone around her, unless she does this right at the tea table.

Why are nutcracker so expensive? ›

Why Are Collectible Nutcrackers More Expensive? Just like any collectible item, the nutcracker's value is decided by its brand, material, rarity, and craftsmanship. Additionally, the making of a quality nutcracker is not something that can be done overnight.

Why do they call it a nutcracker? ›

Why are they called wooden toy soldier nutcrackers? Because the first nutcrackers were made as replicas of soldiers and other figures of authority. The common folk took great enjoyment in having the ruling people working for them, cracking their "hard nuts of life".

Why is nutcracker so special? ›

According to German folklore, nutcrackers we given as keepsakes to bring luck to the family and protect the home. It is said that they represent strength and power and watches over the family keeping evil spirits and danger away.

How many sandwiches per person for afternoon tea? ›

TEA-TIME TIPS

Allow 3-4 sandwiches per person. But don't prepare them too early as they will either go soggy or dry out.

Do you serve coffee at a tea party? ›

Even though its a tea party, you should serve coffee for the coffee drinkers. You may also serve hot chocolate. The cups and saucers are placed at the left of the tray, from the viewpoint of the person pouring the tea.

How many finger foods for a party? ›

A good rule of thumb for a dinner party, allow for 6 appetizers per person. For a cocktail party consider making 12 appetizers per person.

What do you put in a platter? ›

Dips, relishes, fruit paste, fresh fruit or vegetable pieces, dried fruit, cured deli meats, olives etc. The possibilities are endless!

What is best served with tea? ›

Tea should be served with both savoury and sweet snacks. There should be sandwiches, scones, pastries and cakes—served in this order: Savoury (finger sandwiches with various fillings); neutral (scones, crumpets, buns); sweet (cakes, biscuits, pastries).

What do you bring to a tea party potluck? ›

Some of the favorites that we've had are:
  • tea sandwiches (cucumber dill, salmon, egg salad, chicken salad, ham and cream cheese, tomato basil)
  • pinwheel sandwiches.
  • scones (with jam and/or lemon curd)
  • chocolate covered strawberries.
  • biscuits and jam.
  • veggie tray.
  • fruit tray.
  • fruit pizza.
Jan 13, 2015

What is the correct order for afternoon tea? ›

The correct order to enjoy the food that accompanies afternoon tea is savory to sweet: sandwiches first, then scones, and sweets last. You can use your fingers to eat all three courses. To eat a scone, you simply break it in half with your fingers.

Who pours the tea at a tea party? ›

The host will pour the tea for guests. Scatter carafes for cream and bowls of sugar within easy reach. Each place setting should consist of a teacup, saucer, teaspoon, snack plate, napkin, and whatever utensils guests will need for the refreshments.

What is the first thing you do when served the tea? ›

What is this? Afternoon tea etiquette is to eat the sandwiches first, then the scones, then the pastries. Some places will serve the food in courses, so you won't have to worry about remembering the order.

What are the rules of a tea party? ›

It's customary for the person doing the hosting to pour the tea out, and for the teapot to be left on the table with the spout facing the person who poured. If sat at a table, the proper manner to drink tea is to raise the tea cup, leaving the saucer on the table, and to place the cup back on the saucer between sips.

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