When people think Victorian, they often think high tea or garden party. For just a few hours, take a break from fast-paced, practical modern life and transport yourself and loved ones to a more genteel time, where ladies wore gloves and men wore coattails, and tea was a daily royal ritual in the mid-1800s to the early 1900s.

Of course when people think Victorian, they often think of extravagant table settings with doilies, ballrooms with chandeliers or classical music. But a Victorian Era Style Tea Party doesn’t have to be a grand affair. You can host high tea without converting your house into Downtown Abbey. Here are five simple steps to keep in mind when you planning your Tea Party:

Keep it cozy: Remember to keep your Tea Party to an intimate group of 8 to 10 guests.

Decorations: All you need are a some touches in a small room or in your garden to make it feel like a Victorian Era Style Tea Party — some mismatched tea set, finger foods and some flowers. Lots and lots of flowers.

Prepare light party fare: Finger foods are a must, along with traditional English black teas.

Lovely guest favors: Last but not least, it’s only fitting that your guests also come away from this tea party with gifts reminiscent of Victorian England.

At Mirelli Chocolatier, we have the perfect party favors for your Tea Party. Take our Victorian Themed Decorated Chocolate Bar or our Elegance in Lace and Pearl Decorated Chocolate Bar and right now, you get free shipping for any $100 order or more.

Follow these simple steps and you’ll be ready to be a proper tea party hostess!