The holidays mean togetherness, good tidings, tree trimming…and festivi-teas! As a staple of the American Girl store experience, an afternoon tea with dolls is always a winning recipe for creating memories. And that magic can be created anywhere at home. Follow along to learn how you can create a delightful tea experience with your girl.
Some of the best tea party ideas can be found around your house, and the theme doesn’t have to be elaborate. A few coordinating colors and decorations go a long way to creating a par-tea!
Some festive tea party ideas include:
• Classic Christmas tea with plaid table linens, evergreen branches, and red-and-green accents
• Winter wonderland featuring snowy whites, silver decorations, and sparkling snowflakes
• Candy cane celebration with peppermint stripes, pink details, and sweet treats
• Storybook holiday tea inspired by beloved American Girl historical characters
Encourage each guest to bring an American Girl doll to join the celebration. Truly Me™ dolls, favorite historical characters, and even Bitty Baby® can all take part.
The best tea party decorations help transform an everyday table into something special.
Start with a festive tablecloth or runner, then add simple doll-sized decor like:
• Small wreaths or greenery
• Battery-operated tealights (pardon the pun!)
• Mini ornaments placed around the table
• Name cards for dolls
A holiday tea party doesn't require a fancy menu. Small bites often bring the biggest smiles to girls and their dolls. Consider serving:
• Mini sandwiches
• Fresh fruit
• Holiday cookies
• Scones or muffins
• Cheese cubes and crackers
• Hot chocolate, warm apple cider, or caffeine-free herbal tea
Looking for even more festive recipes? The American Girl® Tea Parties Cookbook is filled with creative ideas the whole family can make together before the party begins.
An American Girl tea party always includes one thing: her doll! When it’s time for a tea-lightful party, don’t forget the guest of honor. The American Girl’s Treat Seat Set fits securely on most tables so a doll can join for teatime—just like at the American Girl Café. It also comes with a teacup and plate. Another must-have is the Tea for Two Set. Girls can practice taking turns, using good manners, and pretending to host.
Historical characters make especially charming tea party guests. Dress them in their festive best and coordinate with your seasonal style.
Dolls can also host a tea party themselves! Set up the American Girl® Gourmet Kitchen and watch as her doll bakes cookies, prepares treats, and gets everything ready before guests arrive. If the tea party is just for dolls, the Kitchen Table for Two Set is a cozy spot for catching up with a friend.
And don’t forget other friends! Parents, siblings, cousins, and others always have a seat at the table.
No celebration is complete without a few tea party games to keep everyone laughing together.
Try activities like:
Holiday story circle
Have each girl add one sentence to a holiday story featuring everyone's dolls. The sillier the adventure becomes, the better.
Sugar cube stack
See who can carefully stack the tallest tower of sugar cubes before it tumbles over.
Guess the holiday treat
Blindfold players and have them identify festive flavors by smell or taste, such as peppermint, cinnamon, orange, or gingerbread.
Give guests something to remember the party long after the last cookie disappears.
Simple keepsake ideas include:
• Exchanging holiday teacups
• Making doll-sized place cards
• Creating friendship ornaments or bracelets
• Taking a group photo
The best holiday party ideas for girls aren't necessarily the biggest or most elaborate. Often, they're the ones that give children time to imagine, create, laugh, and spend meaningful moments together.
Whether you're hosting one guest or several, an American Girl holiday tea party combines storytelling, pretend play, festive traditions, and quality family time into one unforgettable afternoon. With favorite dolls, a cozy children’s tea set, delicious treats, and a little imagination, every holiday gathering becomes a celebration they'll remember for years to come.
Start by choosing a festive theme, decorating your table with seasonal touches, preparing kid-friendly treats, and planning simple activities. Include dolls in the celebration by setting places for them at the table and encouraging imaginative storytelling throughout the party.
You'll need a festive table, a kids’ tea set, holiday snacks, decorations, and fun activities. American Girl tea party accessories, dolls, and pretend play sets make the experience even more engaging.
Simple decorations like evergreen garlands, ornaments, holiday napkins, candles, winter florals, and themed table settings create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Adding place settings for dolls makes the table feel even more special.
American Girl dolls can sit beside each guest, join the pretend tea service, wear festive outfits, and participate in games throughout the celebration.
For a complete holiday tea party, consider the American Girl® Tea Party Set for Girls, the Tea for Two Set for 18-inch Dolls, the American Girl® Gourmet Kitchen for 18-inch Dolls, and the American Girl® Tea Parties Cookbook for recipes and inspiration. Pair them with your favorite Truly Me™, historical character, or Bitty Baby® dolls to create a festive experience everyone can enjoy.
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