It’s Officially ‘Hot Tea Summer’—Here’s What That Means

I’m about to turn 30, so I’ve started exploring potential party themes. Call it embracing my inner anglophile or simply needing some extra caffeine and carbs as I enter my 30s, but all I want to do is host a tea party (or a thir-tea-eth birthday, if you will)—and I’m not alone. Elegant tea parties are one of the many summer trends, according to Pinterest’s latest report. 

We can also thank Netflix and Shonda Rhimes for this surge in summer soirees. “Bridgerton tea party” searches have increased by a whopping 430 percent, likely because of the Bridgerton season three release in mid-May.

Courtesy of Netflix

To dream up your own Bridgerton-esque tea party, there are plenty of products to help you toast to the summer season. Williams Sonoma has a countdown calendar inspired by the show, complete with shortbread, jam, and tea bags. Netflix also collaborated with The Republic of Tea and visual artist Sue Tsai to create a floral tea set, and Georgia-based company Seven Sisters Scones has released a box set with mini scones, jams, lemon curd, tea bags, clotted cream, and invitations.

Courtesy of Williams-Sonoma

Beyond Bridgerton, other tea terms are trending: high tea food ideas (+177%), afternoon tea party ideas (+165%), and floral tea party (+160%). Other popular party ideas, courtesy of Pinterest? Expect to see more themed dinner parties, from fairy fêtes to coastal celebrations.

As you prepare to serve tea to your guests, keep in mind that you can swap out the classic Earl Grey and English Breakfast for a more original recipe. There’s been a lot of interest in bold flavors for hot and iced tea drinks, too, including Persian tea (+550%), matcha milk tea (+170%), strawberry iced tea (+105%), coco milk tea (+90%), and lemon iced tea (+90%). 

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