Simple Ideas for a Valentine Tea Time (including recipes, books, + handcrafts)

February 7, 2024 Treehouse Schoolhouse

I love to make holidays meaningful by switching up the lesson plan, adding in crafts, and teaching more in-depth about the roots of each holiday. Sometimes holidays sneak up on me, and I find myself rushing to plan and prepare. One simple thing I always have in my back pocket that makes a day special and takes very little planning is a themed tea time! 

Here are my steps and tips for hosting a simple love-themed tea time!

1. Make your guest list

You could invite grandparents and friends to join or keep it simple with just you and your children. Don’t forget about stuffed animals and dolls! My children always love surrounding the table with stuffed friends when we have Tea Time. If you want to get really fancy and fun, you could make homemade invitations to invite your children or other guests.

2. Choose your menu

To keep it really simple, you could offer store-bought cupcakes or cookies and some hot tea. If you have the time and want to, there are a ton of fun Valentine-themed recipes out there. One year we enjoyed these heart-shaped rice cereal treats and chocolate-covered strawberries. We also love this delicious pink herbal tea that’s a favorite in our house.

Here are some other fun Valentine recipes you may want to try:

Valentine Fruit Wands
Valentine Fruit Wands from A Few Short Cuts
Valentine Charcuterie
Valentine Charcuterie Board from Joy in the Commonplace
Valentine Fruit Pizza
Valentine Fruit Pizza from Doing Splendid
Strawberry Pie Hearts
Strawberry Pie Hearts from Lovely Little Kitchen

    3. Gather love-themed stories, poems, and scripture

    Start with the books you own. You might be surprised to discover how many stories and poems you have within the pages of the books in your home that are love-themed. If you have time to make a library run or go shopping for some books, here are 10 great love-themed picture books we enjoy:

    If you have older children and want to teach them about Saint Valentine and the roots of the holiday, I recommend this book:

    Saint Valentine by Robert Sabuda

    Another option is to focus on poetry and short stories, rather than picture books. You could also read 1 Corinthians 13 and taking a moment to talk about God’s love for us and how we can show love to others.

    4. Gather or create some simple Valentine’s decor

    Look around the house for anything pink or red! I have a spring-colored quilt I like to use as a tablecloth for tea parties. We also use a tea set I have hodge-podged together over the years from thrift stores. You could string up some homemade watercolor hearts, add some freshly picked flowers in a jar or vase, and light some beeswax candles. Let your children be a part of gathering items for the decor and don’t overthink or overcomplicate it. 

    5. Choose a heart-themed art project or handcraft

    One idea is to put out paper, stickers, and drawing materials to make some handmade valentine cards for friends. One year we made these simple clay nature hearts to give to friends. 

    Related: The Best Handcrafts for Children (+ Tips to Teach Them) and Homemade Christmas Gifts: 25+ Gifts for Children to Make

    Here are 5 more sweet handcrafts you may want to try at your tea time:

    Kid DIY Bird Feeder Valentine

    Heart Bird Feeders from Natural Beach Living

    Rainbow Heart Wall Hanging DIY Valentine
    Rainbow Heart Wall Hanging from Lil Blue Boo

    Heart Nature Weaving Craft
    Heart Nature Weaving Craft from Little Pine Learners

    Woven Heart Valentine Craft
    Woven Heart Craft from Fireflies and Mudpies

    No Sew Heart Pillow Valentine
    No-Sew Valentine’s Pillows from Moms & Crafters

    6. Give each child a love letter and/or small gift

    Before you end your special tea time, you could give each child a sweet love letter, sharing with them how special they are to you and why you love them! Along with the letter, you could include a small gift of a new book or stuffed animal.

    Related: Teaching our Children to be Encourages (+ FREE Valentine’s Cards)

    Will you be hosting a sweet and simple tea time for your loves for Valentine’s this year? If so, snap a photo and tag me on Instagram. I would love to see and share!

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