The Best Picnic Ideas: Where to Host Your Afternoon Tea Party in Austin, Texas

There’s nothing quite like springtime in Austin, Texas. It’s the perfect season to get outside, soak up the sunshine, and enjoy a leisurely picnic. But why settle for the usual snacks when you can elevate the experience with afternoon tea? Whether you’re hosting in your own backyard or planning an outing around the city, Tea-To-Go brings a touch of English charm to any setting.

Afternoon Tea, Anywhere You Like

At Austin English Tea Company, we’re passionate about sharing a truly authentic English afternoon tea with our Texas community. From hand-selected teas to traditional teatime treats, everything we offer is inspired by our Lancashire heritage. You’ll get a taste of our beloved family recipes so that you know exactly what afternoon tea was like growing up at Nana’s house.

The concept of afternoon tea as we know it began as a time of solidarity between women in the home. They’d enjoy conversation and a light snack to tide themselves over between lunch and dinner. Suddenly, it blossomed into a full-scale, fashionable gathering for friends.

As its popularity grew, including with the men of the home, teatime ventured outdoors. Garden parties became a staple of the warmer months, offering fresh air, blooming flowers, and the familiar comforts of tea and treats under the sun.

Today, tea parties are known as a timeless tradition that continues to fit beautifully into special occasions with family, friends, and even workmates. It could be set on a dining table or styled as a whimsical picnic, but the heart of afternoon tea remains the same: good food, great company, and a moment to slow down and savor it all. With Tea-To-Go, you can bring this tradition wherever you please!

Want to book a table in our tearoom? See our available dates here!

Tips for Hosting a Delightful Picnic with Afternoon Tea

Take your afternoon tea experience out of the tearoom, and you have a delightful twist to any outdoor gathering. Here are some tips to help you craft an event that all of your guests will remember:

1. Pick up your picnic: With Tea-To-Go, you’re already halfway there with the best picnic menu! We’ll provide frittatas, tea sandwiches, Devonshire scones, lemon tea bread, millionaire shortbread, pistachio macarons, and of course your choice of tea.

2. Pack smart: Keep everything fresh with a classic picnic basket and a soft cooler bag. Don’t forget a blanket to sit on, or a few cushions for extra comfort.

3. Set the scene with style: Elegant china helps turn a picnic into a proper tea party. If you don’t have your own teacups, saucers, plates, or teapots, consider renting a set from us when you place your Tea-To-Go order.

4. Add a personal touch: A small bouquet of flowers and cloth napkins will take your spread up another notch. Even consider bringing a portable speaker to play light music—just be mindful of those around you.

5. Choose the perfect location: The right location can transform your picnic by setting the mood. You may opt for sitting under a shady tree, near a scenic lake, or in a garden surrounded by fresh flowers.

Five Fantastic Picnic Spots in Austin

Austin is known for its many green spaces, having prioritized the integration of nature into the city. That means you have plenty of spots to choose from, but here are some of our personal favorite picnic locations:

Mount Bonnell

For a bit of exercise with a big reward, climb the 106 steps to one of the city’s highest points. Once you reach the top of Mount Bonnell, you’ll find tables and breathtaking views of downtown Austin. You’ll work up an appetite for a peaceful, post-hike tea from nearly 800 feet in the sky.

Texas State Capitol

Steeped in history and shaded by sprawling trees, the Capitol grounds offer a stately spot for your tea party picnic. (Did you know that it’s recognized as one of the most distinguished state capitol buildings in the country?) The Texas State Capitol is a beautiful setting right in the heart of the city.

Zilker Park

A local favorite of Austinites, Zilker Park offers more than 350 acres of space. It’s home to three designated picnic sites, so you certainly have options for where to spread out your blanket and afternoon tea. After your meal, stroll through the Zilker Botanical Garden or enjoy a round of disc golf with your friends, date, or colleagues.

Mueller Lake Park

This gem is located in a vibrant East Austin neighborhood. Mueller Lake Park features 30 acres of green space, playgrounds, an outdoor amphitheater, and trails if you want to take a walk or go on a bike ride. It’s perfect for a laid-back afternoon with plenty to do if you want to stay a while—and the view of the lake will definitely make you want to!

Laguna Gloria

Art lovers will adore this lakeside escape as a backdrop for enjoying a tea experience. With a historic villa, contemporary art installations, and a serene sculpture garden, Laguna Gloria feels like a European getaway right here in Austin. Just be sure to get your advanced tickets at The Contemporary’s website because free admission is only on Thursdays.

You can also always find the Austin park nearest to you when you visit the local park directory.

There’s no better time to embrace the beauty of spring, so start planning some fun things to do in Austin, Texas today! Order our Tea-To-Go to make any special occasion even more special, indoors or outdoors. And keep in mind that you can also order scones for pick-up separately.