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Who says love is just for the young? Let’s take Valentine’s Day to the next level and throw an enchanting High Tea Party for our beloved seniors residing in aged care facilities! This heartwarming event brings joy and connection to the lives of our cherished seniors, creating lasting memories filled with laughter, love, and scrumptious treats.

Valentine’s Day, observed on February 14th, is a day to celebrate love and romance. Valentine’s Day is celebrated in many countries around the world, each adding its unique cultural touches to the festivities. While the customs may vary, the underlying theme of expressing love remains universal.

Here are different ways we can take this Valentine’s Day High Tea Party to the next level!


1. Create a Heartfelt Atmosphere with Decorations

  • Gather Residents for a Crafting Session: Bring residents together for a delightful crafting session to create Valentine’s Day decorations. Alternatively, consider purchasing budget-friendly decorations from discount stores.
image from TLC Aged Care
  • Utilize Wedding Decorations: Leverage the personal touch of your staff. Those recently married might have wedding decorations that could be repurposed for this special occasion.
image from Moran Aged Care

2. Set the Stage with an Elegant Table Setting

Prepare the Table: Set up a long trestle table in the activity room and cover it with a white tablecloth or a large white bed sheet. Enhance the table’s aesthetics with candelabras, small vases of flowers, and heart-shaped decorations.


3. Showcase Love Stories with Wedding Photos

Create a Photo Display: Invite residents and staff to contribute their wedding photos to create a heartwarming display on the long trestle table. This visual journey down memory lane adds a personal touch to the event.

image from St. Louis Aged Care

4. Add Elegance with Wedding Dresses

Display Wedding Dresses: If available, showcase wedding dresses by placing them on display, either hanging or on dressmakers’ dummies or mannequins. This adds a touch of elegance and nostalgia to the high tea.


5. Embrace Vintage Charm with Tea Cups and Cake Stands

Use Vintage China: If you have a collection of old tea cups and cake stands, incorporate them into the event. This vintage touch adds a charming and romantic element to the afternoon high tea.


6. Delight the Palate with Delectable Treats

Prepare Scrumptious Treats: Have the kitchen staff prepare a delightful assortment of small cakes, biscuits, tiny sandwiches, or even chocolate-coated strawberries. Serve them on cake plates and stands for an added touch of sophistication.

image from Landsowne Aged Care Facility

7. Make it Interactive with a Wedding Photo Guessing Game

Engage with a Game: Create a game by inviting everyone to guess which wedding photos belong to which staff and residents on display. Award a prize to the person with the most correct guesses.

image from TLC Aged Care

Also, consider incorporating a Valentine’s Day quiz for added fun.


8. Encourage Love Stories and Memories

Facilitate Conversations: Encourage everyone to share their wedding day stories and memories. This fosters a sense of connection and community, making the high tea not just an event but a shared experience.

image from Wixom, Mi Government

9. Set the Mood with Romantic Tunes

Create a Musical Ambiance: Enhance the atmosphere by playing romantic tunes in the background. Consider classics by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, or The Righteous Brothers to set a nostalgic and romantic tone for Valentine’s High Tea.

Romantic Valentine’s High Tea Playlist:

  • “L-O-V-E” – Nat King Cole
  • “Unchained Melody” – The Righteous Brothers
  • “Can’t Help Falling in Love” – Elvis Presley
  • “At Last” – Etta James
  • “Moon River” – Andy Williams
  • “What a Wonderful World” – Louis Armstrong
  • “Fly Me to the Moon” – Frank Sinatra
  • “Stand by Me” – Ben E. King
  • “Beyond the Sea” – Bobby Darin
  • “Something” – The Beatles
  • “La Vie En Rose” – Edith Piaf
  • “Your Song” – Elton John
  • “Just the Way You Are” – Billy Joel
  • “Unforgettable” – Nat King Cole, Natalie Cole
  • “When I Fall in Love” – Celine Dion, Clive Griffin

This carefully curated playlist includes timeless classics that will create a romantic and nostalgic ambiance for your Valentine’s High Tea.

By following these steps, you can create a memorable and heartwarming Valentine’s High Tea that residents will cherish.

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