Devotional

• A pastor, pastor's wife, women's director or special speaker can bring a short devotional in keeping with the theme of the tea party. If the tea party doesn't have a main focus, any topic will work, but anything relevant to women is especially appropriate. Keep the devotional within the allotted time frame so women have a chance to visit and participate in other activities.
  
  

Guided Sharing

• The women will probably be seated around tables, some with others they don't know well or even at all. Provide icebreakers for a time of sharing. This option, instead of games, helps women get to know each other and provides for interaction among the ladies. Classic options, such as sharing a favorite character from the Bible and why, encourage conversation. You can also opt for more light-hearted icebreakers, in the form of questions such as how you met your spouse, what animal you are most like or the quality you like the most about yourself.
  
  

Pampering

• Bring some pampering to the church. Call a local beauty school and see if students can come to the church to provide massages or facials. Offer manicures or pedicures, depending on your budget and how much time you have available. This time of relaxation will help busy women truly unwind. They can chat with other guests as well.
  
  

Parting Gifts

• Don't worry if your table and place settings don't match perfectly. If you buy your teacups for this occasion at thrift stores and yard sales, you can give one to each guest as a parting gift. These provide a beautiful touch. Guests will appreciate something that reminds them of their special afternoon.
  
  

Cookie Exchange

• While cookie exchanges peak in popularity during the holiday season, you can adapt one for any time of year. Every guest can bring several dozen of her favorite cookies. She should package these in groups of a dozen with the recipe attached, unless it is a carefully guarded family secret. They can also include an encouraging Bible verse or inspiring spiritual thought with their cookies. The cookies can all be placed on one big table. Women can then take turns picking out their cookies and should leave with the same amount they came with.