Great — here are curated suggestions and practical tips for choosing tea cafés that work best for group hangouts and celebrations, plus what to ask when you book. I’ve organized this so you can pick the vibe you want (casual, fancy, private) and get a smooth, memorable event.

Types of tea cafés that work well for groups

• Afternoon‑tea salons (hotel tea rooms, specialty tea houses): Elegant, set menus (savory bites, scones, sweets). Best for birthdays, bridal/baby showers, milestone celebrations. Often offer private/semi‑private rooms or the ability to reserve a section.
• Tea houses with private rooms: Teahouses that explicitly advertise private rooms or event packages — great when you want exclusive space, a dedicated server, or to bring decorations and gifts.
• Bubble‑tea cafés that host events: Casual, lively, usually flexible with food/entertainment. Good for younger crowds, informal celebrations, game nights.
• Cultural tea houses (Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Middle Eastern): Unique ambience and often suitable for intimate/cultural celebrations. Some offer ceremony demonstrations or special multi‑course services.
• Multi‑use tea cafés / community tea spaces: Host workshops, tastings, and private parties. They often include a tea sommelier/host to lead tastings, which gives your group an activity.
• Hotel/high‑end venues (luxury hotels, historic tea rooms): Best for very formal celebrations; they usually handle large groups and offer premium add‑ons (champagne, floral, photography).

How to choose the right spot

• Group size vs. space: 6–12 people often fit at a large communal table; 12–25 needs semi‑private space; 25+ usually requires an entire room or buy‑out. Check the venue’s stated capacities.
• Ambience: Decide if you want quiet and cozy (conversation), interactive (tastings/ceremony), or festive (music, bubbly).
• Food & menu flexibility: For celebrations you’ll likely want set packages (afternoon tea tiers) or the ability to add a cake, dietary options (vegan, gluten‑free), and alcohol (sparkling wine, tea cocktails).
• Private/semi‑private options and décor rules: If you want to bring balloons, banners, or a cake table, confirm venue policies in advance.
• Noise & accessibility: Ask about noise levels, ADA access, restroom count, and parking or transit nearby.
• Price & minimums: Many venues have per‑person pricing or a minimum spend for private spaces. Confirm deposits, cancellation policy, and gratuity rules.

Key questions to ask when you call or email to reserve

• Do you take group reservations and is there a minimum/maximum?
• Do you offer private or semi‑private rooms? If yes, what are capacities and fees (deposit/minimum spend)?
• What are your celebration packages (menu, price per person, length of service)?
• Can you accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies?
• Are we allowed to bring decorations, cake, or a photographer? Any extra fees?
• What is your cancellation and deposit policy?
• Do you provide a printed menu/place settings, and do you supply a gift table/gift drop area?
• Is Wi‑Fi available? Can we play our own music or use a mic?

Typical celebration setups & timelines

• Light hangout (1–1.5 hours): Tea flight + pastries for casual meetups.
• Afternoon tea party (1.5–2.5 hours): Multi‑course savory/sweet service — ideal for showers and birthdays.
• Private event (2–4 hours): Room hire or buy‑out with plated service or buffet, possibly dessert/cake service and drinks.
• Tasting/workshop (60–90 minutes): Tea tasting led by a host — good as an activity to anchor the event.

Budget guidelines (typical ranges, vary by city/venue)

• Casual bubble‑tea / café meetup: $8–$20 per person.
• Standard afternoon tea: $30–$65 per person.
• Luxury hotel/high tea or private packages: $65–$150+ per person (plus drinks, gratuity).
• Private room hire: small fee or minimum spend; full buyouts depend heavily on city and venue.

Decoration & celebration etiquette

• Keep decorations low profile on serving tables (many tea services are delicate).
• Respect venue rules about balloons/open flames/confetti.
• If bringing a cake, let venue know — some charge a plating fee or corkage‑style fee for outside desserts.

Mini checklists to bring to your booking

• Date, desired timespan, number of guests (best, minimum, max)
• Menu preferences/dietary needs
• Purpose of celebration (birthday, shower, corporate) — they’ll tailor service
• Contact person, deposit/payment method, cancellation timeline
• Any extras: cake, flowers, photographer, AV

How to find the best local options quickly

• Search “[city] afternoon tea reservations” or “[city] tea house private room” and read recent reviews.
• Check the venue website or event/parties page for explicit “private events” info.
• Look at Instagram for photos of parties to judge ambiance and capacity.
• Call — staff are usually happy to describe packages, show photos, and block dates.

If you want, I can:

• Pick 6–10 specific tea cafés tailored to your city (or a city you’ll be celebrating in) with direct contact/reservation tips and a recommended package based on group size.

Tell me the city or metro area and how many people, and I’ll list the best local options and what to ask each place when you call.