FAQs

the experience

  • Our full service tea parties include the complete setup for you to host an afternoon tea at your venue, including

    • your chosen menu

    • specialty teas

    • china

    • three-tiered stands

    • tableware

    • table styling with linens, florals, and décor

    • setup and cleanup

    • 2 hours of service

    Food Only includes

    • your chosen menu

    • specialty teas with brewing guidance

    • packed in bakery boxes

    • ready to arrange and serve

  • Yes. With Food Only, we prepare your menu and deliver it ready to arrange and serve at your home, office, or venue.

  • Our full service tea party includes a friendly, professional, trained staff member for a 2 hour duration.

    We recommend 1 staff per 10-12 guests for optimal service.

  • We don’t provide tables and chairs, but we’re happy to get you a rental quote from one of our preferred vendors.

    Please contact us for rates and availability.

  • Our standard tea parties last 2 hours.

    We are happy to adjust your quote for an extended duration if desired.

    Our staff requires additional time for setup (60-120 minutes) and tear down (45-60 minutes). It is the hosts’ responsibility to ensure venue access for the complete duration.

  • Yes, absolutely. If you have a specific theme or design in mind, we’d be happy to talk it through and put together a custom quote.

    Let’s Talk

the packages

+ menu

  • True to tradition, our afternoon tea consists of a selection of

    • teas and tisanes

    • gourmet savories including finger sandwiches, tarts, quiches, and other bite sized delicacies

    • delicate mini desserts including cakes, tartlets, madeleines, cheesecakes, macarons, and other small pastries

    • freshly baked scones with accompaniments

  • Yes, we do! We love creating afternoon teas for our little guests. Our menu is designed with them in mind, and we offer many items suitable for children.

    Please contact us if you’d like specific recommendations.

  • Our menu items rotate seasonally to keep things fresh. You can view the complete menu currently on offfer here: MENU

  • Our tea menu consists of black, white, green, oolong, pu-erh, and herbal tisanes. These include a range of delicious flavors - fresh, citrusy, floral, earthy, warm, and spicy to name just a few.

    All teas are provided as individual silky pyramid sachets that can be brewed by the host / server at the tea station or by guests directly in their cups.

    Simple, easy-to-follow brewing instructions are included with the teas.

    See complete list here.

  • At this time, we do not offer gluten-free or vegan menus.

    All our food is prepared in a single kitchen, and cross-contamination with allergens is possible. If you have allergy-related concerns, please contact us before booking.

booking & payments

  • Start by choosing your desired package, theme, and menu items.

    Then send us your request to book. We’ll review everything and send you a custom quote and booking information by email.

  • We accept bookings anywhere from 1 week to 6 months in advance, depending on availability. Early booking is always recommended, especially for weekends, holidays, and popular dates.

  • Yes, we do require a minimum order value of $650, excluding tax, delivery / service fees.

  • To secure your reservation, a 50% payment is required at the time of booking. This includes a 25% non-refundable retainer and a 25% deposit.

    The remaining 50% balance is due 1 week prior to your event.

  • We understand plans change and will do our best to accommodate adjustments within reason.

    Final guest counts must be confirmed one week before your event.

    Changes may affect pricing.

  • We understand plans change and will do our best to work with you to rebook within 6 months of the original date, subject to availability.

    Bookings cancelled more than 1 week before the event will be refunded the full deposit.

    Retainer fee is not refundable at any time.

    Exact dates for your refund window will be clearly mentioned in your agreement.

  • Unfortunately no, the retainer fee is non-refundable.

    Once received, we book your event, and hold the date exclusively for you.

    Your retainer fee goes towards our planning and preparation, including purchasing inventory, reserving staff, and coordinating with vendors as needed. Since we begin this process immediately upon confirmation, we are unable to refund the retainer.

delivery & logistics

  • Setup takes 60 - 120 minutes; tear-down requires 45 - 60 minutes.

    This will depend on your guest count, and the complexity of the tablescape.

    We will confirm the exact arrival / pickup windows with you in advance to make sure we have access to the venue, and everything is ready well before your guests arrive.

  • We charge a flat delivery fee based on distance from our kitchen location

    • 1 - 25 miles: $35

    • 25 - 40 miles: $55

  • Our tea parties can be booked Wednesday to Sundays with 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm start time.

    For bookings outside this window, please contact us.

  • Our standard packages are available for groups of 8 to 40 guests.

    For larger events, please contact us and we’ll be happy to put together a custom quote for you.

  • Casa Zaara creates afternoon tea experiences for all kinds of occasions - birthdays, bridal showers, baby showers, corporate gatherings, retreats, graduations, group home or social club celebrations, and retirements. If you have something a little different in mind, we’d love to hear about it.

  • We serve all of San Diego County. Delivery fees are based on distance from our kitchen.