With Spring on the horizon, social calendars begin to fill up again after a winter hiatus. Easter is the first big holiday to appear on the spring calendar for many people. Mother's Day is quick to follow. Here are three easy ways to style your next tea party (or brunch or luncheon) for maximum effect.
#1 Flowers, Always Flowers
Tea and flowers are a natural combination that reminds us of all things leisure and romance. Including flowers on your tea table is a wonderful and simple way to elevate your event. For the adventurous host, look for unique seasonal blooms. You may be surprised by some of the exotic wonders produced on your local flower farms.
Last September I ordered these amazing "Breakout" dahlias from Westwind Flowers in Orange Virginia for a pop-up shop event. To say these dahlias were the "Belle of the Ball" is an understatement. A few sturdy stems brought so much joy to everyone who stopped by my tent that I promised myself that I'd always buy fresh flowers for my pop ups.
If you need floral inspiration, there are wonderful books that provide it in spades. Two of my favorites are Erin Benzakein's Floret Farm's A Year in Flowers (2020) and Charlotte Moss Flowers (2021). If books could raise the dead, these two publications would do it. A Year in Flowers has amazingly practical step-by-step instructions and "recipes" for creating centerpieces, vignettes, and other eye-catching arrangements. The flower index is a wonderful guide for selecting seasonal blooms from your yard or local grocery store. Charlotte Moss Flowers is a feast for the eyes. Every page is a full of gorgeous examples of the transformative power that flowers can have on our homes, our spirits, and our memories. From single flower arrangements to whimsical displays in unusual containers, this book will provide ample inspiration for decorating your home with flowers.
If a DIY arrangement isn't your style, be sure to stop by your local florist. In addition to beautiful centerpieces, many florists sell flowers by the stem for just a few dollars each. A handful of fabulous blooms in a pretty vase will instantly upgrade your tea table. I always have my eyes open at antique stores and thrift shops for pretty cut glass vases, ceramic urns, or other unique vessels.
Just be mindful of height—if the flowers are destined for your tea table, make sure they don't impede anyone's view. The blooms (vase and all) should be no taller than the distance from your elbow to your wrist.
In lieu of fresh blossoms, look to your china. I found these wonderful Wedgwood plates in the pattern "Charnwood" at a consignment shop last year. Even in the depths of winter, the saturated colors, whimsical branches, and lavender butterflies bring the beauty of nature to life on my table. Drawing a color scheme from your floral china makes the table feel cohesive and inviting even without the presence of fresh flowers.
#2 Include All the Shapes and Sizes
When planning your menu, include various shapes and sizes as well as combinations of colors and textures. Even if shapes repeat, try to vary the size and presentation of each item. Below, a frosted fairy cake, vanilla macarons, and a cheese scone all have a circular shape, but the finishes, textures, and size of each item varies. By plating the macarons on their sides, they show off their little "feet" and downplay the fact that they are the same shape as the other items on the plate. A simple piece of shortbread helps to break things up with a rough dusting of sanding sugar and rectangular shape. Simple but interesting.
Afternoon tea is, by definition, a luxurious affair. By including different shapes, textures, and flavors, we create a sense of luxury. Our eyes and palates will be satisfied by the variety. Even if you only serve three items (a tea sandwich, a scone, and a biscuit), paying close attention to the shape, flavor, and texture of each item will elevate your menu without requiring a full-time chef.
If you don't know where to start when planning a menu, look to the tea you want to serve. Pair strong teas with strong flavors and delicate teas with delicate flavors. For example, because Earl Grey is a full-bodied tea with notes of citrus it pairs extremely well with something like smoked salmon tea sandwiches. The strong smokey flavor of the salmon doesn't overwhelm the robust black tea. Plus, both the tea and the salmon benefit from a splash of lemon.
#3 A Favor, If You Please
Consider including a party favor for your guests at your next tea event. While not a requirement of afternoon tea, it can be a lovely gesture, especially if you're celebrating a special event or visitor. In the past, it was not uncommon for tea parties to be thrown in honor of a friend visiting from out-of-town. How delightful is that? Although we often think of favors at weddings and children's birthday parties, there's no reason why a small gesture of gratitude can't be expressed at a tea party as well.
Favors aren't expensive or extravagant. A small tin of the loose leaf tea you're serving is very appropriate. Your local craft store will sell small food-safe containers in tin, glass, or even plastic that suit the purpose wonderfully.
In this photo, I've used beautifully hand-decorated sugar cookies from a local cookie artist as a pretty edible favor. The floral shape adds extra magic to the tea table along with a hint of nostalgia. And because they're individually wrapped, guests can choose to enjoy the cookies at the table or take them home.
Whatever you choose as a favor, it should match the theme of the day and be something your guests will enjoy. It should also be small and unobtrusive enough that it doesn't overwhelm the table or the recipient. A favor is merely a symbol of gratitude and appreciation shown by the host for their guests.
5 Simple Tea Party Favors
Mini tins of loose leaf tea
Decorated sugar cookies
Pretty chocolates, individually wrapped
A silver plated teaspoon
A small jar of jam or honey
A favor is not the same thing as a place card. As a general rule, place cards are not often used at tea time. Although they've seen a resurgence on social media for themed tea parties, etiquette dictates they should not be used for parties of fewer than six guests. Furthermore, the host and hostess never use place cards at their own settings since it's understood that they will preside over the heads of the table.
Personally, I love place cards at dinner. Nonetheless, I rarely use them at tea time. Because Afternoon Tea is such an intimate affair, I prefer to allow my guests to sit where they feel comfortable. Adding too many embellishments to your table (no matter how charming) can make the whole event feel cluttered and contrived. A tea party is best styled with three important concepts in mind namely, simplicity, utility,
While these styling tips are simple, they can have quite an impact. Small details like local flowers, thoughtful favors, and a prettily composed plate of refreshments are everyday luxuries that many of us just don’t find time for these days. And because they are rare in our day to day activities, these little tokens of pleasure, ease, and luxury become all the more special when we do run across them.
And especially when we enjoy them at tea time.
What styling tip would you try?
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