Here's the thing, though, I have a basic disbelief in PERFECT in this life. So, all of these articles and posts about hosting the "perfect tea party" don't really ring my bell. They have some great ideas, some really fun ideas, but a hostess that is stressing over perfection is never my idea of a good time. Especially if I am that hostess.
My umbrella rule is streamline the non essentials and have fun with the essentials.
#1. Dress code is up to you, or better yet, up to your guests! People are more fun when they are comfortable, and each of us has a "dress" that we are most comfortable in. My friend Sasha (check out her amazing photos on her Facebook page, Natural Portraits) loves living her life in jeans and a T shirt and doesn't feel anything is REALLY worth a different clothing option. Me, I love a costume and my mood dictates my wardrobe. Neither of us care what YOU are wearing, though.
This video from Harney and Sons is a great one for the diversity of the Tea Table.
#2. Teaware with a story instead of the "perfect set." I have 27 teapots, and only a few of them are accompanied by sugar, creamers and more than 2 tea cups and saucers. I love setting out a selection of mismatched teacups and allowing everyone to choose the cup they will drink from. Delicate china cups with handles sit next to sturdy pottery Japanese style cups, and each of them calls to a different character in my tribe. I love that. (I also love that I don't have to worry about labeling the cups because they are all different.)
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| My "designed for me" shelf from Tyler at Dovetails & Tenons |
#3. Before I talk about decorations, it is important you know that I am, at heart, a theater person. I love staging and setting the atmosphere, and I am very good at it. For 17 years my identity was wrapped up in being one of the best at it. So, by all means, decorate for your party. But, please, don't stress over that process, and by all that is holy don't go broke for it!
You want your decorations to help you set the mood, so there is no one answer for what is best. However, 1 or 2 focal pieces can really set it up for you.
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| This is the centerpiece for a Murder on the Orient Express Tea for my book club. Just a few pieces from the book really set the scene. |
One thing that helps me with my Hodge Podge approach to Teaware is having a simple "canvas" to lay it all out on, unifying place mats...I think we'll save the details of decorating for another post. I could easily run down the rabbit hole talking about this one ;). Let's just say that a solid tablecloth and simple place mats allow your teaware to shine.
#4. Food can be simple, themed,
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| My homemade CranApple pie, rustic and delicious. |
fancy or potluck.
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| Delicious Rhubarb Cake from Cafe Europa, their bakery menu is a win every time. |
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| This trio of desserts was served at Tea Market's Spring Afternoon Tea, everything is plated and ready to be delivered when the tea is served. |
#5. Tea.
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| A delicious shop blend from Tea Market, Shalimar marries a darkly oxidized oolong with berries, citrus and other fruit. |
Honestly, I'm prejudiced here (I also think I'm right ;). Spend the time to find good, quality tea. Engage with the people in your local tea shop. Dip your toe into the world of loose leaf tea, it's a delicious journey.
My pro tip is to have the dry tea leaves portioned out and sitting beside the tea pot(s) you are going to brew before the party begins AND to have an electric kettle for heating the water. They are so fast!
The general rule for amount of tea is at least 4 cups of tea for each guest. If you make too much, no stress, you'll have DELICIOUS iced tea later.
To sum up, remember that a tea party is a moment to enjoy your guests and the Party is the excuse for it. It isn't about all of the picture perfect moments, or even delicious tea. It is about taking time in life for a "purposeful pause" and sharing it with people you enjoy.
be fruitful,
Karlie
