Simple Tea Party Ideas

Michelle Meyer

5 years ago

Table set for a tea party with pink and white flowers.

I’m so happy to share with you some of my simple tea party ideas that I use for setting a modern cottage style table. Dress it up or keep it casual, you just can’t go wrong, and far as I’m concerned there is always time for tea. While you’re here check out, “It’s A Spring Tea Party” Blog Hop, hosted by my friend Amber from Follow The Yellow Brick Home.

If you are joining me from White Arrows Home on the blog hop, welcome! I love Kristin’s tea cup collection.

This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. I may make a slight commission however that doesn’t affect the price you pay.

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Tea Party Ideas starting with Flowers

For me tea party ideas start with flowers, because I get to enjoy them before, during and after the party.

When I create a bouquet, I look for a variety of blooms, some big, some small and colors that will look best in my home. Then, I see what kind of filler or greenery is available, because that can be the game changer. The variegated greenery in this arrangement has an English garden feel, which influenced the cottage style vibe for the table.

I love using my vintage ironstone pitcher as a vase. To me cottage style and ironstone go hand in hand.

Flower tip: Did you know most grocery store floral departments receive their largest weekly flower delivery on Mondays? That’s right. When I shop early on Tuesdays, I always get the freshest flowers.

Table Linens and Place settings

I must confess I have a weakness for cloth napkins and kitchen towels. If there is a clearance sale somewhere on linens, I’m probably there.

Using color and pattern with linens can change the whole look of a table in seconds. Why stop with one? I used two styles of cloth napkins.

The navy gingham napkins are used like placemats under my white dishes. What do you think about those vintage 70s pink and orange linen napkins? I thought they would be fun to mix with the gingham and bring in an extra pop of spring color.

Each place setting has a sprig of rosemary and thyme tied with a gauzy pink ribbon. The herbs from my patio container garden are so fresh and fragrant I just had to bring them indoors.

By the way, I’m breaking with tradition by not using tea cups and saucers. When I’m serious about drinking tea, I really like slender tea mugs for keeping tea warm longer. It’s my modern cottage spin for this tea party.

Centerpiece

A centerpiece doesn’t have to be just a flower arrangement. Use a tray with a pretty kitchen towel in the center of the table for a big statement.

When space is limited use tiered trays and cake stands to show off delicious cakes, scones and biscuits.

Today’s tea party centerpiece follows the rule of threes, with a flower arrangement, a porcelain teapot and a bowl of strawberries. It’s an easy way to create a vignette that’s pleasing to the eye, and it works every time.

Tea Party Treats

Looking for ideas on what to serve at your next tea party? Well I have a few recipes to share that you are going to love, starting with my most recent Lemon Squares.