In celebration of mothers on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 8th — and all the special women in your life — host an outdoor tea party in your own backyard.
 |
| Photo : Robin Stubbert |
Charming Centerpiece
When tea is served to friends in a lovely corner of the yard or garden, something enchanting happens. Women's voices ring in May breezes. There is laughter. And in the dappled sunlight, at a table set with favorite china, delicate confections, and tea sandwiches, affections are renewed. To transform a weekend afternoon into a tea party for the women you admire most, begin with inspiration from the garden.
|
More from Country Living : |
 |
| Photo: Robin Stubbert |
Pastel Table
Fanciful, intimate, and simple to prepare, a tea party is a party like no other. Set the scene with fragrant branches of lilacs and vintage china adorned with English rose motifs. Floral-print napkins, silver teaspoons, tiered serving pieces, and a dash of pastel-colored sugar all add a touch of romantic grandeur. And a chandelier hanging from a tree branch lends the affair sophisticated charm.
 |
| Photo: Robin Stubbert |
Vibrant Flowers
Extravagant blooms, such as garden roses, lupines, peonies, and lilacs, set the scene, as do lush arrangements in pitchers filled with flowers from your own garden or a market.
 |
| Photo: Robin Stubbert |
Vintage Teacups
For ease and eclectic style, mix your teacups and teapots. Combine finds from thrift or antiques shops and discount stores. Or borrow a few pieces from your mother or aunt.
 |
| Photo: Robin Stubbert |
Antique Teaspoons
Present mismatched teaspoons in a vintage sugar bowl.
 |
| Photo: Robin Stubbert |
Colorful Spread
Choose floral-print paper party napkins, or make your own from a remnant of cotton fabric and pinking shears. And give each guest her teacup for a party favor.
 |
| Photo:Robin Stubbert |
The Teas
Treat guests to teas they love — and some they've never tried. In celebration, serve cups of Harney & Sons caffeine-free Mother's Bouquet Tea, which combines chamomile, rosebuds, and citrus flavors. And consider a blooming organic tea; its petals unfurl in water (vivaterra.com). Include a traditional blend by Fauchon. Set out milk, honey, and sugar — in cubes or in pastel colors.
 |
| Photo: Robin Stubbert |
Menu Ideas
Served with tea, finger foods — tea sandwiches, bite-size cookies, and tiny tarts — sweeten the pot. They also minimize the need for dishes.
 |
| Photo: Robin Stubbert |
Fruit Tarts
To ease preparation, fill store-bought tartlet shells with fresh conserves.
 |
| Photo: Robin Stubbert |
Lawn Chairs & Games
After tea, plan a relaxed activity, such as a game of croquet, or a match of badminton. Games inspire playful banter, and being up from the table allows guests to mingle anew.
More from Country Living:
