By Lindsey D. 

Whether it’s a baby shower, bridal shower, birthday party or even just a get-together with friends, a garden tea party is a great theme for almost any outdoor occasion! Consider employing some of these dainty details for your next tea party soirée:
Invitations & Décor:

• Customizable teabags or small boxes of tea cookies make adorable invitations, favors and thank you cards for your guests. 
• Choose real table linens and napkins over paper or plastic ones if at all possible.
• Accent with lace and pastels. The colors will compliment the natural surroundings of spring, and the lace adds a whimsical and elegant feel to any tea party table setting.
• Consider bringing your dining room chairs outside for the event.  This will make you and your guests feel more sophisticated than if you all were sitting in lawn or outdoor chairs.
• Get creative by having your guests bring their own teacups-adding to both the décor and conversation of the party.
• Decorate with glass jars, biscuit & tea tins (old or new). Fill them with flowers to use as a centerpiece or simply scatter them around your table as décor.
• Mix high-quality silk flowers with real flowers to stretch a budget. Loose petals also add color and elegance guest tables or a buffet. 

Food & Drink
                Considering tea party catering? Maybe doing it yourself?  Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Use fun serving platters that match your theme-whether that be florals, pastels or even all white trays to complement your surroundings. 
• Other than teaspoons, no other cutlery should be used if possible. Go with small finger foods and dainty desserts to add a fun and sophisticated feel to your event.  Here are some simple finger food ideas that will satisfy your guests while maintaining the “feel” of your event:

                -Deviled eggs
                -Cheese & Crackers
                -Mini quiches
                -Scones/muffins
                -Fruit skewers or fruit cubes
                -Soup shooters
                -Tea sandwiches and pinwheels
                -Éclairs, cannolis, cookies, pound cake, mini cupcakes, lemon squares, tarts, etc.

• Don’t forget the tea! Try having a mix of sweet and unsweetened as well as hot & iced.
• An array of options helps please everyone, add lemonade & punch for the non-tea drinkers. Mimosas, champagne and sangria are great alcoholic additions, as they pair nicely with all aspects of your event!

Hosting a tea party? Pepper’s would love to see the pictures! Share them on our facebook wall—www.facebook.com/pepperscatering.
For more catering ideas visit www.pepperscatering.com
Picture credit: sillypucci