Tea in the Garden
Inviting friends over for tea in the garden does not have to be a huge event. You can make it as “fancy” as you like. Seating, a few tables or other things to set drinks on, vintage vases with a few fresh picked flowers, vintage dinnerware just for a touch of fancy, and lots of yummy treats are all you really need. To make it even simpler, you could ask guests to bring a small dish or have it catered. One thing that I would suggest is to transfer the food to matching serving dishes just to add to an elegant atmosphere.
Decor and Informal Seating
As far as decor goes, I am thinking of a vintage or repurposed tablecloth on the food table and intimate seating for guests scattered around the space. You might add a few bud vases; however, your garden can be the flowers. Teapots and candles look really nice as well. Don’t go overboard with decor or tables…let your garden shine.
Small vintage metal or wood tables need very little adornment…maybe a doily or runner or not. Benches here or there along with a few chairs and perches for drinks and your seating arrangement is complete. I love unconventional seating and small tables such as a quilt on the ground or a large rock or stump.
Paper versus “Real”
In my family, we use real dinnerware most of the time. I think it is one way that we can reduce waste. Dishwasher safe items make cleanup pretty easy as well. Pretty paper plates and napkins could certainly be used in the event that you don’t have enough dinnerware for everyone or if you just want to make cleanup a breeze.
Use Vintage Collections
Something that I have that I can’t wait to use are vintage glass luncheon plates that I have been picking up here and there. They are the perfect size for small bites, and the punch cups will be awesome repurposed as dip containers.
I love the thought of old silverware as well. I keep coming across it and selling it in the shop; however, I am sort of regretting not keeping a full set for myself. There is just something romantic about tarnished silverware wrapped in a beautiful napkin.
Goblets are also a must if you want to have elegant dinners or brunches or teas every now and again. They don’t have to be expensive or new. Honestly, I like vintage, mismatched goblets the best! You can get a lot of them much more affordably than buying new ones.
Pretty vintage teacups are so important for a garden tea. Collect a bunch of them in pretty patterns and colors. Your guests will feel so special having a “spot” of tea in them!
Menu
Savory Options
Vegetables and dip
Spinach dip in a Hawaiian bread bowl
Cheese ball or mini cheese balls
Vegetable pizza
Tortilla pinwheels
Ham roll ups
Benedictine sandwiches
Hot brown dip
Turkey salad on croissants or with crackers
Sausage balls
Sliders: ham, turkey or hot brown
Skewers of olives, cheese, prosciutto
Baked chips
Cheese board
Sweets
Mini cupcakes
Lavender sugar cookies
(other cookies according to the season)
Fruit pizza (or cookies)
Scones
Biscotti
Fruit and dip
Mini Bundt cakes
Cake pops
Chocolate dipped fruit
Drinks
Herbal teas, sugar cubes, cream
Lemonade
Iced tea
Water with fruit
Punch
Entertainment
Visiting with friends is all the entertainment that I require; however, soft music can add a touch of elegance unless it is morning and you want to hear the birds singing. I think a short reading could also be fun. If you want to have something more hands-on, I encourage you to try a nature craft such as a flower crown or fairy garden, which can be fun for all ages. Another idea that I like is “Share your favorite.” I might suggest categories such as a favorite poem, book, artist or piece of art, or song.
Tea in the Garden
Hosting tea in the garden is a great way to celebrate a birthday or a wedding. However, it doesn’t have to be a celebration of anything besides friendship and family.
