Ideas for a Tea Party Inspired Bridal Shower

If you're planning a bridal shower draw inspiration from Alice in Wonderland or an afternoon in the English countryside with an elegant, stylish tea party theme. Set the mood and get the guests in the mood for afternoon tea with tea party inspired invitations. You'll want to choose something understated and classic, such as a design featuring a teapot like this one from Announcing It. A Victorian floral pattern would also be suitable for announcing a tea party bridal shower.

When planning the party, consider using real linens as opposed to disposable paper tablecloths and napkins. Stick with muted colors like pale pinks, yellows, or blues. Alternate tables with beige and blue linens for added visual contrast. Traditionally, a tea party would require fine china from which to dine and drink, but that can be costly. To save money look for disposable paper products that have designs inspired by high end china, like the Caspari line sold at Plum Party. Decorate tables with lovely rose centerpieces nestled in pretty pink vases or tea pots. Smaller romantic centerpieces can be created by putting the blooms in vintage tea cups on top of lace doilies. Often, vintage teacups with matching plates can be found at thrift stores. With the addition of a simple name card tied to the handle with a pretty ribbon, flower-filled teacups can be used as a place holder to direct guests where to sit.

If sticking to tradition, full afternoon tea would have three courses: light sandwiches, scones, and tea cakes, however feel free to plan the menu in a way to best suit the tastes of the bride and the guests. Tea party sandwiches are small, crust-free, usually cut diagonally, and served on thinly sliced bread. What's Cooking America has recipes for tea sandwiches like cucumber sandwiches and chicken curry tea sandwiches. On that site you can also find inspiration and recipes for scones in flavors that vary from coconut scones to pumpkin scones to simply plain scones. Cupcakes are trendy, tasty, and easy to make. You can decorate cupcakes with widely available cupcake decorating kits to make dreamy, beautiful designs in pink, yellow, and blue to match the linens and dinnerware. Display the cupcakes on clear cake platters or a white or silver cupcake tree. Of course, your tea party wouldn't be complete without an actual pot of tea! Shops such as English Tea Store can guide you in the right direction when choosing the perfect tea to serve at your bridal shower, and they also sell tea accessories such as kettles, strainers, and infusers. Also serve iced tea, water, and perhaps a simple champagne as well.