Bridal Teas
So, you're having a Bridal Tea/Shower. Here are some suggestions
to help make it a memorable event.
- Don't be afraid to use your creativity!
Ideas for Decorations, Table Settings and
Favors
- You may want to choose the color scheme the Bride has chosen
for her "special day" and use those colors as well as complimentary
colors. The use of fabrics such as lace, linen, floral chintz,
tulle and ribbons in your table settings only add to the splendor
of the day.
- The centerpiece is often the focal point of the party. It can
be part of a serving table, decoration on a gift table, or placed
on the favor table. Your centerpieces can be seasonal potted
plants, traditional fresh flowers, a theme basket (that the Bride
can take home), a tiered serving dish or stacked pedestal dishes to
display your flowers or pastries.
- One simple idea is to make a "cake" from tea towels placed on a
pedestal dish. Decorations and favors can be anything you want.
Arrange fresh flowers throughout the room. More detailed
decorations could include a wishing well adorned in the colors of
the party with flowers, lace and ribbons. A Bridal Umbrella is a
must and a lovely keepsake for the Bride. Decorative Napkin Rings
are an attractive addition to the table. Tea Cups and Tea Bag
Holders accented with flowers and ribbons make the perfect
decoration or favor. . . what a perfect remembrance of the Bridal
Tea Shower for your guests to take home. Tea Lights placed on
mirrors add a special sparkle to your table too!
Here is a recap of some ideas for your party.
Table
- Invitations (with matching Thank You Notes for the Bride to
send her guests after the party)
- Lace, floral chintz or linen tablecloth
- Napkins or fancy rice paper napkins
- Best china teapot or a pretty chintz teapot
- Creamer and Sugar (Note: Mismatched china makes table a little
more decorative)
- Dessert or sandwich plates
- Silver tea service
- Silver cake forks and spoons
- Silver serving pieces
- 3-tier serving dishes
- Pedestal cake plates
- Tea lights for table (place on mirrors for added sparkle)
- Napkin rings
- Doilies (under pastries and sandwiches)
- Silver tea strainer with drip bowl
- Tea bag holders (can also be used as place setting with a
ribbon and flower added along with guests name)
- Decorative sugar cubes/fine sugar/artificial sweetener
- Plate for lemon slices (place slit in lemon slice to hang on
teacup)
- Tea Towel "Cake" Centerpiece
- Floral centerpieces for buffet table and individual tables of 4
(cover in floor length tablecloths with lace topper)
- Soft music
See our online Recipes for more ideas!
Food Suggestions
- Tea - French Vanilla, Darjeeling, Constant
Comment
- Do not use cream in teas
- Finger sandwiches (keep dainty - don't overstuff) - cucumber
and olives with cream cheese, stilton cheese
- Canapes
- Fruit (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, star anise
slices, melons in season, kiwi, mango)
- Iced tea (use ice cubes made of iced tea)
- Punch (place a piece of fruit or edible flower in each ice cube
to float in punch)
- Scones
- Shortbreads
- Muffins
- Petitfors (brush with a little liqueur before frosting with
white chocolate glaze or fondant frosting)
- Fruit tarts
- Cookies
- Madeleines
- Flavored honey and butter spreads
- Mini quiches
- Tart shells for chicken, egg or tuna salad
- Clotted cream
- Jams (Black Currant an excellent choice)
- Bon Bons
- Lemon slices studded with cloves