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!

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.

• 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!

• Teas - 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