The Premise

Bridal Shower Tea, August 2012

Another novelty is the tea-party, an extraordinary meal in that, being offered to persons that have already dined well, it supposes neither appetite nor thirst, and has no object but distraction, no basis but delicate enjoyment.  ~Jean-Anthelme Brillat-Savarin

One of my favorite things about throwing tea parties is the reaction I get from ladies who have been to one of these soirees in the past, when I mention that the date & theme for the next one have been set.  Somebody always squeals.  The rest break into excited chatter or smile quietly to themselves--suddenly thinking of floppy hats, delectable goodies & more than a little laughter.  Ladies who've never been to a tea before have two reactions: they either get all soft-eyed and confess they've always wanted to go to a tea party or, as often happens with the 20-somethings & my own 30-something crowd, they just look quizzical, wondering what on earth could be so exciting about a tea party. 

Tea with Katie, Summer 2012

Spring Tea & Garden Party, March 2012

Gardener's Tea, June 2013

After all, they wonder, aren't tea parties mostly for little girls?  Or for delightful, granny-type persons?  Isn't all that frilly tea party stuff a tad antiquated? Especially for us modern, 21st century gals who rule the world with fast-paced careers and grueling after-school-activity schedules.  

My answer to that? Don't you believe it.  First-timers have no idea what they're in for (or what they've been missing). Over the next several weeks, they may hem & haw over whether to show up.  They might wonder if it's a frivolous thing to do on a Saturday afternoon--especially when so many other things need to get done.  Their husbands may give them a strange look when they put the tea party on the calendar. Funny though, their friends who've already been to one can't stop talking about it--how much fun they had and how they're looking forward to the next one: what they'll wear, what they'll bring.  In the end, the tea party skeptics usually decide to check it out.  On the day of, they arrive and ring the bell, maybe a bit nervous.  The front door opens and they step inside to see.....  

Audubon Chestnut Warbler Set, 2012

Well, that's what this blog is all about--the delightfully unforgettable experience your guests will have when they step into one of your own lovingly-planned tea parties. Never thrown one before? Never even been to a tea party before? It's much easier to pull off than you think (and much less expensive). What's that? You don't even know where to begin? 

Well, sweet friend, come with me.  I will show you what I've learned about throwing gorgeous, budget-friendly tea parties in a variety of themes over the last few years. Here you will find creative inspiration, excellent & well-vetted recipes as well as easy-to-use resources and a plethora of photographic examples. All designed so planning & hosting one of these lovely events can be as much fun for you as for your lucky guests.  The Tea Party has stepped into the 21st century and, girl, she is all grown up! Welcome to The Modern Girl's Tea Party Primer.

Jane Austen Tea, February 2013

Quote courtesy of the Quote Garden.