I’m guest co-hosting a special feature post on the blog with Amanda from A Good Hue, so before you leave, make sure you link up and check out Amanda’s post.
We’ve all watched the elegance of Downton Abbey’s tea time and imagined ourselves there. At least I know I have. So what if you can bring that English tea party decor to your place without leaving your house?
I recently planned a high tea inspired night at my place and it was hit with all the tea party decor and yummy food. I learned how to make patés from scratch! Decor is one of the most important elements of your party. It’s not a tea party if the decor and atmosphere doesn’t fit the bill.
Tea Party Decor Elements
Tea Cup and Plate Set
Before you decide on the food and the flowers, start with the dinnerware. This is the part that will most be noticed by your guests, since they will be eating and drinking out of it.
To get the Downton Abbey inspiration, I suggest to go with this classic centuries-old Talavera de la Reyna tradition, the Azul y Blanco line of authentic Mexican Talavera Pottery. It’s rich with history and offers everything you need for your perfect tea party decor setting.
Every piece is hand-crafted, featuring original artisan painting, and using indigenous, natural clays and mineral pigments, and signed by the studio artisan. It’s also:
- Dishwasher-safe
- Lead-free
- Hand-painted, glazed and shaped
- Awarded the Denominacion de Origen de la Talavera designation of authenticity
The plates and cups are the perfect addition to your table. They contain all the elegance of Downton Abbey to serve your tea in.
Decorate
To be practical, you’re not going to change up your entire room to suit your tea party decor theme. The best thing is to bring in little additions that can be combined to your decor later on, such as warmers.
Warmers
I found these warmers that will put your guests in the tea party mood with their scent and beautiful craftsmanship. The Italian rooster Scentsy warmer is of centuries-old craftsmanship and nicely complements your dinnerware.
The cream diamond lampshade warmer will bring you back to the 1920s with its vintage feel. It’s glistening shapes adorn a dreamy glass shade, casting lovely, speckled patterns of light.
Finally this vintage tea pot warmer would be a great addition to your table decor surrounded by candles as it really puts the “tea” in the “tea party decor.”
For these warmers you’ll need some warmer bars. Depending on the types of teas you’re serving, you might want to choose a scent that amplifies the odour without competing with it. As some teas are made fruit flavours and spices, choosing something along those lines will help.
Candles
Candles on a candelabra, on a candle holder or on their own if they are larger in size add a romantic touch to your table. Choose a few of them to put at different parts of the table to balance your tea party decor.
Table Setting
Tablecloth
Some other important elements of your tea party decor should be a white table cloth, or if you really want to make it à la Downton Abbey, use an English garden print tablecloth.
Tea Pot Set
While I like the ceramic tea sets to complete your tea party decor, I do love the silver ones better. I find they will stand out against the blue and white tea cup set.
To add a little bit of contemporary into the Downton Abbey mix of this tea party decor, this pewter sugar and creamer set is the perfect addition. It’s hand-crafted with the use of custom-made forms and imported from a family-owned studio in Mexico’s craft and tradition-rich Guanajuato region.
It won’t tarnish, and never needs polishing. It’s lightweight, and will hold its lustrous shine forever.
Silverware
Going for silverware with intricate design will work nicely with the rest of your tea time decor and pop against the food and drinks.
Serving dishes
Keeping the plain will keep the focus on the food, the tea cup set, and the decor.
Flowers
Vases or tea pots with floral arrangement with roses and some lavender complimentary to the dinnerware colours will beautify your setting.
Food
The food, that’s the best part! Go for:
- various types of teas
- cakes
- macaroons
- sandwiches
- scones
- patés
- small cakes
- tartlets
Housekeeping
Make sure your house is well organized and prepped to receive your guests.
Bathroom Details
Some small details you can add to amplify the experience for your guests are some fresh anti-bacterial soaps to use in the bathroom and nicely-scented hand cream.
The Jest of It
To host an elegant high tea time, it’s plan your tea party decor:
- Choose your tea cup set
- Decorate your room or area with warmers and candles
- Choose your preferred style of tablecloth
- Go for ceramic or silver tea set
- Silverware with intricate detailing to add some interest
- Serving dishes should remain plain to not take away from your table setting
- Add floral arrangements to your table
- Cakes, macaroons, scones, are all great food items for high tea time
- Add scented soaps and hand creams to your bathroom to keep your guests feeling fresh
I leave you with one of my #ootd’s from my Instagram feed. Check it out on Instagram and let me know what you of it.
P.S. If you enjoyed this post, you might like to receive my fashion, beauty, fitness, home décor, and DIY tips and tricks that will save your life right into your inbox! Get a free health hacks download when you sign up!
Shelbee on the Edge says
Oh, what a pretty table setting for a tea party! So beautiful and elegant.
I would love for you to join my link up as well! It goes live every Thursday at 5:00 p.m. EST and remains open for a week! I hope to see you there! Have a fabulous day!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
The Wardrobe Stylist says
Thanks Shelbee! i find it’s such a great opportunity to dress up your home and table for your guests. I’ll be sure to link up
Shahla Sandoval says
So beautiful!! I pinned it on my “party” board!!
The Wardrobe Stylist says
Thanks so much Shahla! I truly appreciate it 🙂
Jill says
Beautiful tablescape! Love these tips!
Jill
Doused In Pink
The Wardrobe Stylist says
Thanks jill. These sets are really something to cherish and pass along as they will be there for generations.