real parties: high tea in the garden

Michele of Cakewalk Baking was the brainchild behind this spring high tea in the garden, styled with a vintage flair and a hint of Cath Kidston style.  Truth be told, the original party was rained out and delayed a month due to a last minute storm, but I think you'll agree it was well worth the wait.  I had a wonderful time collaborating with Michele and photographer Sherry Heck, designing the invitations & menus and crafting a few of the details {check out the glittery paper fire!}.  It was a lovely spring day as we hosted five mothers and their children for a mix of traditional high tea treats and kid friendly sweets.  Read on below for the complete menu along with details on the favors and decor...

photos © sherry heck 

Invite & Menu Design: Merry Happy by CAKE.

High Tea Menu

-Tea sandwiches: curried chicken, egg salad, cucumber, caramelized onion & goat cheese and peanut butter & jam

- Sweets: Scones with homemade jam & lemon curd, almond raspberry petit fours, lemon bars, strawberry mini cupcakes, white chocolate cupcakes, raspberry tartlets, meringues, vanilla bean shortbread cookies and mini donuts.

- Tea Selection: Earl Grey, Irish Breakfast, Jasmine Pearl {additional beverages included Sparkling Lemonade and Champagne}

Favors

- For the Ladies: “crackers” filled with a handcrafted rose ring and a mini Lollia hand lotion.  
- For the Children: DIY heart glitter wands, swallow ribbon necklaces, and candy bags.

Decor

Michele sewed coordinating tablecloths and napkins for all of the tables, crafted mini cupcake stands for the children's table, and made various paper garlands including flags, scallops and circles.  The china, cakestands and other props are largely part of her enviable personal collection, with a few of my own contributions.