When I think of tea parties, images of floral porcelain tea cups come to mind. I think of everything from Alice and Wonderland to the Queen of England. But when I think of tea I think of quieter moments, relaxation, calming energies and wellness. So when Traditional Medicinals, one of my all-time favorite tea companies, approached me for a partnership, I thought it would be amazing to redefine the tea party. Floral porcelain is cool and all, but what about hosting an all-natural, modern tea party as a way to rejuvenate, detox, and hang with friends in a totally soothing environment?
So invite all your mama friends, your nursing friends, your mama-to-be-friends, or your friends that just enjoy chilling out for a party where the drinks promote wellness and support relaxation. Here are some ideas for your modern, natural tea party…
1. Use tea-inspired botanicals: I picked floral accents that matched the teas — lavender, chamomile and ginger.
2. Create visual balance: I layered on two table cloths to create an almost yin/yang effect on the round table.
3.) Use wood, clay and glass: I mixed differed materials of tumbler-style cups to get an earthy, collected look to the tabletop.
4. Create a tea-bar: I created a tea bar with all the fixin’s again using mainly wood and ceramic pieces to display the teas.
5. Label the teas: I layered the teas for the different moods the teas create. Here my guests can choose between teas that support detoxification, relaxation, and teas that promote good mood.
6. Include healthy snacks: Instead of cakes and cookies, I opted for plums with goat cheese, lavender and honey and sweet mochi desserts to accompany the teas.
7. Create levels: Tiered platters help make the tea party look fun and inviting. Create different levels on your tea bar and tabletop by stacking wooden platters and bowls to create displays with varying heights.
8. Don’t forget the bling. This is, after all still a party and we want it to feel fancy! Elevate the tea party by adding a little bit of sparkle with gold flatware.
9. Think about color palettes: I went with pastels and yellow accents (with the lemon and chamomile). Think about the color palette of your party beforehand to create a visually pleasing effect.
10. Create an all-natural invitation: Oh wait. I already did that for you. Feel free to download this #FaceTheFoliage invite that I made of fennel, chamomile and ginger to send to your friends.
Now go bliss out already!
*Photography by Dabito, Recipes by Danae Horst, Styling and Creative Direction by Justina Blakeney
*This tea party was created in Partnership with Traditional Medicinals. All ideas and opinions are my own.
leela says
really stinkin cute and fab tea party J + crew!!! xoxo
Justina Blakeney says
thank you sweet Leela– coming from the queeb of tea I’ll take that as a HUGE compliment!
debra says
My favorite TM tea is Gypsy Cold Care! I live by it… Beautiful post!
Justina Blakeney says
right?? gypsy cold care is THE BEST!
Bunni says
So inspiring for the tea addict I am ! Now I need a tea bar at home, how did I never think about it before ? : )
ps: beautiful pictures as always
Justina Blakeney says
yay! Thanks. Right? I love the idea of having a tea bar!! You could put it on a fancy bar cart!!
Bunni says
I will definitly, thanks for the tip !
DABITO says
After this shoot, it’s all I hear from everyone. They all swear by Traditional Medicinals teas!
Madam ZoZo says
Love, love, love your modern and natural reinvention of the tea party! Also congrats on your book Justina, a great accompaniment to a quiet cup of tea.
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Donna LeBrun says
beautiful composition! I love it and I am not even a hot tea drink but likely to try it all now :) Love your style!
Carolina says
Dear Justina,
I am mexican florist living in Frankfurt Germany, I will host a tea party at my place, where my Studio is.
It will be held in May, this idea came out because of you, you are really an inspiration to me.
During the Tea party I will introduce to my friends and customers all my services, it would fun, can’t wait !!
Sincerely
Carolina #carosblumen