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Pinkies up: According to Pinterest’s “Pinterest Predicts 2022” report, 2022 is — in part — the year of the tea party. Among a diverse cast of other fun food trends, from 3-D cakes to boozy charcuterie boards, tea parties are forecasted to have a moment this year — and are becoming much more than your go-to bridal shower theme. But, aside from the tea cups and finger sandwiches, what does it really take to host an afternoon tea gathering? We’ve curated just the must-haves list.
“Drinking tea isn’t new. But I’m starting to see tea time as a whole mood this year,” food blogger Between Spoonfuls tells Pinterest, which reports a 70 percent increase in the search term “vintage tea party.” “You plan a date around pastel strawberry milk tea or splurge a little more for the teddy bear-shaped glass bottles. It’s about more than just sipping tea now.”
From blooming tea pots and one-of-a-kind tea cup sets to hot tea bombs and rose gold infusers, we’ve gathered everything you could possibly need for your next tea party.
The invitation
The first item on your to-do list should be to send out invitations, and one of our favorite places to order cards is Zazzle. Here, they have a slew of whimsical tea party-appropriate designs from which to choose, like this Wildflower Tea Party card designed by Alyssa_Ernst_Design.
The menu
While you’re at it, don’t forget to design and order your menus. Paper Culture has a virtually endless selection of custom menus, from clean, minimalist menus to chic, floral-print menus, like Floral Perfection (our favorite).
The teapot
You can’t have a tea party without a show-stopping teapot, and Teabloom sells a glass, stovetop-safe teapot that features a removable tea glass infuser where you can watch your tea bloom.
The tea cups & saucers
With all that tea, you’ll need tea cups to pour it into — and Etsy is swimming in tea cup and saucer sets. One of our favorite vendors is The Delicate Dish, which sells beautiful vintage mix-and-match tea cups and saucers.
The table runner
Before you set the table, don’t forget to lay out your table runner. Anthropologie sells a gorgeous watercolor linen runner perfect for your next tea party.
The tea towels
Keeping with the floral theme, Anthropologie also sells painted floral napkin sets, handmade from soft Lithuanian linen.
The candles
Set the mood with these beautiful, multicolored candles from Urban Outfitters, all of which feature a gorgeous detail: dried florals.
The 3-tier stand
Put your finger sandwiches on display with this very-pretty, very-pink tea party-appropriate three-tier cake stand. Part of Royal Albert’s 100 Years Collection celebrates, this stand features the 1960 Golden Rose, 1980 Rose Blush, and 1990 Bouquet patterns.
The stirring spoons
You’ll need spoons for your guests to stir their tea, and we’re obsessed with these elegant rose-handle, gold-plated tea spoons sold at Etsy.
The infuser
Serving loose leaf tea? You’ll need tea diffusers for your guests. Crate & Barrel sells chic rose gold tea ball infusers for just $5 each.
The milk & sugar set
Serve your milk and sugar in a sleek, matching set. Over at Nordstrom, you’ll find just that: Viva Scandinavia’s minimalist Nina Creamer & Sugar Holder Set.
The hot tea bombs
In addition to — or instead of — serving loose leaf tea, impress your guests with a variety of tea bombs. At Etsy, HandyLadyco sells sets of six handmade tea bombs in nearly a dizen different flavors, including classics such as Earl Grey and black tea and fruity favorites such as wild orange and blueberry lavender.
The loose leaf tea
One of our favorite places to shop for loose leaf tea? DAVIDsTEA, where you’ll find every flavor combo imaginable, from Happy Kombucha Tea and Greek Honey Tea to Butterscotch Chai and Hazelnut Chocolate.
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