MAKE IT CUTE

Pinkies up! We're spilling the tea on the Pinterest-worthy party of your dreams.

Turn your springtime vision board to romanticized reality with the sunniest, sweetest squad hang. From finger sandwiches to dainty decorations, we've gathered all the inspo you need for an outdoor get-together that'll be, well, just your cup of tea. Let the outdoor picnic, folklore-inspired, frolic-in-the-meadow montage begin...

Set the scene

The dress code

@sincerely__bri

Have your girls gather in their most darling dresses (posh affairs = elevated vibes). Fair game? Whimsical wardrobe pieces (think: floral frocks) plus adorable accessories (we love charm bracelets and statement rings).

The tablescape

@teapartyeventco

Consider this your official excuse to go thrifting: Secondhand stores are likely to have tons of eclectic teacups, teapots and serving plates on the cheap (or, you know, you could always borrow some china from Great-Aunt Gladys). The key to a dashing display? A pretty table runner and a three-tier dessert platter for scones and sandwiches galore (we heart the Jusalpha Three-Tier Pink Porcelain Cake Stand, $27). Another must? A floral centerpiece. Pile spring blooms into a chic vase, or even have them spill out of a china or silver teapot.

Time for tea

Master the main event with a delicate brew and satisfying sammies (don't forget to cut off the crust, plsandthankyou). Just pick your tea party aesthetic and wait for the kettle to whistle.

Royalcore

Go all out with a classic high tea.

@classicteatime

The brew: English Breakfast tea
The sandwiches: Cucumber watercress plus shrimp and avocado
The scones: Claridge's scones with clotted cream and fresh strawberry jam
The dessert: Mini fruit tarts, petit fours and shortbread cookies

Dark Academia

@teaforabreak

Perfect for a rainy afternoon when there's still a bit of a chill in the air.

The brew: Earl Grey tea
The sandwiches: Carrot and raisin plus smoked salmon with dill
The scones: Lemon poppy seed with orange marmalade (or slice up a loaf of lemon poppy seed bread)
The dessert: Brownie bites and miniature eclairs

Soft girl

@confectionaire.ktb

It's your bestie's birthday? Mix it up this year with a pretty, perfect afternoon for your girl squad.

The brew: Passionfruit tea
The sandwiches: Radish roses plus curried chicken salad
The scones: Strawberry white chocolate with strawberry jam
The dessert: Macarons and mini coconut cupcakes

Cottagecore

@red_red_val

A homey spin on a classic.

The brew: Peppermint sage tea
The sandwiches: Ham and pimento cheese plus egg salad
The scones: Blueberry lavender with lemon curd
The dessert: Mini berry trifles and thumbprint cookies

ActivitiTEAs

These oh-so-artsy undertakings take your party over the top.

Embroider it

@she_the_bee

Simple, fun and totally timeless, if you as us. Grab some beginner embroidery kits for your gals (we recommend the Aimee Ray Stitch Samplers, $12) and let the artistic masterpieces commence.

Sip 'n' snap

@irisapatow

Don't let those gorgeous fits go to waste, girl. Capture the memories with a Polaroid camera for v. vintage vibes. So scrapbook-worthy, right?

Paint petite

@heidi.annalise.art

Basically a Bob Ross painting for your pocket, this miniature art project is sure to inspire your crew. Grab a few boxes of Altoids from the store and empty out the mints (store in a plastic bag to munch later). Then, place dabs of acrylic paints in the bottom of the container and use small detail brushes to create your little landscapes.

Hey, girl! Just wanted to let you know that this story originally ran in our April/May 2022 issue. Want more? Read the print mag for free *today* when you click HERE.

Tag us in your cutest tea party pics on Insta for a chance to be featured @girlslifemag!

Slider image: @irisapatow
Top image: @cottagecorethings
GIF via Giphy

by Kathleen O'Neill | 4/21/2022