Have you ever heard the expression “the devil is in the details”? It couldn’t be more true. Whether it’s a home renovation, DIY project or a party you’re planning, the details are what can make it or break it. The details make the ordinary extraordinary. Quite simply, they are what makes something memorable, special and personal. As with any special event that I host, whether in my home or at a restaurant or catering facility, I labor over the details. So when my sister-in-law announced that she was expecting a baby girl this spring, I knew right away that I would throw her a baby sprinkle with lots of personal touches and special details (she already has a little boy, so a “sprinkle” is held instead of a shower when you are having a baby of the opposite sex)!
The first thing I do when I approach the design of an event is to decide what the tone of the day will be. What is the atmosphere that I want to create? How do I want my guests to feel? Once I have an idea of the mood, I usually come up with a theme that’s fitting. For a Baby Sprinkle honoring an expectant mother and a baby girl on the way, I decided there was nothing more feminine and delicate than a group of women at a springtime tea party!
Next, I start layering my thoughts and ideas into a plan. Colors, decor and overall ambiance begin to take shape. My approach to the menu comes next. Formal, informal, buffet, nibbles and cocktails? For a ladies tea party, I decided on a cross between brunch and lunch. I didn’t want the menu to be too breakfast-y, but I also didn’t want anything too heavy, especially for a group of women.
Once I have my theme and plan of action in place, I craft the most important part — the DETAILS! Anyone can cater food and call it a party… but the most memorable events are the ones that are chock full of special touches. Just take a look at this adorable, feminine, vintage-inspired TEA PARTY in honor of my new niece! Recipes for the food I served will be posted separately and can be found under the FEAST section. As a sidenote, this luncheon/tea party would be perfect for Mother’s Day or any other springtime affair where a little pink is on the menu!
A customized welcome sign was ordered on Etsy and placed in a gold frame. The table decor consisted of strands of faux pearls, baby’s breath in mason jars, pink ranunculus and rockfoil planted in porcelain tea cup planters that I found at Christmas Tree Shoppes. The rockfoil can be planted in my perennial garden later.
The pink and white decor make a stunning statement. I opted for pink ranunculus as the one type of flower, rather than having an array of flowers. I prefer a more streamlined look. The Trader Joe’s stems sat pretty in a vintage white hobnail milk glass vase. Antique pink chintz sugar and creamer that belonged to my grandmother added to the vintage vibe. I adorned plain mason jars with a lace-studded burlap ribbon, which I adhered with glue dots.
More ranunculus in a vintage white milk glass compote. The white milk glass flanked both sides of the tablescape.
The kitchen table was also set with food and decor. I used a clear glass tea pot as a vessel for more ranunculus! The burlap ribbon was woven through the holes of a cake plate. A dainty porcelain tea set, which was borrowed from my other sister-in-law, added to the ambiance.
Vintage cutlery was wrapped in a pretty pink napkin. Each bundle was then wrapped in a white paper doily and finished off with a faux pearl strand.
Chalkboard bistro signs were used to illustrate the various buffet items.
Mushroom frittata was cut into triangles and displayed on a long wood board.
Southern Deviled Eggs (recipe from heirloomedcollection.com) were arranged in an egg platter and a jadeite-like cake stand.
You can’t have a tea party without finger sandwiches! I did an assortment of varieties, each displayed differently. Pictured here is mozzarella, tomato and basil pesto on ciabatta. Each slice was wrapped with parchment and tied with colored butchers twine.
Cape Cod chicken salad studded with cranberries and pecans (a Costco find!), was slathered on thick slices of artisan white bread and topped with a crunchy piece of romaine lettuce.
Stands of varying heights add visual interest to a buffet.
Chicken salad, caprese and lastly, turkey and havarti cheese on mini croissants, rounded out the tea sandwich offering. Homemade cranberry chutney and lemon aioli was served on the side for the turkey sandwiches.
Tri-color tortellini salad with mozzarella, olives and grape tomatoes is a light but tasty pasta salad!
The most refreshing Citrus-Mint salad, perfect for a ladies lunch!
Shrimp cocktail was served in an oversized wine glass, which I found at Michaels. A homemade, light pink dipping sauce was served in a vintage cabbage-ware bowl.
Two types of frittata were offered, one with ham and the mushroom as a vegetarian option. The ham & cheddar were made in a muffin tin.
Greek yogurt with homemade granola served in small cups.
Homemade biscuits served on a vintage chintz plate with clotted cream and homemade quince jam! The clotted cream and jam were served in tea cups.
Apple roses in store-bought pie crust!
Individual raspberry cheesecakes served with the cutest mini spoons! (Do you see the theme of pink running through?)
Strawberry-white chocolate truffles served on a vintage pink depression glass plate.
Raspberry torrone candy that I found at HomeGoods served on the jadeite cake stand. I love the pink and green together! I also had pink foil-wrapped chocolates in various vessels around the dessert table.
Each guest was given this adorable favor of two Stash teas (my favorite). I had Kristen at Paperie Creations make the round tag and I adhered it to a dainty burlap and pink lace ribbon, then tied it around the tea bags.
Not pictured here was a non-alcoholic pink lemonade punch, as well as a pink moscato punch served in my vintage punch bowl, bottles of rose wine, coffee and of course, tea! A beautiful day was had by my sister-in-law and all of her guests!
