Primroses called to me as I walked in the grocery store. I was hosting a baby shower and was looking for inspiration and food to fill out my menu. I thought, “Just like Cynthia!” .(The Mitford Series)
There are some helpful rules when planning for different occasions. Afternoon gatherings of women traditionally are called teas.
For teas, the menu should have a mix of sweet and savory. No knives allowed. The food had to be finger and fork ready. It can’t be sloppy though crumbs may fall. Eating food from a small plate on your lap can be tricky if the food is too big, too, soft or just plain old messy.
Since I didn’t have those old fashioned plates with a ring for the cup, I did move some stools and rearranged to make space for the drinks.
I love the opportunity to host special gatherings to pamper my guests.
Menu selections
I also love to host and make special foods. But for this one in a very busy season, I bought…cookies and a cake. Holding cookies is a new use for the gravy boat and creamer. Doesn’t the cake looks elegant on the stand?
Veggies with dip, mixed nuts. That was typically served at these type of gatherings I lived in the south years ago. Entertaining often was a little more formal. It was fun to use many dishes from my china collections.
Fruit and cheese platter and some fancy crackers is a must.
Hot and cold drinks
There is nothing that says “You’re special!” to a guest like sparkly crystal!
Hot and Iced teas and coffee, of course. No punch for this smaller group.
The china cups and silver are so feminine.
FLOWERS AND NAPKINS
I often use fancy paper napkins but not for this tea. I used the special lace trimmed embroidered ones with ribbon for napkin rings. My girls tied tiny ribbons around the special fan fold they made.
This was the happy sight in our kitchen that greeted everyone. Do you see how beautiful that bouquet is? It was from our grocery store. These fun Jelly Belly Bubbles were there too. They are scented and have a push up wanted that never leaves the bottle. The girls tied the bows for a festive touch.
All the colors were great together. The new tablecloth was so pretty with bright colors but not overwhelming, It kicked the colors up a notch from the typical pastels.
Special cake
The cake was served in the living room before the gifts were opened.
So yum! And of course, from my favorite bakery, Oregon Dairy. We are fortunate to have several excellent bakeries in our area. It was fun to honor our guests with this traditional tea. I had enjoyed preparing and hosting it!
Do you have special bakery you enjoy using for special times?
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This all looks amazing. Great job. Did you make the cake? It looks wonderful. I like to use my ‘fancy china’ too and parties like this give us the perfect opportunity.
Hi Carol,
I didn’t for this shower but most of thw time either or or one of my daughters make them. I often use our ‘good stuff’ even for my sandwich at lunch. We just used it all weekend for our late family Chrsitmas.
Store bought food these days isn’t what it used to be. I love shopping specialty stores for food and flowers, it sure does make entertaining simpler.
That is so true! It makes life easier
I love teas and these are some great ideas. Thanks for sharing.
Thamms Sherry!
Linda, You put on a beautiful shower!! I love making things special without killing yourself in the kitchen! Great ideas. The basket of flowers is just beautiful.
It can make hosting easier!
Every time I view one of your posts I get a warm feeling. Such a beautiful setting and done with such care and love. Everything looked lovely. I’m glad you all had a good time.
Thanks for your kind comment. It was a special time for us all.
Looks like a great little celebration!
Sure was! Thanks Janet.
It all sounds very delicious thanks for sharing.
Simply delicious! Thanks Anita
I love that you made everything inviting, beautiful and delicious! It looks like it was a wonderful day.
Inspired that day by the grocery store plants!
Such great ideas. Makes me reminisce of times gone by.
I enjoy hosting baby showers especially for my family!