Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Afternoon Tea Bridal Shower (or May Showers Bring June Wedding Flowers)

Although, May (and April and June) showers did provide us with one beautiful, outdoor setting for a wedding this month, if we had used the Afternoon Tea Bridal Shower as a predictor of things to come, we would have all rested easier the week before the nuptials.


The third week in May we held an Afternoon Tea for my, (now), daughter-in-law, Karyn.

Borrowing off her wedding reception theme of vintage serving pieces, we gathered collections of "heirloom" china plates, bowls and teacups that were longing to be showcased.

Among the china, crystal, teapots and warmers, each place setting had a favor to commemorate the upcoming big event - and it had to be tea, of course. Each guest received a customized blue (the bride's favorite color) and white labeled tea tin, housing white tea bags, with the couples' names and wedding date.

But, perhaps the most important part of the table setting, the tea sandwiches and desserts, arrived right at noon, catered for the event by 2 Unique Catering. Family and friends could sample a variety of "European sandwiches"; vegetarian, salmon and turkey, to name a few. Absolutely delicious and only overshadowed by the grand finale: the dessert tray! Served on glossy black platters and garnished with fresh yellow roses, each plate was filled with miniature pastries and chocolate covered strawberries. There were tiny bumpy-cake confections and flaky-crusted tortes, along with truffles, lemon bars and tiny carrot cake pieces. Each a Lilliputian work of art and each tasting as scrumptious as they looked.

All of this accompanied by assorted black teas and champagne to cap off our "Royal Tea" (remember, an afternoon tea served with champagne or sherry is bestowed the majestic titled, to make any occasion - and especially this one - special). A fitting event for our bride-to-be, who, like our pastries, is as beautiful on the outside as she is on the inside.

So, May showers can be lovely - just as long as they stay indoors.




Happy Holiday Weekend to All!






Barb