The advantage of Alison Oakley’s Beautiful Things tea parties is that you don’t have to do a thing to enjoy a fabulous personalised party set up in the comfort of your home.
The businesswoman, who went from supplying big retailers with shabby chic table and décor items to catering and then combining the two, says tea parties are the popular way in which to entertain groups of women or children.
For a little girls’ party she suggests choosing a theme that involves soft pastel colours, baby pinks, or one with cute cuddly animals. Everything from bunnies to carousels works well, and ensure you add fresh roses to the table.
Special touches can include butterfly-shaped biscuits or cupcakes with the butterfly motif. Keep the food bite-sized, says Oakley, who adds that you can’t go wrong with a candy buffet. Fill sweet jars with meringues, marshmallows and the like.
For a baby’s first party use a mosquito net, as you would find over a crib, over your table. Use gift or hat boxes and teddies to create displays.
An innovative, although hardly easy-to-make snack, that Oakley includes in her baby parties, is baby block petit fours – meticulously iced on each side with ducks, rattles or the child’s initials.
The chocolate mousse cups and shortbread balls also tend to be a hit.
For a kitchen tea, unless the bride requests a specific colour Oakley says she prefers white toile and silver with bone china for the table. She uses a bird cage and free roses for décor.
Detail includes biscuits iced with corsets and tuxedos as well as cupcakes with diamond ring motifs.
The most popular tea parties are, however, the vintage parties, suited to Mother’s Day or a woman’s birthday. Think pearls, lace, cream roses and scones with organic jam.
Oakley says whatever party you throw it’s important to keep the colours simple – too many can look busy.
Opt for silver or glass cake stands, cutlery and jars. “Hang a heart up,” says Oakley.
Use clip-on roses and bunting for the table front, and use pretty teapots and scatter rose petals. - The Mercury