A tea party bridal shower is the perfect theme for a classic, sophisticated bride. The tea party encompasses feminine simplicity and refreshing spring inspired romance for a fantastic ladies celebration.

Plan an afternoon event and incorporate the idea of an afternoon tea in the invitations with an invite shaped like a tea bag including the string and label attached. Keep sweetness and romance in mind with your invitation wording to carry out the tea party theme.

Invite your guests to don floral prints for their tea party attire and to include hats and fascinators for a traditional feel for your party.

Décor for your tea party bridal shower should feel light and airy with a spring garden feel. Light pastels of blush, blue and soft greens are perfect. The décor can be elegant but eclectic and include an array of mismatched china, tablecloths and runners. Try bargain hunting at antique and second hand stores for plates, teapots, teacups and saucers in a variety of patterns.

Decorate your table tops with assorted teapots and vases filled with fresh garden flowers. Incorporate different textures with your linens and even include strands of pearls to tie in the graceful sophistication of your garden party.

A tea party menu is light much like the feel of the entire event. Tea sandwiches such as smoked salmon, chicken and egg salad or cucumber are a great start for your guests. Also, consider a spinach salad with strawberries, sliced nuts and light vinaigrette. If you’re expecting an intimate event that won’t include dishing for a large number, include a chicken or turkey soup to accompany your sandwiches and salad. Quiche is also a great addition to your tea party menu.

Dessert can take on a similar eclectic feel much like the décor for your garden party. Assorted cookies, truffles and macaroons are perfect for this occasion. Miniature bundt cakes, personal fruit tartlets and angel food cake with a fruit glaze are also delicious ideas to serve your guests. Also, add to your dessert menu a bowl of beautiful, fresh strawberries with sour cream and brown sugar for dipping for a light but sweet option.

Tea itself should of course make an appearance at this elegant event. Again, search second-hand stores for a variety of tea pots and serve an assortment of tea at each table. Refresh the pots with hot water throughout the event and don’t forget milk and sugar cubes at each table.

Also, incorporate refreshing iced and raspberry iced teas for your guests. If your event wouldn’t be quite right without bubbles, offer champagne, mimosas or create a champagne bar with juices, raspberries and strawberries.

To wrap up this splendid, classy event, send your guests off with the perfect tea party favor like a box of assorted teas or loose tea with a steeper. You can also send your guests home with the beautiful tea cup and saucer from each place setting. If you’re feeling crafty, make tea cup candles for each guest. The queen of creative events herself, Martha Stewart, has a great tutorial for this project.

Another favor option is to send your guests off with a little piece of your garden party, literally. Fill small glass vases with colored stones and place one plant bulb on top of the stones. Your guests can take their vase home and watch as their bulb sprouts into a gorgeous, delicious smelling flower. Paperwhites (Narcissus) are perfect for this project; you can find a bag of 24 bulbs at a store like Home Depot for nearly $26.00.

An elegant and sophisticated tea party is a wonderful way to celebrate a classy bride. She will definitely love and appreciate the airiness and eclectic details from start to finish.