Valentine Tea Party

 

One of my favorite teas to host is my Valentine Tea which I hold the Saturday before Valentine's Day.  

 I love pulling out my array of vintage books, cups and saucers, gloves and jewelry to decorate with.

 To protect my tea cups in the centerpieces, I use the battery-operated candles.  Draping vintage necklaces over the edge of the cup adds more charm.

I always provide the ladies with a small gift to take home. This year I made book marks.

My Valentine menu varies but always includes these Cranberry Orange Scones (recipe on my Tea Party page) served with homemade lemon curd, jam and Devonshire cream.

The scones are followed by our "Savories" course which typically includes fruited chicken salad, cucumber dill and egg salad sandwiches.

And check out this sweet 3-tier server

I picked up for 1.50 last week at my local thrift store!

Finally, dessert.  I always give myself a break and include either mini-eclairs or in this case, cheese cakes from Aldi.  I made sugar cookies and frosted them with dark chocolate icing and made mini vanilla cupcakes with pink frosting.

For more ideas on hosting your own tea party, you can visit my Tea Parties page.  Tea parties are a beautiful way to allow your guests the opportunity to sit back, relax and enjoy this special event in the midst of our hectic schedules.