How to throw the perfect tea party – by Sugar Junction

How to throw the perfect tea party

Our lovely Sugar Junction ladies with their Red Nose Day cupcakes.

As the summer months begin to show their face and the days become longer, why not celebrate the joyous British summer by throwing your own vintage-inspired tea party?

We at Sugar Junction will guide you step by step in creating the perfect setting, atmosphere and entertainment at your tea party.

Plus we will provide you with tips and tricks on food, drink and those extra-something’s that will place your event above the rest.

Decor:

First of all, you will need to create the perfect visuals for your vintage tea party- think bunting, lacy tablecloths and mismatched china.

We use handmade vintage fabrics to create our kitschy tablecloths (see right) but for an easily accessible, affordable alternative head to Cath Kidston for her range of patterned fabrics.

Why not use left-over fabric to create bunting? We like to mismatch fabrics for our flags: polka dot, floral and prints.

All of our vintage china is hand-sourced from all over the UK and is in perfect condition.

We like to play around with our tea sets, mixing and matching cups with saucers and adding kitschy pieces such as our bright Union Jack teapots.

Food and drink:

Tea is the drink of choice at vintage tea parties, and we like to provide a large selection of bagged, leaved and flowering teas.

In order to choose tea to suit everyone’s taste, we suggest selecting English Afternoon Tea, Darjeeling, Earl Grey and Assam tea.

Afternoon tea is best served with dainty finger sandwiches and a selection of small cakes, such as scones, lemon drizzle slices and fruit tarts.

We also like salmon with rocket and lemon mayonnaise and free range egg mayonnaise and cress sandwiches for the perfect light snack.

If you’re celebrating, why not pop open a bottle of champagne? It will taste, and look, wonderful in crystal glasses with half a strawberry.

A jug of Pimms mixed with lemonade and ginger ale is always a favourite at parties, served with strawberry, lime, mint, cucumber and ice.

See below for inspiration on creating the perfect afternoon tea:

 Atmosphere:

A good soundtrack is the key to a great atmosphere, and here are a few suggestions of what music to play to get that vintage vibe.

How about some light-hearted Dusty Springfield such as I Only Want To Be With You, a splash of a Sugar Junction favourite Etta James or some Johnny Cash to get your guests tapping their feet?

Another great way to create a summery vibe is by selecting flowers with a distinctive smell to create that summery mood.

Why not try freesia for both a stunning centrepiece and a scent which will entice everyone?

The most effective way of getting your guests in the mood is to make vintage dress mandatory- tea dresses, victory rolls, tweed suits... a sure fire way to create excitement and have fun!

Sugar Junction is a vintage events company which specialises in weddings, conferences and private functions.

With years of experience in wedding planning, event holding and catering, you can trust us to make your dreams of a perfect day come true.

We are based in Manchester, England, at 60 Tib Street, M4 1LG where we have our very own vintage tea room.

We also travel all over the UK to host events.

Contact us at www.sugarjunction.co.uk, on 0161 839 1444 or pop into the tea room.

You can also find us on Twitter at @sugarjunction and at www.sugarjunction.blogspot.com