Holidays & Entertaining Entertaining Designers Share Their Tips for Hosting a Garden Tea Party By Emily VanSchmus Emily VanSchmus Instagram Emily VanSchmus is the assistant digital home editor at Better Homes & Gardens, where she covers home decor, entertaining ideas, and more. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on April 18, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: Victoria Pearson Gather in the garden for an afternoon tea party filled with flowers and friends. Floral designer Natalie Bowen Brookshire and chocolate expert Amy Guittard share their tips for hosting the ultimate garden party—along with ideas for arranging the prettiest bouquet. 01 of 13 Gather in the Garden Victoria Pearson There's no better way to celebrate spring than with a garden party filled with flowers and friends. We're sharing stunning ideas for tea party food, flower arranging, and pitcher cocktails. Gather your gals and head outside. 02 of 13 Easy Apps Victoria Pearson Keep the garden party food fuss-free by serving up a variety of topped toasts. From sweet chocolate-topped bread to a savory spread of cheese, these easy-to-eat appetizers are perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea (or a cocktail). Keep it casual by serving your appetizers on a pretty wood cutting board and setting out a stack of simple white plates so guests can serve themselves. 03 of 13 Chic Buffet Table Victoria Pearson Vintage brass serving ware and wood pedestals give this tea party an eclectic touch. Serve classic tea sandwiches and treats in a tiered stand. Arrange a variety of fruit and cheese on a wooden cake stand. 04 of 13 Easy Accents Victoria Pearson Serving up drinks in champagne coupes makes this garden party feel extra special. Mixing up a pitcher cocktail ensures you'll be free to enjoy the party. Just before serving, add a few slices of fresh fruit or pomegranate seeds to each glass. 32 Refreshing Drinks to Serve This Summer 05 of 13 Tea Time Victoria Pearson In addition to a few special cocktails, serve a big pot of tea. For the prettiest presentation, just before pouring add a few sprigs of fresh mint. If the weather's warm, serve fresh iced tea instead. 06 of 13 Bring the Inside Out Victoria Pearson If you don't have enough patio seating for a party, grab a few kitchen chairs and bring them outside. Scatter outdoor pillows and blankets for a setting that will make your guests feel instantly comfortable. Place small flower arrangements on tall candlesticks to add height to your dining table. 07 of 13 Stunning Centerpiece Victoria Pearson A low and flowing flower arrangement is the perfect centerpiece for this laid-back garden party. Start by placing large blooms in a pretty stone dish. Add smaller flowers and stems to fill in the arrangement, and finish it with a few sprigs of greenery draped over the side. How to Make an Arrangement from Grocery Store Flowers 08 of 13 Party Stations Victoria Pearson Set up two designated areas at this crafting garden party. First, set up a buffet and dining table in one. It encourages guests to sit and chat while they pass food family-style. Then, arrange a second station for flower arranging. For easy cleanup, cover the surface of a long table with kraft paper, and provide fresh flowers, vases, scissors, and everything else guests need to create their own arrangements. 09 of 13 Bold Blooms Victoria Pearson Create the ultimate flower arranging station with bunches of grocery-store flowers in a monochromatic color scheme. Tulips, carnations, ranunculus, lisianthus, and roses work well. Place the stems in water inside galvanized metal flower buckets. You'll need about eight stems per guest. 10 of 13 DIY Flower Arranging Victoria Pearson During the tea party, let guests arrange their own bouquets to take home. So they'll fit inside sheets of kraft paper, trim each flower stem to 10 inches long. Aside from the kraft paper, you'll need sheets of plain or patterned tissue paper, ribbon, and pretty scissors. 11 of 13 Take-Home Bouquet Victoria Pearson Provide supplies so each guest can take her own bouquet home to enjoy. Tie the kraft paper or gift wrap with about a half yard of ribbon. Look for ribbon pieces or scraps at your local craft supply store, and get our must-have tips for creating bouquet wraps. 12 of 13 Finishing Touches Victoria Pearson Give your guests' creations a luxe touch with silk or velvet ribbon. Editor's Tip: Rather than purchasing several full-size rolls of ribbon, look for ribbon remnants in various colors at your local crafts supply store. (These are usually less expensive.) 13 of 13 Festive Party Favors View Recipe Victoria Pearson A simple recipe like homemade granola bars becomes a pretty party favor when packaged in clear bags and tied with a handmade tag. Cut tags from brown kraft paper or cardstock and use a white oil-based pen to make a tag for each guest. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit