Aug 13, 20232 min read

Create the Look for a Summer Garden Party

One of the best parts of working in vintage china is designing and creating the look a client wants. Most, if not all will have a particular vision, or at least some idea of what they want to have. The second reason I like working with vintage china is the positive impact it has on an event, along with the amazing comments clients receive when guests first see the china; this is a really special moment for the clients and adds so much to an event.

One of my 2023 events is a formal seated garden party in the clients back garden for 64 guests. They've booked the Luxury English Afternoon Tea package which means every two guests share a 3 tier cake stand. With a selection of savoury items for each guest, an additional 8" plate is being added to the china.

The Brief: Bright, summery. Although a formal sit down event, the clients wanted to create a relaxed, welcoming event.

With this in mind a range of pastel (harlequin) teacups, saucers and tea plates were selected. To keep the emphasis on the trios, the 3 tier cake stands chosen are subtle, fresh., but still reflecting a 'summer' feel. The teapots chosen picked up the trio colours.

The Trios

8" Plates

One of the things I like about the Savoury and Luxury English Afternoon Tea packages is an 8" plate is included. Not only are they great for the aesthetic look, through layering, or just having a little extra china on the table, they're there because there's more savoury items on these two menus, both provide 3 savoury items for each guest. Below are a few examples of the plates I'll be using.

The Three Tier Cake Stands

The 3 tier cake stands dominate by height, for this event their colour shouldn't dominate and out-shine the trios. For this event, they're the stars of the show.

Cake Plates

Here's a selection of the cake plates chosen, you can see that these have reverted back to the pastel look.

The Teapots

In addition to these items, cream jugs, sugar bowls, beautiful vintage glass or crystal dishes are being used in what should be an amazing afternoon and evening, as long as the weather plays ball and the sun shines!!