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still life shot of table set up for a tea party with tea kettle, cups and small bites
Eva-Katalin/Getty Images

Lifestyle

How to Throw the Ultimate Vintage Tea Party

Authored by Holly Rhue
Holly Rhue
June 7, 2022

Call it the Bridgerton effect — what could be more charming than a relaxing afternoon with friends sipping tea in vintage-inspired cups and relishing in adorable finger foods and light bites? Pinterest even calls afternoon tea parties the “new happy hour” of 2022. Whether you’re celebrating a wedding or baby shower or just looking for a fun spin on your Sunday brunch get-together, a tea party theme is a crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect excuse to dress up in something special and snap something Instagram-worthy. From dainty floral dresses to vintage decor, here are the essentials you need to serve an epic tea party.

Hill House The Ellie Nap Dress
Courtesy Hill House
1

Hill House The Ellie Nap Dress

With elastic smocking, ruffled shoulders, and a tiered midi skirt, this adorable watercolor print was created in collaboration with artist Leila Dubus and inspired by the Italian rose gardens. Bonus points: It goes up to size 2XL, and the design of the dress is pregnancy and breastfeeding friendly — plus, it has pockets.

Hill House
The Ellie Nap Dress
$150.00
SHOP NOW
Anthropologie Maeve Beaded Sandals
Courtesy Anthropologie
2

Anthropologie Maeve Beaded Sandals

For an outdoor event, you want to skip the heels so that they don’t get stuck in the grass. This delicate, beaded pair adds a fun and flirty touch to any outfit.

Anthropologie
Maeve Beaded Sandals
$150.00
SHOP NOW
Sunday Riley Light Hearted Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen
Courtesy Sunday Riley
3

Sunday Riley Light Hearted Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen

You want to make sure your skin is extra protected for all the extra time in the sun. So keep this lightweight, antioxidant-rich tube in your purse. In addition to blocking out UV light, it hydrates skin and leaves behind a velvety finish.

Sunday Riley
Light Hearted Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen
$35.00
SHOP NOW
Williams Sonoma Marlo Thomas Blue Floral Dinner Plates
Courtesy Williams Sonoma
4

Williams Sonoma Marlo Thomas Blue Floral Dinner Plates

In collaboration with award-winning actress Marlo Thomas, these stunning plates are an eye-catching touch for any tablescape. Each of the porcelain plates features a unique hand-painted floral design. Complement the look with matching cocktail napkins. 

Williams Sonoma
Marlo Thomas Blue Floral Dinner Plates
$109.95
SHOP NOW
Sunday Riley Downtown Abbey Wake Up With Me Kit
Sunday Riley
5

Sunday Riley Downtown Abbey Wake Up With Me Kit

Let your skin get into the spirit, too. Our new limited edition Sunday Riley Downton Abbey Wake Up With Me Kit (in celebration of the new film, A New Era, and available on-demand June 10th) gets complexions glowy and party-ready with six best-sellers. Consider setting up the products in your restroom as a surprise for your guests so they can get in on the radiance-boosting action.

Sunday Riley
Downton Abbey Wake Up With Me Kit
$85.00
SHOP NOW
Royal Albert Rose Confetti Formal Bone China Tea Cup & Saucer
Courtesy Royal Albert
6

Royal Albert Rose Confetti Formal Bone China Tea Cup & Saucer

No tea party is complete without the perfect drinkware. You don’t have to purchase all new plates and teacups either — try thrifting for a unique place setting for each guest to add to the charm. Opt for this vintage pattern that also comes with a matching saucer to fill in any missing spots.

Royal Albert
Rose Confetti Formal Bone China Tea Cup & Saucer
$36.09
SHOP NOW
butter London A New Era: 6 Piece Downton Abbey Collection
Courtesy butter London
7

butter London A New Era: 6 Piece Downton Abbey Collection

You can’t do a proper pinkies up tea pose without polished fingertips. This set of six mini, high-gloss nail polishes are all also inspired by the Downton Abbey  movie sequel. The chip-resistant polishes include a a poppy flower red with flecks of gold, a neutral champagne, soft lavender, dusty pink, warm gray, and a cornflower blue.

butter London
A New Era: 6 Piece Downton Abbey Collection
$39.00
SHOP NOW
Royal Albert Miranda Kerr 3-Tier Cake Stand
Courtesy Royal Albert
8

Royal Albert Miranda Kerr 3-Tier Cake Stand

Designed by model Miranda Kerr, this mixed-floral, three-tier cake stand adds a romantic touch to your finger foods and desserts. It’s made of fine bone china, and you can even toss it in the dishwasher post-party.

Royal Albert
Miranda Kerr 3-Tier Cake Stand
$150.00
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Zara Floral Resin Tablecloth
Courtesy Zara
9

Zara Floral Resin Tablecloth

Perfect for a table for six to eight guests, this floral tablecloth will dress up your outdoor picnic table for the fête. It’s water-resistant so that any accidental tea spills can be quickly soaked up. 

Zara
Floral Resin Tablecloth
$69.90
SHOP NOW
Ladurée Paris Box of 12 Macarons
Courtesy Ladurée Paris
10

Ladurée Paris Box of 12 Macarons

These macarons come in a gorgeous Ladurée gift box straight from the famous French bakery. It includes a chef’s choice of assorted flavors ranging from rose to lemon to pistachio (don’t worry, you can’t go wrong with any of the options).

Ladurée Paris
Box of 12 Macarons
$45.50
SHOP NOW

We only recommend products we have independently researched, tested, and loved. If you purchase a product found through our links, Sunday Edit may earn an affiliate commission.

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