Hosting Shayna’s Tea Party Bridal Shower

This celebrations feel perfectly fitting from the moment the idea was born. Shayna has a tradition of hosting an annual Tea Party with her girlfriencs so creating a Tea Party themed bridal shower seemed exactly the right tone. Because she is not only joining our family, but is also deeply loved by all of us, I wanted her shower to feel thoughtful, feminine, and full of warmth.

The Lakeside Prelude

Of course since many of the party guests were arriving from out of town we made it into a whole party weekend. Starting with a boat ride with our boat club and snacks and cocktails at the lake.

A Tea Party Straight Out of an Edwardian Storybook

A Tea Party Theme was the perfect fit for Shayna, as one of her traditions with her friend group is to host an annual Tea Party. In the weeks leading up to the shower, I collected antique tea cups and saucers — delicate porcelain pieces with gold rims, roses, ivy patterns, and all the lovely imperfections that come with age. Each guest chose her favorite cup to use for the afternoon, which added a sentimental, curated touch.

The guests, many who traveled from out of town, embraced the theme wholeheartedly. Every woman arrived in a tea-length floral dress and a fancy hat, creating a picture-perfect scene that looked like a garden party at Downton Abbey.

The menu was inspired by a traditional Edwardian high tea: petite sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, pastries and miniature sweets, infused teas, champagne and sparkling cocktails…..all beautiful, delicious, and timeless.

And because the universe enjoys coordinating magic, the event was hosted by my dear friend Donna in her historic Victorian-era home — a home built in the same era as the Edwardian traditions we were recreating. Her parlors, rich woodwork, and soft period lighting created the perfect backdrop. I styled the house with soft florals, tiers of pastries, vintage tea cups that I collected all spring, and a gentle pink and green color palette. The whole space felt romantic, calm, and welcoming — exactly the environment I wanted for Shayna’s special afternoon.

A Touch of Whimsy: The Fortune-Telling Parlor

One of the most memorable touches was the medium I hired for the afternoon. She came dressed as a gypsy fortune teller, complete with flowing fabrics, layered jewelry, and an otherworldly charm. She set up in Donna’s ornate parlor, where she offered palm and Tarot Card readings. Guests rotated in and out of her softly lit corner, equal parts intrigued, amused, and emotionally moved. It added a playful, mystical layer to the experience — completely unexpected and delightfully fun.

A Circle of Women Making It Beautiful

Like all meaningful family gatherings, this one came together because of the women around me: Donna with her beautiful home, Joanne baked special cookies decorated like brides. Everyone arrived full of warmth and love for Shayna.

Shayna herself looked radiant — glowing with excitement and clearly touched by the effort, the beauty, and the feeling of being welcomed so deeply into our family.

A Celebration of New Beginnings

There was laughter, storytelling, clinking tea cups, and the effortless joy of women connecting across generations. It wasn’t just a bridal shower — it was a ritual of belonging. A moment in time where our family expanded, quite literally, around a table set with flowers and china.

It truly was an afternoon of beauty, intention, and connection.