Guest Picks: Tea Party With a Modern Palette
Turn a traditional tea party on its head with the colors of citron, peach and lime
I went to architecture school but am now a design and craft blogger over at Lauren Elise Crafted where I highlight crafts, DIYs and tutorials, photography, vintage finds, and all things lovely.
I went to architecture school but am now a design and craft blogger over... More »
Daydreaming about spring? The upcoming season is all about color, so now is the time to start infusing your wardrobe, your home and your decor with splashes of your favorite hues.
Spring colors don't necessarily have to be pastels, though. For a more modern palette, try combining brights like citron, salmon, lime, persimmon, teal and aquamarine. While working on this ideabook, I saw these color combinations all over the stores and on the internet. I think this palette will be popular this year.
To celebrate the modern and to welcome the new season, throw a tea party with these 20 colorful finds. — Lauren from Lauren Elise Crafted
Spring colors don't necessarily have to be pastels, though. For a more modern palette, try combining brights like citron, salmon, lime, persimmon, teal and aquamarine. While working on this ideabook, I saw these color combinations all over the stores and on the internet. I think this palette will be popular this year.
To celebrate the modern and to welcome the new season, throw a tea party with these 20 colorful finds. — Lauren from Lauren Elise Crafted
This illustrated wallpaper was my inspiration for this whole ideabook. For me, the idea of a tea party conjures up images of doilies and tea cozies and kitschy floral prints. The modern, bright colors here are quite the opposite. A tea party with this color scheme would be all fun, not frumpy.
Classic French bistro chairs would be my seat of choice at any tea party. But a bright citron bistro chair would be the punch of color that this avant-garde fete needs.
A simple splash of color really makes these dipped mugs fantastic.
by Leah Duncan
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When it comes time to clean up, use tea towels that are just as colorful as the rest of your decor. The hand-drawn illustrations on these would be the perfect addition to any modern abode when the party is over. You could even wrap these up individually and gift them to your guests.
by Shop Sweet Lulu
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These colorful spoons just made ice cream eating much sweeter. Sure, they aren't traditional tea party fare, but guests will love scooping gelato with these environmentally-friendly utensils.
If you are going to serve gelato at your tea party, you may as well serve cupcakes too. A feminine stand will display your desserts in style.
You need to have some flowers at a tea party, even a modern one. Skip the traditional vase and display your in-season varieties in these Hanging Wall Pockets. They don't take up cupboard space, so you won't have to worry about finding storage for them later.
by Anthropologie
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A boring apron just won't do when you have all this bright color. This apron has beautiful salmon tones but also a stylish chevron pattern. Your outfit officially has some competition.
These little bowls have simple details in just the right colors.
If you would rather invest in faux flowers that will last through all your tea parties, these wooden daisies are what you need. They can be cheerful all year long.
These letterpress coasters are almost too pretty to use. Your guests are sure to notice them, and hopefully they will remember them as well (for the sake of your wood surfaces).
A party would not be complete without bunting — that's my motto, anyway. This garland feels a bit vintage, but I love the juxtaposition of old and new in a modern space. Embrace it!
A salmon serving bowl would be a nice addition to the table. If you fill it with lemons, limes and oranges, the fruit can become edible decor.
Fringe is youthful and fun, and these Fringe Place Cards are definitely for the young at heart. You could DIY a lot of other fringe details too — garlands, invitations, stir sticks — to give your decor some cohesiveness.
Stoneware is rarely considered delicate, but these wobbly bowls with a pressed-lace pattern are the exception. Guests may find it hard to fill their plates and hide the details.
by Shop Sweet Lulu
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Candles do not need to be reserved for birthdays and holidays. Your tea party can benefit from them, too. If you plan to have your afternoon party transform into an evening soiree, colorful candles will create a magical ambiance.
This felt billy ball garland is all modern.
by Anthropologie
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These coiled jute pots have an earthy feel to them. They would be great for the modernist who also loves nature. Fill them with simple plants like succulents or cacti.
If you feel like you have too many bright colors, tone everything down with neutrals. White and gray additions will pair nicely with the colors but not fight them. This tea towel is a beautiful combination of gray and citron.
Colorful, striped treat bags will be the perfect ending to your party. Each guest will be delighted to see the goodies you send them home with.
Next: 50 Great Ideas for a Garden Party
Next: 50 Great Ideas for a Garden Party
Comments
Casart Coverings Lauren, I want to come to Your tea party! Lots of fun items (got to get that apron) and whimisical ideas and I feel certain I could leave my white gloves at home and not worry about drinking my tea with pinkie extended!
16 months ago · Like
Laurie at Bird in Hand VTG Love the fresh use of color at this party : ) Also love your inclusion of many handmade items vs. mass-produced.
16 months ago · Like
Lauren Donaldson Thank you for the sweet comments! I would love to throw this party too, definitely not old fashioned but still really colorful and fun. Laurie, handmade items are my favorite so I always love including them in my decor.
16 months ago · Like
violetmist Another great tea party! I love the color palette. Your ideas are great. I'd love to sea some tea pots and teacups in these colors as well.
16 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on Feb. 11, 2012.
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