A lockdown mother’s day afternoon tea
The silver lining of a national lockdown is it definitely forces you to think more creatively about celebrations, as well as be intimate as you can only celebrate with people who are part of your bubble.
Whilst I was tempted to just order afternoon tea for mothers day (so many places were offering afternoon tea packages) I thought I'd take the opportunity to host one at home.
When I was in planning mode it didn't seem like I was doing a lot, but by the time I finished (and caught my breath) it turned out to be more of a feast than afternoon tea! Whilst I’m into aesthetics, I am not a form over substance kind of woman; it is not ok for a set up to look beautiful but the food to be mediocre. If I had to choose, I would rather the set up be shambles and the food delicious. But here’s hoping this was a balance of both!
Here are some bits and bobs I bought in lead up to Mother’s day…
I LOVE tablescaping so it's a shame I don't have a dining table. But…I know how to transform what I've got. I'm obsessed with candles from Ester & Erik; the way they narrow from the top is so aesthetically pleasing. (On a side note, be careful where you buy these candles from as quite a few suppliers stock them, online and instore, at very different prices. I get mine from Nordic Nest as they have a huge colour collection at the same original price as they’re sold on Ester & Erik’s website).
I knew I wanted a floral centerpiece to complement the two colours I wanted to use (matt pink and purple) so the cerise and deep purple was lovely, but I can’t say I was a fan of the arrangement. It wasn’t at all how I wanted it to look; I was opting for a more spread out arrangement with space in between the flowers, not a tightly clumped arrangement you find at weddings. But I’m not a perfectionist; I know how to be open to the newness of circumstances, especially as the arrangement did the job of uplifting the room. First world problem over.
The monochrome printed tablecloth I found from H&M - and what a find! I spent so long searching for tablecloths (I do have a life, I promise) because they can equally play a powerful role in setting the tone for the event. Though there also needs to be a balance between coordinating and just throwing things together. Unfortunately I think this is now sold out but they do have an equally beautiful coloured version here.
The tableware was a gentle mix mash. Saucers from H&M and the glass tea cups from La Via del Tè from the time we went to Florence (though you can buy these from many other places).
Dessert plates from Zara Home (probably taken inspiration from the Burleigh dinner plates but I quite liked the intensity of colour from Zara Home). Pastry forks from Portmeirion. Napkins from Caspari although I bought these instore from a local family grocer on King’s Road, Partridges (they do a selected Caspari range if you don’t fancy buying online).
Cucumber sandwiches, Chicken bruschetta, Smoked salmon bellinis, Mozzarella and sundried tomato bellinis… all home made.
Peggy Porschen cupcakes which were lovely but not quite as tasty as the pastries at the Peggy Porschen Afternoon Tea at The Lanesborough.
Cutter & Squidge Biskies. I only had one which was quite tasteless but everyone loved them so I might’ve been the unlucky one to have got the blandest flavour.
I wanted to get scones from The Connaught Patisserie but there was such a long queue. So we went with scones from Gails' bakery, which were nice enough but can’t say they’re the best I’ve had.
The Connaught Patisserie on a previous visit (before people starting queuing outside it!)
Cute miniature Strawberry Jam & Clotted Cream jars also from Partridges.
And to wrap up a small take away gift for the mammas; gorgeous sea green striped tea cup from Bombay Duck, which reminds me of the sets Claridges use.
I hope you’re all finding ways to have mini, intimate celebrations with loved ones during this pandemic.
Ax
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