Tea for Two

This past weekend, as I mentioned previously, my darling “baby” sister and my beautiful best friend, threw me an intimate baby tea at The Drake, here in Chicago (I have a profound love of old hotels. You can have your “W”s – give me a Waldorf any day). 

My tea was “green”, in that no paper or plastic decorations were used (streeeeeeeeeeeeeeeetchhhhhh) – and that the favors were champers (in glass – totally recyclable), and a Limoges elephant (porcelain – lasts forever), in a velvet bag (also re-usable).  So there.

In addition to old hotels, I have, since a young girl, always had a profound love of weddings (I have actually planned several, and hope to be a wedding planner in my next life).  In fact, I bought my first wedding magazine when I was in high school, have bought hundreds ever since and have, just this morning, waddled my 8 month pregos body up to the counter to get the latest InStyle Weddings.  (The look on the fellows face as I bought it was priceless.)

In this months Instyle Weddings, are several lovely ideas that would work for a baby tea or shower – so I thought that I’d share. (Needless to say, all images, except of my tea, are copyrighted by someone, somewhere.  But I doubt that you thought I was a professional photog.  All images are linked to thier owners site. Please feel free to slather my images all over your own blog.  I’d be flattered.)

As you can see, my baby bottles of champers (from my friends family wine & spirits store:  The House of Glunz), had a lovely blue bow on them.  However, if you want to further personalize your mini bottles (a great favour for all who are NOT in a family way), consider using Marry Monograms or my fave label maker that makes a label for every ol’ thing.

Another lovely favour?  Bulbs, seeds or plants in sweet little boxes.

Wrapped with personalized ribbon - they are too delightful.

And for those that actually prefer tea to champers?  These beautifully packaged sugars are a gorgeous favour.

(These are actually quite easy to make.  Use pretty glass containers, and spice your own sugar with a vanilla pod, spices and a cinnamon stick.  After a week of “marinating” – the sugar will be scented and special.)

And my fave favour idea that made buying yet another wedding magazine worth it? These adorable flowers in a can, that conveniently come in blue and pink cans.  Yup.  Flip, pull and water – and voila!  Flowers! 

If you love weddings, and are years past yours, you now have a new excuse to buy wedding magazines and turn every dreamy page…party planning.

(Remember to take your old mags to your doctors office, where I imagine you will be spending a lot of time. Your fellow moms will thank you as they are weary of worn “Highlights” and “More” magazines.)

Pass the cucumber sandwiches.