2022 was a year filled with celebrations for my family–or perhaps, learning how to celebrate more intentionally. It was a summer of tea parties, inspired by the elegance of the Regency era.

It all started when some very special friends hosted a Jane Austen themed tea party for my birthday. The table was set with a lace tablecloth, floral napkins, a bouquet of the most fragrant pink roses, heart-shaped cucumber tea sandwiches, scones & clotted cream, hand-dipped chocolate covered strawberries, and a plate of English biscuits. My friends even put on a little skit from Pride & Prejudice just for me. It is a memory I shall carry with me all my days. It was the first tea party anyone had ever hosted in my honor, and I was deeply touched by the love that flowered into that beautiful party for me, and also inspired to bring the idea back home with me.

The elegance of formal dining has always touched my heart—for the love of fine china and a beautiful table runs in my blood. Both my grandmothers gifted my mother some of their lovely collections of crystal, silver, and porcelain, and my sister has a growing collection of her own, which she shared for the occasion: my mother’s birthday. It was so much fun to bring them out of their secluded homes in the china cabinets and enjoy them, as they were meant to be used.

And, of course, the flowers! Flowers and candles are the crowning jewels of any table, in my opinion. I had a vision of how I wanted the table to be decorated, with mini roses for a centerpiece bouquet and for the center of the tea cake.

The food was the even better than it looks. My sister and I divided the labor for our menu: I made the sweets and she made the sandwiches.

Savory Tea Sandwiches:

• Smoked salmon with cream cheese, parsley, & pepper
• Prosciutto with brie & fig jam
• Tomato, basil, & mozzarella with a balsamic glaze
• Classic cucumber & cream cheese with dill
• Chicken salad with cranberries & lettuce

Dessert & Sweets:

• Mary Berry’s lemon drizzle cake
• Lemon scones
• Chocolate chip scones
• Blueberry curd
• Lemon curd

To supplement all the homemade delicacies, my sister went to a local specialty store & deli and bought real English clotted cream, tea biscuits, chocolate, jam, blueberries, and fresh figs. It was a celebration that will long be remembered in my family. It was beautiful and delicious, but the love and joy that we shared at the table that afternoon is what made it worth remembering.

What a special time it was, celebrating my mother! I am so thankful for beautiful things–the sweet loveliness of a formal table with fresh flowers–which surely make special moments shine!