No matter the compass points of your home, the universal language of tea welcomes all, inviting warmth, connection, and hospitality from east to west, north to south.💗
Photo taken in my California home while I was preparing for one of my tea parties. 2013
Embarking on a journey from sunny California to the misty Oregon coast, my Valentine tea parties have been a delightful adventure filled with cupcakes, charming themes, and the warm embrace of friendship. Join me as I share the unique experiences of hosting these gatherings in two distinct locations.
California Soiree: In the sun-drenched ambiance of California, my tea parties took on a sweet twist. Picture this…baking cupcakes in the warmth of the kitchen, their delightful aroma filling the air. Instead of the traditional indoor setting, we’d venture outside, placing our tea on a large stack amidst the blossoming Arden. The Californian sun added a golden hue to our festivities, creating memories bathed in warmth.
Oregon Coastal Vibes: Contrastingly, the Oregon coast posed a different challenge. With inclement weather and chilly temperatures, I chose the cozy comfort of indoor gatherings. Seated inside, surrounded by the sound of raindrops and the misty view beyond the window, our tea parties took on an intimate and snug atmosphere. It became a celebration of warmth in the face of the coastal chill.
For a touch of enchantment, I sometimes have opted for a Parisian theme on the Oregon coast, with delicate pastries and Eiffel Tower-inspired decor.
In California a cupcake-themed celebration emerged, turning the focus to the sweet indulgence of these miniature delights. Themes added a whimsical touch, tying together each Galentine gathering with a unique charm.
Practical Tips for Hosting
- Adaptable Themes: Tailor your theme to suit the ambiance of your location, be it the sunny outdoors or a cozy indoor setting.
- Weather-Resilient Setup: In areas with unpredictable weather like the Oregon coast, ensure your tea party setup is resilient to the elements, keeping your guests comfortable.
- Cupcake Creativity: Embrace the cupcake theme with creative flavors, decorations, and even a cupcake decorating station for added fun.
- Intimate Seating: Whether basking in the Californian sun or seeking shelter from coastal winds, create an intimate seating arrangement that fosters connection among friends.
As I reminisce about these Galentine tea parties spanning across diverse landscapes, it’s evident that the magic lies in the adaptability celebrations. Whether under the Californian sun or beside the Oregon coast’s misty shores, each gathering radiated the joy of friendship, warmth, and the simple pleasures found in a cup of tea and a shared cupcake.
I have such pleasant memories of tea parties at your house, Marcia
Hi Louise,
It’s wonderful to see you here today. I know that you must be very busy preparing for your move. I was truly sad not to be able to make the trip to California for your goodbye send off this coming week. A couple of previous commitments made it impossible for me to fly out there. I sure hope that we can all meet up for a tea again in the future.
I will always remember the fun times we had at my home for tea.
Safe travels my friend.
Happy Valentines’s Day!
What a delightful path down memory lane as you share your tea of today and bygone events. It all has the aroma of creativity and imagination that makes each tea unique.
Wonderful ideas for celebrating special occasions.
Thank you so much Jose. Your positive comments are always so kind. Happy Valentine’s Day!
I love to do “Tea” and always have a wonderful time. Lives up to expectations! Your descriptions are so right on. And your table settings are so beautiful– so much of my things are still in storage from my last move. Can not hold a tea here at home. Thankfully a new High Tea opened last April and we have made many visits there. Even celebrated my birthday there with friends last year. Had a wonderful time and so enjoyed the experience. Thanks for sharing your ideas. I am storing them up!!!!
Dear Nancy,
Thank you for your sweet comments. How lucky for you to have a new High Tea near you. The closest one where I live is an hour 1/2 away. I am grateful that there are a few around here…I know many of them have closed down. I recently heard that one of my favorites in California closed. This is why hosting a tea at home can be very special…that being said I am in the midst of preparing for one!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Your tea parties are such a vision!!!!!!