My sister Teresa suggested giving an Afternoon Tea Bridal Shower for my daughter, Alexandra. Alexandra said she loved the idea! She grew up with lots of tea parties as a child. Two of my sweet friends agreed to host it with Teresa. It was an elegant but relaxed affair and we all had a wonderful time. It’s so wonderful to feel the world coming back to celebrations like this.
Afternoon Tea Bridal Shower Invitation
I asked if I could design the invitations for them on Canva (it’s fun for me). We did it one day while I was staying with Alexandra and she gave her input, too.
The Peninsula Hotel
The Peninsula Hotel is a beautiful venue. Look at our room…
The Guests
The guests were mostly Alexandra’s southern California friends and family.
This is Alexandra’s future mother-in-law, Francesca below. Can you believe that Francesca knitted the gorgeous blue scarf that she is wearing?
It was a fun excuse to get dressed up!
Alexandra’s dress is a vintage Mexican wedding dress.
The Afternoon Tea Menu
We started with rosé Champagne. Each guest had their own pot of tea in a British tea cozy AND their own three-tier tray of delectables. So much food that everyone took scrumptious goodie boxes home.
We were saying that it would be great to try to duplicate this at home with each person bringing an element (like say, scones or tea sandwiches) for the group. That would be a fun gathering!
“Wildly Inappropriate Sexy NIght Gown From Mom”
That was according to Alexandra’s friend, Jane (who was keeping the thank you note gift list). But, hey, I want grandchildren!
Thanks again, Teresa, Laura, and Debbie for this wonderful, celebratory day!
You may also like Elegant Blue and White Bridal Shower or A Magical Evening Bridal Shower in Newport Beach.
Shay says
You looked beautiful, as did your daughter! I love the tea party idea—a fun twist on a luncheon. Thank you for sharing the invitation, menu, and photos. Lots of great ideas for any special occasion with lady friends and family. Please keep us posted as wedding planning progresses. I have no doubt you will have many lovely creative ideas we’ll want to see and hear about.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks, Shay. It’s not going to be super traditional…but it will be meaningful!
Kathy Chandler says
What a beautiful, wonderful celebration! Alexandraś dress is absolutely beautiful – I love everything about it!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Me too, Kathy!!!
cindy says
Loved Allie’s dress!! You all look so gorgeous and happy!! So happy for Allie and Luca. Can’t wait to celebrate them!!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks, Cindy!!
LA CONTESSA says
OH MY GOSH!
YOU GOT TO DO EVERYTHING SO BEAUTIFULLY!
HERE COME THE GRAND BABIES!!!!!!!!!!
XXX
Mary Ann Pickett says
It was so fun!!
Cheryl P says
What a lovely celebration! Congratulations on the upcoming nuptials! Hopefully will get to see the pics! Have a safe and happy 4th!
Gail says
The Peninsula Hotel is certainly a beautiful place to have a bridal shower tea for a gorgeous bride to be, her family and girlfriends. What a very special day.
Colleen F says
I’m having the same issue as Katie regarding the title fonts. Letters are very light except those with a shadow. Another concern that wasn’t happening before, opening picture has gone sideways. None of these things will/can deter me from reading your lovely blog.
Karen B. says
Mary Ann,
This is such a great time for you. It’s been a few years since our two sons were married, respectively. I have lovely daughters-in-law that included me in so much of the wedding planning. You’ll have so much fun and make so many memories.
Alexandra looks so happy. Congratulations.
xo,
Karen
Martha foss says
Maryanne,
What a beautiful shower for your gorgeous daughter! I know you were thrilled with how it turned out! I love a tea party for a shower theme, it’s always a hit.
Best,
Martha
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks, Martha!
Debbie says
Loved the “wildly inappropriate sexy nightgown”!! What a beautiful place to have a bridal tea and shower.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Ha!! We had fun.
Debbie says
Meant to ask in my earlier comment….does anyone know the name of the china pattern in the photograph of the place setting used at the tea?
Mary Ann Pickett says
I don’t know but perhaps you could call the hotel?
Barbara says
Everything looked beautiful. Especially you. Would you share where you purchased that gorgeous dress?
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thank you!! Max Mara Weekend from Bloomingdales.
Rebecca says
You’re a breath of fresh air! So lovely to catch a glimpse of the darling shower! Congratulations!
Mary Ann Pickett says
You are so sweet, Rebecca.
Katherine says
The tea bridal shower was amazing on every possible level. The detail to everything was noticed.
Alexandra just radiates total beauty inside and out. I loved your gift, so gorgeous and feminine.
Thank you for sharing such a joyful day.
Mary Ann Pickett says
I’m still smiling, Katherine from having such a fun time.
Katie says
I love the new blog look! I am having trouble reading the font used for your blog post titles though. Where the letters go from thin to thick, the thin parts virtually disappear. I thought it was just on my phone, but it is on my PC as well.
Mary Ann Pickett says
I will check into it. Looks good to me though, Katie.
Lisa Maletic says
How exciting for you. The Tea Shower looked amazing and beautiful. Funny that you gifted the “totally inappropriate bedroom attire”. We just had our first grandchild (boy). And I must say we are smitten. We moved temporarily from Michigan to New Orleans and rented a “shotgun” apartment in their neighborhood (Historic Algiers Point). Now I have a new place to decorate! Thanks to you for your input in our virtual Design Session in Michigan when the pandemic was going on, I will use your ideas from that to help with the new apartment. Many best wishes to you and your family.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Oh Lisa, that sounds soooo marvelous! Congrats on the baby boy.
Tricia says
What a beautiful shower your daughter had. Alexandra is such a beautiful girl and I cannot wait to see her as a bride. She will be gorgeous!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks, Tricia! Alexandra is beautiful inside and out…and has such talented and sweet friends.