From tips for creating a stunning tablescape to recipes for delectable sweets, here's how to host a special tea party for Mom this Mother's Day.

Celebrate at home this Mother’s Day by hosting a tea party that rivals what even the finest hotels can prepare. With thoughtful planning and a dash of creativity, you can make this special occasion one Mom won’t soon forget.

Here, six simple steps to throwing a memorable high tea for mom.

1. Create a stunning tablescape with light and airy hues.

Image: Debi Treloar | Story: Mother's Day Lunch Tabletop

Afternoon tea is the perfect time to set your dream tabletop. Choose a colour palette that’s simple and fresh like white or cream and use lots of feminine accessories, from napkins in pastel shades to dishes and serving ware with pretty details. This is an occasion where florals and pastels definitely reign supreme.

You'll also want to have:

• Tiered cake stand — if you really want to serve afternoon tea the traditional way, use a tiered cake stand, like this one from Pottery Barn.
• A pretty teapot — a bone china teapot is exactly what a Mother’s Day tea party calls for. Boasting beautiful blooms in vibrant florals, it’ll be the perfect addition to your table.
• Floral napkins — pretty cherry blossom napkins are sure to dress up your table.
• Creamer and sugar bowl — you can’t go wrong with a polished silver creamer and sugar bowl to top off your table.

2. Accessorize with bud vases and mom's favourite blooms.

Image: Ashley Capp | Story: The Prettiest Ways to Arrange Flowers this Spring

Instead of choosing a large flower arrangement for the centrepiece, opt for bud vases instead. Fill them with a few pretty stems and scatter across the table for a whimsical look that's so on-trend right now. 

 

3. Source pretty teacups.

Image: Ryan Brook | Story: High/Low: Elegant Tea Party

Mother’s Day tea is the perfect opportunity to dust off that fine China and finally use it, after carefully storing it for so many years! Don’t have any china teacups and saucers? Check local flea markets for vintage finds and don’t worry if you can’t find any full sets. Mismatched cups and saucers just add to the charm!

If you’re looking for a less expensive option than fine bone china for your teacups, consider Anthropologie's decaled stoneware beauties.

 

4. Whip up a decadent dessert or two.

Image: Maya Visnyei | Food Styling: Claire Stubbs | Prop Styling: Ann Marie Favot | Story: Recipe: Lemon Tart

What’s afternoon tea without yummy eats to indulge in? These delectable treats pair perfectly with a cuppa:

• Lemon Tart
• Pear and almond tart
• Strawberry cream puffs
• Almond and fig cake
• Layered lemon cake
• Rose buttercream crepe cake
• Almond macarons
• Sweet farmer cheese Danish with elderflower glaze

5. Choose a thoughtful gift and wrap it up sweet.

Image: indigo.ca

First things first: Get Mom a thoughtful gift that she’ll love! Stuck on ideas? Look no further – we’ve got you covered. Check out our Mother’s Day gift guide. Next: Wrap it beautifully in a gift wrap that’s as thoughtfully chosen as her gift.

We love this beautiful pattern from Indigo, this double sided wrap from The Paper Place or this customizable pattern from Minted. 

 

6. Make the perfect cup of tea.

Image: Ryan Brook | Story: High/Low: Elegant Tea Party

Last but certainly not least — the tea! While an English Breakfast or Earl Grey tea might seem most appropriate, feel free to provide guests with a variety to choose from, like peppermint, chamomile, and other fruity teas. But before you steep, learn how to brew the perfect cup of tea.