When one of my BFFs had an upcoming birthday, we skipped our usual lunch outing and enjoyed tea in my garden instead. That’s when I came up with a garden birthday tea for two. After all, what more intimate way to celebrate a beautiful friend than a special affair just for her?
With my garden in bloom and the smell of tomato leaves permeating the crisp late Spring air, timing was everything. I made some finger sandwiches, created a light dessert plate, and set a little stunner of a table. She loved it!
So chose an outdoor setting to hold your tea, and select your special guest. I’ll show you how to host a garden birthday tea for two at your own home in no time.
Fields of Provence provide the color scheme
Provençal palette of yellows and blues
The theme – tea in a Provence garden – makes it easy to mimic a palette that you’d find in Southern France. This means yellows, blues, small floral prints, soft stripes, beautiful full hydrangeas, and of course, French lemonade.
The earthy, herbal scent of tomato leaves is unmistakeable
Keep the meal light and airy
Heart-shaped finger sandwiches
An easy make-ahead menu of finger sandwiches, shaped into hearts with a cookie cutter and topped with micro-greens is perfect. Use a variety of breads (marble, rye, and white) with spreads like egg salad, pimento cheese and salmon with cream cheese and dill. Serve open-faced to show off the gorgeous colors.
Using what you have for a vintage feel
A small intimate table for two
An eclectic, layered table allows for a lot of creative freedom to make the look unique and use what you have around your house. The vintage table cloth and yellow and blue plates I used are heirlooms from a relative who purchased them in France. Similar tablecloths can be found here: Provence Table Cloth $40-60. My blue plates $24/4, yellow striped napkins $32/4, and lemon dessert plates $26/4 are from Pottery Barn. Target has these fun gold flatware.. I bought the milk glasses from a vintage market called Sweet Salvage here in Phoenix that’s only open 4 days a month. It’s an easier price tag when you’re buying just two of everything!
Light dessert of macaroons and lemon bars
Because I’m a marginal baker at best, I buy store-bought desserts for most occasions. Trader Joe’s is my go-to for yummy treats. These macaroons and lemon bars simply need 30 minutes to defrost prior to serving. If you have a marble cheeseboard, put it in the freezer to chill and serve your treats on this for a beautiful presentation. Voila!
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