Right when the cooler autumn air starts to roll in, I start wanting to spend all my time outdoors. There’s around a 4-week window in Columbia when the weather is absolutely perfect– not too hot, not too cold, and, most importantly, all the bugs disappear, and my goal is to soak up every second of it. That being said, Kyle and I got engaged this past summer (you can read our proposal story here!), and we’re in the thick of wedding planning. To avoid going crazy from all the spreadsheets and unanswered emails, we try and make time to slow down and spend time in nature. So, instead of drinking coffee and answering emails at our dining room table, I packed an afternoon tea picnic for us at our favorite shady spot in the park a few weekends back. Keep reading for the full teatime spread!

By the way, I got the inspiration for this sweet and simple teatime spread from Platters and Boards. If you love entertaining, it’s an absolute must-read!

Tips for Hosting an Afternoon Tea Picnic

The key to hosting a great picnic lies in the planning. Here’s everything I packed for our afternoon tea picnic–

• Picnic Basket- I use this one, which is super cute and fully equipped for 4 people.  
• Water-Resistant Blanket- You never know if the grass will be wet, so an oversized waterproof blanket, like this one, is a safe bet.
• Tea Set- Remember to bring your favorite teapot, teacups, and cream and sugar set.
• Hot Water- I recommend using a thermos or Yeti Rambler to safely transport your hot water.
• Variety of Teas- Include a variety of teas (hibiscus, peppermint, green tea, chai, etc), so guests can select their favorites.
• Tea Cookies- Dewey’s Bakery Lemon Bar Cookies and Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are my personal favorites! If you aren’t a fan of cookies, bring some scones or biscuits instead. 
• Citrus Slices- I love arranging lemon, lime, and orange slices on a small platter. Not only are they pretty, they can add extra flavor to more bland teas. Mint is another great flavor booster, too!
• Fresh Flowers- Because why not?

Oh, and fun presentation tip– one of my favorite ways to dress up a plate of cookies or biscuits is by sprinkling culinary grade flowers on top. I found this pack of edible rosebuds and petals,  lavender, marigold, and chamomile flowers on Amazon for under $25, and I use them all the time. 

More Teatime Menu Ideas

As sweet and romantic as an intimate picnic in the park can be, it’s also fun to host a handful of your favorite girlfriends for tea and treats, too! Whether you’re hosting a book club meeting or ladies luncheon or casual hang, this teatime spread is perfect. With more than a few guests, though, I’d suggest maybe adding something savory, like some cucumber or tuna finger sandwiches, to the mix. You never know when you’ll have a picky eater on your hands. 

Do you have any high tea or afternoon tea picnic tips? Any favorite teatime recipes? I’m on a big tea kick, and I’d absolutely love to hear them! 

I was reimbursed for the cost of these products as part of a sponsored social campaign with Dewey’s Bakery. I loved them so much that I decided to feature them my blog, as well, although I had no obligation to do so. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.