Although I can’t remember a time in particular when I actually turned down a glass of champagne, sometimes it’s nice to be able to hang out with your girlfriends without any form of alcoholic temptation. My BFFs are the best, and we have just as much fun on an adventurous Girls’ Night Out as we do playing Cards Against Humanity and watching re-runs of the office. Plus, any opportunity to wear pastels and take copious amounts of adorable, frame-worthy pictures is something you gotta capitalize on when you can. We all wanted to try something new, so while on the precipice of spring, I invited Ashley Brooke, Mash Elle, and Sarah’s Charities over for an afternoon tea party. In case the below photographs aren’t enough of an indication, we had a blast. If you want to host your own afternoon tea party,– and if you don’t want to, you should– keep reading for some insider party planning tips!

The Venue

Although it’s traditional to host tea parties in gardens, I’ve learned that Florida’s unpredictable weather is just not something to toy with. Ergo, I set up my pink-and-green-themed table in a covered, indoor breakfast nook. Out of nowhere, Mash Elle popped inside with an entire bucket of fresh spring bouquets from Trader Joe’s. Since the table was a bit cluttered with all the afternoon tea party sustenance, we handcrafted a small, spring arrangement consisting of multi-colored roses, Hydrangeas, and Baby’s Breath for the table.

The Snacks

Although the primary focus of the party is on tea, guests will always want snacks. One of the benefits to hosting an afternoon tea party is that a full meal should never be expected, so you end up saving quite a bit on food and drinks. Ever since we went to LA, I’ve been on a total macaron kick, so I picked up two dozen pink and green macarons from Le Macaron. I also grabbed some gourmet chocolate, shortbread, and sugar cookies, and it all looked perfectly staged on my pretty new Threshold 2-tier Server from Target.

The Teas

Last, but certainly not least, you need to make sure you’ve got a variety of delicious teas, as well as the proper tableware to enjoy said teas, for your guests to choose from. Lipton has always been my favorite brand, and their multi-sensory teas add a refreshing twist to anyone’s standard tea time, thereby creating an even more fabulous and unique tea-drinking experience. Lipton’s new black and herbal varieties and improved green teas refresh everyone’s tea experience with bold and stimulating flavors, such as Enticing Chai, Pure Green, Orange Passionfruit Jasmine, and Peach Mango. Check out the full line-up of Lipton Green, Black, and Herbal tea flavors here.

If you’re unsure about which teas to try, I suggest trying them all! Keep in mind that Lipton’s updated green teas, which are available now nationwide, have a light, fresh taste, bright clearer color, and delightful aroma. Plus, green tea is known for being a rockstar antioxidant. Lipton’s new black teas perfectly combine strong aromas and unique flavors to put a twist on boring old traditional black tea, and their herbal teas combine real ingredients with Lipton’s most popular traditional herbal tea blends to awaken senses. For presentation, throw them in a rustic tea chest (check out some cute ones on Amazon)– or make  your own out of a macaron box like I did!

The Party Favors

If you want to give your friends a little parting gift, pick up a dozen small trinket bags and ask your guests to choose two or three of their favorite teas, or even a macaron or two, to take home with them.

Tea Party Hardware

Also, if you’re a millennial without access to a plethora of antique china, worry not. I found this precious tea cup and saucer set on Amazon for $30. I also found my white teapot and serving set, which comes in seven other colors, at Kohl’s for $40, as well as this 2-Tier Server from Target for $24.99. Insane.

Do you have a favorite flavor of tea? Mine is either Lipton’s Pure Green Tea or Lipton’s Daring English Breakfast Tea. So different, but both so delicious.

Hope y’all are having a fabulous (and safe) weekend! Happy Tea Partying!