An affordable tea party, decorated with upcycled containers and homegrown garden flowers.
June is my favourite month because it’s not only my twin’s and my birthday month, but also because it’s when my favourite flowers, like roses and lilies, are in bloom.
In London, we celebrated the summer flower harvest by hosting an intimate tea party at our flat in Fulham. I didn’t plan too hard. We picked up English strawberries, bubblies, muffins, cakes and quiche from our local Waitrose patisserie.
“Since London is a garden city, a boho floral theme party always fits right in.”
I decorated the living room with flower cuttings from our balcony garden, including roses and fuchsia. I placed single-flower vases and homemade potpourri, created from upcycled jars and bottles, around the living room.
Since London is a garden city, a boho floral theme party always fits right in. We quickly did a photoshoot while we were enjoying the feast.
When I first saw the photos, I wished I had been more meticulous with the styling. However, I’ve grown quite fond of the imperfections, or the wabi sabi aspect, of the shots. I’m glad I focused on having a great time with our guests rather than just the photoshoot.
After the party, I’m left with warm memories of my close friends and a lovely set of photographs.
“I’ve grown quite fond of the imperfections, or the wabi sabi aspect, of the shots.”
Here are some tips for upcycled decorations:
- Turn empty jars into potpourri decorations by adding fragrant dried petals. Tie jute strings or straw ropes around the jar’s mouth for a rustic effect.
- Place single-flower vases made from pretty perfume bottles all over the table and room.
- Set a color theme. Pink tones dominated my tea party because we had rose and fuchsia cuttings from the garden. To complement the pink, I chose a bright blue tablecloth (repurposed from my scarf).
- David Austin roses are a wonderful variety for homegrown cut flowers.
- Don’t worry about imperfection! Embrace wabi sabi and have fun!
Lifestyle photography
Homegrown Series
Still life flower photography workshop
Zarina Holmes 