I drink tea all year round—morning, afternoon, whenever—but for some reason, the second spring hits, I get this overwhelming urge to turn it into a full-on event. Like, suddenly it isn’t enough to just sip it from my usual mug at my desk. No, no. I want a whole moment. I’m talking a proper tea party situation, the kind that feels just a tiny bit whimsical and unnecessary in a good way.
Tea parties are wildly underrated as adults. Why did we ever let kids (and their stuffed animals) have all the fun? It feels so darn charming to set out a pretty spread, pouring tea into actual teacups, and leaning all the way into the fairytale of it all for an afternoon. It doesn’t have to be fussy—a few sweet treats, maybe some flowers on the table, and you’ve created this cozy little escape.
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Crofton Blue Toile Tiered Server, $12.99 at Aldi
Aldi
Who wouldn’t want to catch up with friends around a table adorned with this Crofton Blue Toile Tiered Server from Aldi? It’s only $12.99 but feels like something out of a storybook, or maybe Bridgerton. The three tiers are perfect for displaying tea sandwiches, appetizers, cookies and small desserts.
Related: Dollar General Is Selling a Dolly Parton 2-Tier Server That’s So Whimsical, You’ll Think a Fairy Made It
The scalloped trim on each pretty tier just kind of adds to the charm of the whole piece.
Aside from a tiered tray (non-negotiable at $12.99, obviously), a tea party really just needs a few extras to bring the magic to life. Think mismatched teacups that look like they’ve each lived a little life, a teapot that pours like a dream, and a linen or two that makes everything feel just a touch more special. Add in a vase of loosely arranged flowers (nothing too perfect) and suddenly your table looks like it belongs in a storybook.
Aldi has a bunch of products that fit the bill for a tea party right now. There’s a wooden scallop-edged tray for decoration, a dreamy floral cast iron Dutch oven and chair pads so comfy and cutesy you’ll want to sit on them for hours.
If this isn’t your sign to start planning a tea party, I’m not sure what is. So, pinkies up, my friends.
Related: Dollar Tree’s Elegant Stoneware Bowls Are Only $1.50 and Transport You to the Mediterranean