Courtney Warren is a Texas-based interior designer whose work has been featured in Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, Good Housekeeping, Apartment Therapy, and Today.com. She is a frequent consultant on Fox 4 TV’s Good Day program in Dallas, was ranked in the top 3 percent of interior designers in the US by Houzz.com, and starred in the Dallas episode of TLC’sFour Houses. She delights in helping overwhelmed clients create beautiful spaces—and will never turn down a warm chocolate chip cookie or Diet Dr Pepper.
Springtime Tea Party: In 1988, as I walked home from elementary school, I tightly clutched my Trapper Keeper. Inside was a letter announcing my class’s Easter Bonnet Contest. I was already planning my winning look, with my blue Keds perfectly matching my first-place ribbon.
Maybe that memory is why I adore Spring so much. The sun shines brighter, the days get longer, and after the gray Texas winter, people emerge with fresh energy. It’s the perfect season for celebrations—weddings, babies, birthdays, graduations, and, of course, Easter. Surely, you have something special to celebrate! Use this guide to make your occasion sweet and memorable.
For this beautiful Spring gathering, we started with an incredible cake from Bittersweet Bakery. Decorated with succulents, macarons, and roses, it looked almost too stunning to eat. Almost.
A long farmhouse table set the perfect stage for our gathering. To create a fresh, seasonal feel, I laid down a faux grass runner that stretched the length of the table, instantly adding a hint of springtime charm.
In order to keep the party lighthearted and fun, I mixed and matched English china for a quirky, eclectic vibe. Surprisingly, The best part? You don’t need a fancy occasion to bring out the pretty china. Even if you’re just serving hot dogs, they look instantly more delicious on a beautiful plate!
Meanwhile, I wanted to add a playful touch to each place setting. As a result, I turned teacups into candy dishes, filling them with colorful Jordan almonds. Not only that, but drinking glasses became unexpected cupcake holders, lined with even more candy—because when it comes to sugar, more is always better! Ultimately, the key is to let items pull double duty. So, instead of buying new decor, get creative and use what you already have!
In addition to these small details, each place setting featured vintage French linens in different colors, creating a vibrant, layered look. Finally, for a charming and memorable favor, I placed a single tulip tied with ribbon next to a seed packet, giving guests something lovely to take home and plant. In the end, small details make people feel special, and best of all, they don’t have to be expensive or elaborate to leave a lasting impression!
There are some helpful hints here for you, as well! Use these party tips in your home to incorporate the change of seasons.
Keep a candy dish around the home filled with pastel covered candy.
Fresh tulips are a great addition to the kitchen table or bathroom counter.
Add a light, bright runner to your table or kitchen island.
Is it Taco Tuesday? Mix up the weekday doldrums by eating on fancy dinnerware.
Delight the kids by putting a “favor” on their dinner plate. Maybe a mint, piece of chocolate, or macroon for after dinner. If you are really crazy, let them eat it before dinner!