Vintage celebrations

For this week, we choose to highlight a vintage themed tea party hosted by the popular socialite Rupo Shams at Bay's Edge Water Gallery on 12 January.

Guests were greeted with welcome drinks, served in shot glasses, as they were shown the way to where the “Vintage Tea Party” was being held. The scene set for the event was reminiscent of a scene straight out of  a “Downton Abbey” garden party, but with a vintage twist.

The décor was predominantly made up of floral, polka dot prints in soft tones of lavender, teal and whites with added splashes of bright colours for that whimsy feel.

Tables decorated with patterned and layered white crochet tablecloths, over which, a combination of tastefully and carefully selected mixed and matched floral-patterned porcelain tea cups, milk jugs, and sugar bowls sets were placed. What we loved about the setting was how Rupo chose to combine mono toned or very lightly embroidered table cloths with bowls of different shapes and sizes, and tea sets that had a bolder floral print and the opposite on other tables.

The smaller tables showcased beautiful combinations of macaroons or iced sugar cookies, tinned boxes of a different flavoured teas and even a cheese tray. There was a consistency in the kinds of decorative pieces used, which included little metal dragon flies, tea strainers of different shapes and kinds, small figurines of children and animals and even a cute little merry-go around.    

There was a beautiful display of an old gramophone, turntable and antique pieces which also included a clock.

The path to the main long table, which is a classic feature of anything vintage themed, was decorated with beautiful vintage bird cages coloured in bright blue adorned with white flowers and candle stands. Floral centre pieces complemented not only the tables but added to the overall ambience of the event itself.

Keeping in line with the theme, aside from the must have tea and coffee, an array of sandwiches, mini burgers, finger foods, pastries like lemon tarts, cakes, croissant rolls and local sweets were served.

Guests who attended the event also chose to keep in line with the overall theme, and some even kept it classy in saris and accessorised with pearls for that vintage touch. A lot of lace, floral patterns, ivory accents, whites, vintage hats and even fur was seen to be worn by many of the guests. 

As Dhakaites, we are no strangers to the concept of “High Tea”, we just knew at as “cha and adda” for the longest of times, which is a great option if you are bored of the usual lunch and dinner parties. It gives you the chance to have fun and experiment not only with different kinds of snacks and décor, but the overall themes as well. 

Photo: Sazzad Ibne Sayed