If you know that I love packaging and pretty patterns, it goes without saying that I would be completely amazed by these brilliant take-out cups. Graphic artist Sarah Walsh designed these beauties as part of an image overhaul for Mallard Tearooms, a specialist tea company. According to Sarah, “the mix and match branding is inspired by the eclectic feel of the establishment, which is quirky, eccentric and unmistakably English.” Check out more from this project on her portfolio site.

Obviously a bit excited about these cute designs, I took her cue in putting together a quirky, eccentric and unmistakably English tea party that incorporates both the patterns and palettes from the Mallard project. From tabletop to dessert buffet, the details we might normally overlook are an amazing opportunity to incorporate more of your theme–just check out the cookies with stunning houndstooth-print icing!

So, is it a normal reaction to see this photo from SFGirlByBay and think FOOD? Maybe, maybe not, but all of the cute little english country teapots, cups, saucers and creamers on these shelves made my imagination immediately float off to tea party land.  I’ll have to admit, I don’t host or partake in tea parties often, but I probably should.  Fresh, light foods + tea + assorted desserts = inevitable good times with girlfriends (or boyfriends, for that matter).

Rather than share prices and resources for various items, this food post features links to tempting recipes that are now on my “to cook” list.  Some of them are easier (cucumber and watercress tea sandwiches) than others (homemade apricot preserves), and others may be a bit complicated for an everyday project (matcha green tea macarons), but I hope that you’ll find something to try!