How to Host a Cottagecore Strawberry & Wildflower Garden Tea Party

There’s just something special about hosting a tea party outside—when the air smells sweet, the sun peeks through the trees, and the sound of birds and laughter fills the space. It’s slow and lovely and a little bit magical. The kind of moment you want to tuck away and remember.

When I put one together, it always takes me back to my childhood. My grandmother would pull out her prettiest tablecloth, pour sweet tea into real glass cups, and lay out fresh strawberries like it was the fanciest thing in the world—even if it was just the two of us in the backyard. That old-fashioned kind of care stuck with me, and it’s what I try to pour into my gatherings today.

If you’ve been wanting to host a garden tea party that feels whimsical and a little bit vintage, let me share how I do it—cottagecore style, of course—with lots of florals, old dishes, and fresh-picked sweetness.

Strawberries & Wildflowers

Strawberries have always meant summer to me. I remember picking them barefoot as a kid, warm from the sun, and bringing them home in a bucket to make jam. Their soft red color and dainty little shape make them the perfect touch for a romantic tea party.

For this kind of get-together, I lean into all the soft, nostalgic patterns—tiny florals, faded gingham, sweet toile prints. You don’t need to go out and buy anything new. In fact, most of my favorite pieces have been thrifted over the years—mismatched china, embroidered napkins, old strawberry tins I found for a few bucks. It all adds to the charm.

Patterns and Pieces to Look For:

• Strawberry or berry-themed dishware and textiles

• Soft floral prints, especially ones with wildflowers or little roses

• Gingham—especially in red, blush, or green

• Lace, eyelet, and embroidery for layering

• Anything with a bit of that French country feel

Even a few fabric scraps, vintage scarves, or ribbon can work as table accents if you're willing to get a little creative.

The Table: Cozy, Layered, and Personal

Setting the table is my favorite part—it’s where everything comes together. I always start with some kind of base—a tablecloth, quilt, or even a curtain panel I’ve repurposed. Then I layer in the things I love: old dishes, my grandmother’s crystal, thrifted silverware tied with a piece of ribbon.

You don’t need a perfectly matching set. Honestly, the more mismatched, the better. It tells a story. And if you’ve got a few old doilies, scatter them around the table or even tuck them under your serving trays for a sweet touch.

Flower arrangements? Keep it simple. I walk around the yard and snip whatever’s blooming—lavender, wild daisies, mint, even basil. I’ll pop them in old jelly jars, little pitchers, or my thrifted teapots. Sometimes I’ll even tuck a few strawberries in with the flowers just for fun.

The Food: Simple, Sweet, and Homemade

You don’t need a full menu—just a few sweet things and some light bites to make it feel special. I usually plan the food like I’m packing a little picnic basket for friends.

Sweets I Love to Make:

• Homemade strawberry shortcake with whipped cream

• Lemon scones with strawberry jam

• Butter cookies or shortbread (easy to make ahead!)

• Mini berry tarts or pavlovas topped with mint

A Few Savory Bites:

• Cucumber sandwiches on soft white bread

• Mini quiches with herbs from the garden

• Chicken salad in croissants or crackers

• A little cheese board with fruit and jam

For drinks, I set out a mix of hot and cold teas—earl grey, lavender, chamomile, or a berry iced tea. Add lemon slices, a sprig of mint, or edible flowers, and it instantly feels fancy even if it took five minutes to throw together.

What to Wear: Cottagecore Comfort

Dressing up a little makes the whole thing feel more fun, but it doesn’t have to be fussy. I usually grab a soft floral dress—something breezy and comfortable, with puffed sleeves or a smocked waist. If I’m hosting, I want to feel pretty, but I also need to be able to move around easily.

For the Dress-Lovers:

• Soft cotton or linen maxi dresses

• Floral prints, gingham, or even toile

• Apron dresses, smocked bodices, and puff sleeves

• Pair with a ribbon in your hair or a wide-brim straw hat

If Dresses Aren’t Your Thing:

• A peasant blouse tucked into wide-leg pants

• High-waisted skirt with a sweet vintage tee

• Overalls with a floral top underneath

• Even a soft jumpsuit with a bow in your hair can feel charming

On your feet—flats, espadrilles, or barefoot if you're in the grass. I’ve worn my Tieks for years and they’re perfect for these kinds of days.

Sweet Little Touches

The heart of a cottagecore gathering is in the small details. You don’t need perfection—just intention.

• Wrap up a few extra cookies or scones in wax paper for guests to take home

• Tie up little wildflower bundles with twine as a parting gift

• Put out a few vintage books or magazines for people to flip through

• Let kids pick flowers, chase butterflies, or help pass around napkins

More than anything, just enjoy the moment. These little gatherings don’t have to be grand to be memorable. A table under a tree, a pitcher of tea, and the people you love—sometimes that’s all it takes to create something beautiful.

Brooke

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Welcome to my cozy corner of the internet! I’m Brooke, and I’m so thrilled you’re here. As a homeschool mom and a lover of all things Cottagecore, I’ve built a life that’s all about creating warmth, charm, and simplicity—and I can’t wait to share it with you!

Cottagecore, for me, is about slowing down and embracing the beauty of intentional living—finding joy in baking fresh bread, tending a garden, or savoring a quiet moment with a cup of tea by a sunny window. It’s about blending the rustic charm of Cottagecore with the refined elegance of French Country style to create a life that feels both beautiful and attainable.

One of my greatest passions is curating unique, timeless treasures that reflect this way of life. Whether it’s a vintage find, a sustainable piece, or a handmade item with a story to tell, I love sharing these special discoveries with you. And now, you can shop these carefully chosen pieces right here! Each item is selected with love, bringing charm, sustainability, and elegance into your home and wardrobe.

This little community of like-minded women makes everything even sweeter. I’m so excited to connect, inspire, and celebrate the magic of Cottagecore together. Thank you for stopping by—it means the world to me. Let’s embrace a simpler, more beautiful life, one lovely find at a time!