A small top hat is a perfect hat for a Mad Hatter Tea Party. Held on with an elastic band, you can enjoy the party without your hat getting in the way.
We love the range of fascinators you can choose from for this theme party. This one caught our eye immediately with the rose, lace and feathers. It is mad enough for a mad hatter.
A Mad Hatter’s Tea Party is the perfect excuse to go for extra everything. That is why we loved this extra-large feather fascinator. It comes in many colors, so pick the one that suits your outfit best.
We loved finding you the best Mad Hatter Tea Party Hats, and wish you all the best for your event. Don’t forget to check out our other suggestions for great High Tea Events.
It is tea party season and we have found the best tea party hats for all the Weddings, christenings, engagements, anniversaries and many more events that can be celebrated with a fantastic tea party.
All the Glitz and Glamour with 1920s party dresses!
There’s something irresistibly fun about stepping into the glitz and glamour of the 1920s for a Prohibition-era party! From flapper dresses adorned with sequins and fringe to dapper fedoras and bow ties, dressing up for the occasion lets you slip into a world of jazz, champagne, and secret speakeasies. It’s a chance to channel the spirit of the roaring twenties—whether you’re twirling on the dance floor in a beaded gown or donning a sharp suit like a true Gatsby. The fashion of the era was all about breaking the rules, embracing a little decadence, and enjoying the thrill of the night—so go ahead, get glam, and let the good times roll!
We have gathered our pick of the best 1920s party dresses and accessories to make sure you are ready to party with the Great Gatsby.
Flapper dresses are all about fun, freedom, and fabulous flair—perfect for twirling, shimmying, and making a sparkling entrance at any 1920s bash! Classic flapper dresses were all the rage in the 1920s. This iconic dress was popular during the Roaring Twenties, known for its bold, carefree, and rebellious vibe.
A flapper dress is has a loose, straight-cut silhouette that falls just above the knee (a daring length for the time!) and is typically covered with fringe, beads, sequins, or feathers that shimmer as the wearer dances. It was designed to allow women more freedom of movement, perfect for the energetic jazz age dances like the Charleston. We love these Gatsby Style Art Deco Embellished Fringed Flapper Dress
This peacock sequined dress caught our eye immediately. The combination of silver, black and jade green stood out. If you want to stand out from the crowd, this unique dress may be just the thing you are looking for.
Dancing the night away in a fabulous dress is something for everyone. Thats why we were excited to find this gorgeous dress that goes up to a 5XL. No limits, and no excuses – this is a dress for a party.
While flapper dresses are the most iconic style of the 1920s, the era also embraced longer, more elegant dresses that exuded a sense of sophistication and glamour. These longer styles, often referred to as “evening gowns” or “tea-length dresses,” were designed for more formal occasions and were perfect for elegant soirées, dinners, and upscale events. The silhouette was still relatively loose and drop-waisted, but the hemline fell to the floor or just below the calf, creating a graceful, fluid look.
Made from luxurious fabrics like silk, satin, and chiffon, these longer dresses featured soft draping and often included intricate details like lace, embroidery, or delicate beading. The longer dresses were often accessorized with statement pieces—such as long gloves, pearls, and feathered headpieces—adding an extra touch of refinement. They captured the same spirit of freedom and modernity as the shorter flapper styles, but with an added sense of glamour, perfect for an evening under the stars or a lavish ballroom affair.
These long line dresses, with their elegant yet relaxed lines, became a symbol of the changing roles of women during the 1920s, offering a balance between sophisticated luxury and the era’s embrace of a more liberated, adventurous lifestyle.
1920s party dresses always paired with fabulous accessories that were just as bold, glamorous, and inventive as the dresses themselves, helping to complete the look with a dash of sparkle and style. Here’s a rundown of some of the most iconic accessories from the Roaring Twenties:
Headbands and Hairpieces
No flapper look was complete without a glamorous headband, often adorned with feathers, rhinestones, or even a decorative brooch. These headbands sat just above the forehead, adding a touch of sparkle to the bobbed haircuts that were all the rage. For a more dramatic look, women also wore elaborate tiaras or jeweled combs to hold their hair in place, giving an air of vintage glamour. Here are our pick off the best:
In addition to headbands, feathered fascinators and decorative hairpieces were also worn, often pinned into the hair or worn at the side of the head. These could be adorned with jewels, beads, and delicate feathers to add a bit of drama to the look.
Large feather fascinators look beautiful with the 1920s-style dresses we have found. This cream colored one is just beautiful. Can we wear it every day?
Long, layered strands of pearls were a must-have accessory for any 1920s party dress. These necklaces were typically worn draped multiple times around the neck or hanging down to the waist, giving a playful yet luxurious vibe. Pearls were seen as the epitome of elegance during the decade and paired effortlessly with both flapper dresses and longer, more formal evening gowns.
Pearl Accessories Set
Go all out with a long string of pearls, glittery feather headband, matching earrings, feather fan and long gloves. This 1920s costume party set has everything you need to add glam and style to your dress.
For an extra touch of extravagance, feather boas were a favorite accessory. They added movement and drama to an outfit and were often worn draped over the shoulders or wrapped around the neck, adding a fun and flirtatious edge to the look.
Long gloves—made of satin or kid leather—were an essential part of formal attire during the 1920s. For evening parties, women often wore gloves that extended past the elbow, sometimes paired with wrist-length versions for a more casual but still polished look. Gloves were an elegant nod to refinement and were often worn in neutral shades like ivory, black, or pastels to complement the dress.
Silk stockings with a defined seam running up the back were a key part of the 1920s fashion look. These stockings were often worn with garters and added a bit of vintage allure, enhancing the sleek, elongated silhouette that was all the rage in the Jazz Age.
Nothing says prohibition like a miniature hipflask or gun attached to a lace garter half-hidden beneath the skirt of your dress.
In the 1920s fans were more than just accessories; they were an important part of the social scene. They were flirtatious props during a Charleston dance and carried as a fashionable statement piece. Fans are a key outfit item that adds to the elegance and excitement of the Jazz Age. For anyone attending a 1920s-themed event or dressing up for a Gatsby-style party, a fan is the perfect accessory to add that extra touch of vintage sophistication and glamour!
While searching out the best dresses and outfits for a fantastic 1920s party, we stumbled across these divine wings. Which amp up the drama of any of these dresses by about 1000%. We are in love with this new twist on a 1920s night.
For a more rebellious twist inspired by the Prohibition era, consider a more underground gangster or mobster look. Think sharp, dark suits (often in pinstripes), paired with a fedora, a cigarette holder, and perhaps a fake “gangster” prop like a Tommy gun for extra fun at a themed party. This adds a bit of daring, rebellious charm to your outfit, evoking the daring world of speakeasies and the roaring underground.Gangster Suit
Our tops tips for having a ball of a time at a 1920s event!
Attending a 1920s-style event is all about embracing the fun, flamboyance, and sophistication of the Jazz Age. Whether you’re heading to a Gatsby-inspired soiree, a Prohibition-themed party, or simply a stylish vintage affair, here are some last-minute tips to ensure you fully enjoy the experience:
Get into the Spirit of the Era
The 1920s was a time of liberation, excitement, and breaking from tradition. Channel that energy! Embrace the lively atmosphere of the era by indulging in some carefree fun. Whether it’s practicing your Charleston steps or simply enjoying the music, remember to have a good time and let the rhythm of the jazz take over. Dance like nobody’s watching!
Make a Grand Entrance
The 1920s were all about showmanship and style. When you arrive at the party, make sure to make a statement with your attire (whether you’re donning a flapper dress or a sharp tux). Remember, this was the golden age of extravagant soirées, so don’t be afraid to embrace the drama. And, if you’re feeling bold, try channeling the Gatsby spirit—a grand entrance is all part of the fun!
The Prohibition era may have meant that liquor was illegal, but the 1920s were also the time when classic cocktails like the Gin Rickey, Sidecar, French 75, and Bee’s Knees were invented. So, grab a drink and enjoy it with a sense of nostalgia. If you’re feeling creative, try your hand at making one of these iconic drinks before heading out to the event!
Whether you’re dressed to the nines in a tuxedo or twirling around in a fringe-filled flapper dress, don’t forget that the 1920s was about both elegance and fun. Experiment with your look, take photos with friends, and enjoy the chance to wear something that’s a little over-the-top and full of flair. After all, the more glamorous the look, the more fun you’re going to have!
The music is central to any 1920s event. The jazz, swing, and blues of the time were full of energy, and if you’re lucky enough to have a live band, enjoy the chance to experience the magic of real vintage sound. Even if you’re not a dancer, let the music take you on a journey through the spirit of the era.
Capture the Moment
Don’t forget to take photos, but make them authentically 1920s! Get creative with props like vintage cigarette holders, flapper headbands, or even a mock “Tommy gun” for some playful gangster flair. The night will fly by, and you’ll want to capture all those glamorous moments in true Jazz Age style.
Relax and Enjoy the Night
Let the jazz roll, the fashion shine, and most importantly—have a roaring good time!
This beautiful classic elegant design with a modern twist that makes this bee brooch so popular. Be prepared to get lots of compliments when you wear this one! In fact, get a whole set of them!
These five classic cookbooks belong on the shelf of every home baker. They are filled with the classic treats of our childhoods and perfect recipes for delighting everyone. These wonderful books are the ones we reach for all the time when baking treats. They also make fantastic gifts for home bakers.
This is baking at its best. Over 100 full-colour photos. Recipes like Perfection Pound Cake and All-American, All-Delicious Apple Pie. In addition, this book will take your baking to the next level with a base Recipes section at the end of the book, which includes pointers for making key ingredients such dough, pastry cream, lemon curd and faux crème fraîche.
From simple everyday crowd-pleasers (Coffee Crumb Cake Muffins, Gingersnaps, Gooseberry Crisp) to show-stopping stunners (Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse Tart, Mango Bango Cheesecake, White Christmas Peppermint Cake) to bakery-style pastries developed for the home kitchen (the famous French Kouign Amann), every recipe proves that delicious perfection is within reach for any baker.
For a home baker, the five chapters of this book contain a wealth of knowledge. Each recipe is nicely written, and the steps are easy to follow. This compendium of cake recipes will earn a very special place on your cooking bookshelf.
Filled with 250 foolproof recipes of every variety, this comprehensive cookbook is packed with delicious baking ideas. Tempting muffins, scones, and breads are included along with Marry Berry’s famous cake recipes, including Victoria Sponge, Very Best Chocolate Cake, and Hazelnut Meringue Cake. Full-color photographs and illustrations that detail trickier steps are accompanied by easy-to-follow instructions and handy tips, making this an ideal resource for kitchen novices and more experienced cooks alike.
Now, with this authentic reproduction of the original 1963 edition, you can relive those moments, taste the cookies you grew up with and share them with your loved ones. All the charm of the original and all the great recipes are here. Turn to Betty Crocker’s Cooky Book to find: * An authentic facsimile of the classic 1963 edition packed with all your favorite cookie recipes * Over 450 recipes, dozens of nostalgic color photographs and charming how-to sketches * Scrumptious recipes for Holiday Cookies (dozens of Christmas specialties), Family Favorites (for lunchtime, snacktime, anytime), Company Best Cookies (fancy enough for company) and much more
When you feel the need to inject a little sweetness and joy into your day, this fluffy pink slice is sure to make you smile. It is pink and fluffy and has the perfect combination of sweet marshmallow with a crumbly shortbread base. This is one slice that is hard to decline a second serving.
This recipe is a childhood favorite that we remember our mothers and grandmothers baking for birthdays and celebrations. It was the treat that we all wanted to eat first!
Ingredients for the base: 125g butter 3/4 cup icing sugar 1 egg 1tsp vanilla essence 1 1/4 cups self-rising flour
Ingredients For Marshmallow topping: 1 cup of water 3 drops of pink food coloring 1 Tablespoon of gelatine 1 cup fine sugar 1 white of an egg 1 cup icing sugar
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F)Grease and line a 17 x 27 cm baking tray.
Cream together the butter and sugar. Add the egg and vanilla essence. Sift in the flour. The dough will be a little crumbly. Press it into the tray. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown.
Remove from oven and cool.
To make the topping, place the water and food coloring into a saucepan. Sprinkle in the gelatine and the sugar. Bring to a boil. Stir continuously to dissolve the sugar. Continue to boil on a lower heat for 8 minutes. Remove from heat and cool slightly. Beat the egg white into peaks. Add in the icing sugar. Slowly pour in the warm gelatine mix. Beat until thick and fluffy. Spread this pink marshmallow over the cooled base. Set aside to set – about an hour. Enjoy!
If you like this recipe you will love our other recipes.
You may not have heard of Princess Louise, the 6th daughter of Queen Victoria. But, we are certain you are going to love this old-fashioned cake slice, that was named after her.
Louise Cake is one of our favorite recipes for serving at Afternoon tea.
This delightfully easy-to-bake treat has a thin layer of cake that is topped with raspberry jam and coconut meringue and then baked in the oven to make a sweet crisp coconut-flavored slice.
Ingredients
For the Cake Base:
125 grams (4.4 ounces) of unsalted butter
3/4 cup sugar (fine)
3 egg yolks (at room temperature)
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence
For the Coconut-Meringue Topping:
1/4 cup castor sugar (very fine)
3 egg whites (at room temperature)
1 1/4 cups desiccated coconut
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
3/4 cup raspberry jam
Method
Preheat the oven to 150 C / 300 F.
Lightly grease an 11 x 7-inch (30cm x 20cm) rectangular cake tin.
In a mixing bowl cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the three egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Sift the flour and baking powder together. Fold into the creamed butter-sugar mixture. (The dough will seem quite crumbly)
Press dough into the bottom of the greased cake tin.
Bake for 10 minutes then remove from the oven to cool for 5 minutes.
Increase the oven temperature to 180°C.
To make the coconut-meringue topping:
In a clean bowl, beat the three egg whites until soft peaks appear.
Gradually add the 1/4 cup sugar while continuing to beat the whites until they form stiff, glossy peaks.
Gently fold in the desiccated coconut and vanilla essence.
Spread a thin layer of jam over the slightly cooled base in the pan.
Spoon and spread the coconut meringue over the jam, making sure the meringue completely covers the jam.
Return to the oven on a lower shelf and bake for 15 -20 minutes or until the meringue top is a soft eggshell color.
Remove from the oven and cool in the tin for 10 minutes then remove and cut into squares.
Mommy and Me dresses are the perfect way to make a statement with your daughter in matching dresses or complementary outfits. We have gathered some of the best mommy and me dresses and combinations for a tea party, or wedding party. Mommy and Me dresses are a fantastic way to make your cutie feel part of the special day, looking just as beautiful as her mommy.
Matching Mommy and Me Swing Dresses
These fabulous tea party dresses are perfect for sharing a special day together in a flattering and fun fit and flare style for mom and daughter.
Mommy and Me Vintage Garden Tea Party Dress
We love the vintage style fabric on these classic tea party swing dresses. You can also choose to add a large tulle petticoat under the skirt to add an extra swing to the dress.
Polka dot dresses are so fun and sunny for a garden tea party or outdoor wedding. We love how much fun you are going to have together while adding bright cheerful colors to the day.
What we love most about this combination is the classic look of both dresses. We love the flattering fit of mommy’s dress with the tiny bow on the side. And, we love how the little girls’ dress is comfortable and easy to wear. Both look fabulous and put together in this combination.
Blooming Together in these gorgeous matching sunflower dresses
Bright cheerful sunflowers on classic swing style tea party dresses make this combination a winner for both. The fabric is fun and the style easy to wear and flattering for all.
The fun girl’s dress with large bold cherries is so sweet and adorable for a party. While mom can look her best in this flattering halter-neck wide swing dress with the complimentary cherry pattern.
We love the style of these two dresses together. The girl’s classic button dress with a belt is smart and fun. and compliments mom’s more grown-up version with wrap style dress. Pretty together and fun to wear.
No party dress is complete without accessories. We found the sweetest matching mommy and me teacup necklaces. These would also make a wonderfully special gift for mom and daughter on an important day.
Mommy and Me outfits can be put together by finding common elements between the two dresses, without being identical. In this pair, we matched the color blue and echoed the polka dots of the little girl’s dress in large embossed dots on mom’s dress. And finally, the design of the sleeve is the same on both.
In this combination we again found common elements to link these two dresses in as a unique pair. The classic pencil dress with collar and transparent sleeves is flattering and stylish for a fantastic look. While the young girl’s dress also has similar sleeves and a classic collar, but with a younger style flared skirt with overlay.
These two gorgeous dresses echo each other with the transparent sleeves and embroidered details. The ruffled sleeves also connect these classic dresses for the perfect mommy and me combo.
The pretty red embroidered dress is super sweet alongside mommy’s classic black version. These dresses are made for dancing and enjoying the day together in.
These pretty midnight blue sparkle dresses will delight everyone. The little girl’s dress is fun with large stars and tulle, while mommy’s dress sparkles like a galaxy of stars.
Bring the princess in both with this classic combination of princess style dresses. The pretty pink and gold will ensure both shine in their own way, while looking amazing together.
This beautiful combination of a pretty little tutu dress for your little one, and an elegant long mermaid style dress for you. Elegance meets sweetness is the most delightful way!
This pretty combination has the perfect fitting dress for your daughter and you. Show off your curves, while letting her also shine in a sweet sequined dress.
It is that time of year to start thinking of gifts for those we love. We have found the best books of the season for our friends and family members who also love Afternoon tea or high tea. These books are perfect for inspiring new baking, sharing ideas for tea party events and showing someone you are thinking of them.
The London Ritz Book of Afternoon Teacaptures the essence of this traditional British occasion and provides the reader with all the Ritz expertise in the ceremony as well as over 50 recipes, illustrated with passages from Dickens to Oscar Wilde and charming drawings.
Afternoon tea is a revered and treasured English tradition—and no one knows better how to prepare and enjoy a proper tea than the residents of Downton Abbey. With this alluring and vibrant cookbook, fans of the PBS series and anglophiles alike can stage every stylish element of this cultural staple of British society at home.
With more than 70 delectable recipes for scones, savories, and sweets, this book will inspire anyone who is planning a Christmastime celebration. Included are unique Tea pairings, along with a tea-steeping guide.
The editors of Victoria magazine invite your to savor the pleasures and possibilities of the cherished ritual of tea shared by people the world over in this beautiful gift book.
The Official Downton Abbey Cookbook presents over 100 recipes that showcase the cookery and customs of the Crawley household—from upstairs dinner party centrepieces to downstairs puddings and pies—and brings an authentic slice of Downton Abbey to modern kitchens and Downton fans.
Highclere Castle, known as “the real Downton Abbey,” bustles with activity all year round, but it is never more alive than at Christmas. This book is a look behind the scenes at the routines and rituals that make the castle the most magical place to be throughout the festive season.
This elegant coffee table cookbook highlights the luxe and elegance of the Christmas at Downton Abbey and features a collection of traditional British holiday recipes, from appetizers to desserts, that were popular during the Edwardian period.
A joyous celebration of Fortnum & Mason’s love for extraordinary seasonal food, Christmas and Other Winter Feasts is filled with flavoursome recipes for Christmas and New Year’s Eve
Never feel limited to only serving tea or coffee at an Afternoon Tea, High Tea or Garden Tea Party. We have lots more ideas that you can delight your guests with.
Mix three heaped tablespoonfuls of grated chocolate into a paste with cold water. Pour it into a double boiler with four cups of hot milk. Add sugar to taste, and let cook for five minutes. Beat the whites of two eggs to a stiff froth and put them into the cups. Put a teaspoonful of vanilla into the chocolate after taking off the heat. Pour the hot chocolate very slowly upon the beaten whites of the eggs, stirring constantly with a silver spoon or a wooden stick. This makes delicious, frothy chocolate. The cocoa which comes in packages may be used instead of grated chocolate.
Select perfect lemons and roll until soft. Extract the juice, using a glass lemon squeezer, and rejecting the seeds and pulp. Rub sugar over the peel of the lemon to extract the oil, and add to the lemon juice. Fill a glass pitcher one-third full of broken ice, pour the lemon juice upon the ice, and add granulated sugar and water to taste.
Make tea according to the directions given above, using two or three extra teaspoonfuls of tea. Fill a glass pitcher half full of broken ice, and pour the tea, scalding hot, upon the ice, being careful that the stream strikes the ice and not the pitcher. Serve with sugar, and slices of lemon.
Put into a bowl the juice of three lemons, two oranges, sliced and seeded, one grated pineapple, and one cup of sugar. Let stand an hour to extract the juice, then strain through a fruit press. Add to the juice as much cold water as desired, and two slices of pineapple, shredded. Pour into glasses half full of cracked ice.
RASPBERRY CUP
Mash and strain two cups of currants stripped from the stems. Mash also an equal quantity of raspberries. Mix the juices, sweeten to taste, and serve in glasses with cracked ice and cold water.
PINEAPPLE LEMONADE
One cup of sugar, one cup of canned pineapple, one cup of water and the juice of two lemons.
Boil the sugar and water until the sugar is dissolved. Put the pineapple through the fruit press and add to the syrup with the juice of the lemons. When ready to serve, add water and sugar to taste. Serve ice cold.
BLACKBERRY SHRUB
For every cup of fruit juice add half a cup of apple cider vinegar and two cups of sugar. Heat the fruit, sugar, and vinegar stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves, and it boils into a thick syrup. Skim if necessary, strain, and bottle. When served, allow one-fourth cup of syrup to half or three fourths of a cupful of ice water.
RASPBERRY SHRUB
Use ripe red raspberries, and prepare according to directions given above for Blackberry Shrub.
Fill the tumbler half full of cracked ice. Add one tablespoonful of sweetened raspberry juice and one tablespoonful of cream. Fill the glass with soda water.
Crush two or three sprays of mint with a lump of sugar. Put into a glass half full of cracked ice. Add four tablespoonfuls of grape juice and fill the glass to the brim with charged water. Shake thoroughly and strain into another glass.
SELTZER LEMONADE
Squeeze the juice of a lemon into a tall glass, add two inches of shaved ice, two heaping teaspoonfuls of sugar and fill the glass with seltzer or Apollinaris.
Upon a tablespoonful of good tea pour two quarts of boiling water. In the meantime have ready the juice and peelings of three lemons and one orange in a pitcher. When the tea has steeped for five minutes, strain through a fine strainer into the pitcher. Add a cup of sugar and cool slowly. At serving-time put into glasses with plenty of ice.
And then bring on the 1920s party accessories….
