Hey there, friends!

I’ve been hosting events at my Atlanta intown home, L’Eau Hill, for over three years now, and during that time, we’ve had the joy of welcoming more than 200 families. Our space has been a backdrop for countless celebrations, from birthdays and graduations to baby and bridal showers, weddings, vow renewals, anniversaries, new jobs, promotions, going away parties, family reunions, and even baptisms. We’ve seen it all, and each event has left a beautiful imprint on our hearts.

I never imagined how much joy hosting could bring me. It has evolved from a beloved pastime into a full-time passion, one I’m dedicating the next decade (as long as I’m around, of course 😉) to building and growing. This journey inspired me to start this blog—to capture the joy of hosting and the magic of L’Eau Hill, and to share the exciting development of Homebody & Co., the next big chapter in my life. At my core, I am a true homebody, and this space is where I’ll document all the joys of hosting and creating some of the most unforgettable, bespoke venues you can imagine. Excitingly, my family and I are also working on a new joint venture at our family property in Jonesboro GA, Norwood Vineyards & Gardens, set to open next spring in 2025.

The birth of Homebody & Co., celebrating three years of hosting at L’Eau Hill, and the upcoming launch of Norwood Vineyard & Gardens inspired me to throw an intimate spring tea party at L’Eau Hill. I envisioned a day surrounded by 30 of my closest friends and family, filled with laughter, heartfelt connections, and, of course, plenty of tea!

In true “hostess with the mostest” fashion, I’m thrilled to share how this tea party came to life. I’ll dive into every detail, from the food and games to the décor, hoping to inspire you to celebrate the intimate moments in your life—big or small—with the ones who support you on this beautiful journey called life.

Enjoy every moment, and let’s make it memorable!

xo, Erika

Setting the Stage: The Decor

I wanted the entrance to our tea party to have a real WOW factor! So, I enlisted the help of my incredibly talented mother, who happens to be an event stylist extraordinaire. She and her amazing team at Pixie Dust Dreams brought every whimsical fantasy I had to life. Imagine dainty teapots, ivory table linens, and mauve and pink table runners gracing our table, along with menu place cards and a mixed china place setting with a teacup for each guest. It was pure magic!

My guests absolutely loved capturing memories against the backdrop of Pixie Dust's stunning floral 3D café. It was a picture-perfect setting that ensured the magic of the day would live on in photographs and cherished memories.

Starting on a High Note: The Icebreaker

We kicked off our tea party with a playful icebreaker game that was designed to get everyone mingling and sharing a few laughs. As guests arrived, they were handed a piece of string and a pair of scissors with the simple instruction to cut a length of string. Little did they know, this seemingly innocuous task would soon become the centerpiece of our icebreaking fun. Once everyone was seated and settled, we revealed the true purpose of their strings: a unique introduction game where each guest would share a bit about themselves, using the length of their string as a measure of their storytelling time. From short and sweet anecdotes to longer tales, the strings became a whimsical way to break the ice and set the tone for the rest of the afternoon.

The Reason We Gathered: The Tea

Of course, no tea party would be complete without the (drumroll) TEA. We savored the fragrant aroma and delicate flavors of Lady Grey à la Crème Black Tea and Mango Tango Herbal Tea, both brewed to perfection. I found these delightful tea blends at The Spice & Tea Exchange during a recent trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains, and they were a hit!

The Undercover Hero: The Menu

The menu was just as important to me as the tea and decor. What can I say—I’m a foodie at heart! My longtime catering partner for L’Eau Hill, Chef Eric Price, crafted a fantastic spread that had everyone reaching for seconds. From savory sandwiches to elegant crostinis, each bite was a culinary delight. Here’s what our lunch menu looked like:

Ham & Cheese Club Sandwiches
Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwiches
Chicken Salad Croissant Minis
Smoked Salmon Crostinis
Greek Pasta Salad
Crudités Platter
Assorted Cheese Tray
Deluxe Fruit Platter

And let's not forget about dessert! Sweet Cheats Bakery, nestled in the nearby Kirkwood neighborhood, wowed us with an array of mini cupcakes in irresistible flavors like lemon lavender and chocolate dream cookie dough. It was a feast for the senses that left us feeling satisfied and oh-so-happy. Our dessert menu included:

Lemon Lavender Mini Cupcakes
Sweet and Sinful Strawberry Cupcakes
Crème Brûlée Cupcakes
Chocolate Dream Cookie Dough Cupcakes
Luscious Lemon Cupcakes

Bringing Strangers Together: Games & Activities

As the laughter and chatter filled the air, we dove into another fun game called "Get the Tea." Each guest received slips of paper with intriguing facts or statements about their fellow attendees. The challenge was to mingle, ask questions, and figure out who each fact belonged to. From quirky hobbies to surprising talents, the revelations had us all guessing and giggling. As each guest shouted, "I got the tea!" and revealed the mystery behind the facts, we bonded over shared interests and newfound connections. It was a delightful way to spark conversation and get my guests who knew me but not each other better acquainted.

The highlight of the day was the tub tea-making session led by True North, where guests indulged in a bit of self-care and creativity. Mixing bath salts, floral buds, and essential oils into disposable tea bags, guests created personalized bath teas to enjoy at home—a cherished memento of our special gathering.

Conclusion

As the afternoon drew to a close, I couldn’t help but reflect on the joy and warmth that filled the air throughout our gathering. From the spirited games to the delicious food and heartfelt conversations, it was a celebration of home in every sense of the word. This tea party wasn’t just about tea and treats; it was a perfect example of how our homes can become sanctuaries for creating magical moments and transporting us to places filled with wonder and connection.

At Homebody & Co., my mission is to inspire others to see their homes not just as living spaces, but as canvases where memories are painted, dreams are explored, and everyday life becomes a beautiful journey. Hosting this tea party at L’Eau Hill allowed me to transform my home into a whimsical, enchanting retreat for my friends and family, proving that with a bit of creativity and love, our homes can be the setting for the most extraordinary experiences.

I believe in the power of home and in the magic that unfolds when we open our doors and hearts to those we cherish. If you’re ever in need of a special space to celebrate a milestone, gather with loved ones, or simply explore a little piece of magic, I warmly invite you to consider L’Eau Hill as your home away from home. And if you’re looking to join fellow homebodies, like myself, who crave a bit of adventure and to meet a few new friendly faces within the comfort of home, check out our event page for upcoming gatherings and experiences that we’re hosting over the next few months. I’d love to see you there!

Last but most importantly, I want to extend a heartfelt thanks to the small businesses and vendors who helped make our Homebody & Co. Tea Party simply wonderful!

*P.S. I added a few of my favorite tea party essentials to our Amazon storefront (click here) to help make your tea party planning much easier than mine 😉.

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