THAT [unreliable] GIRL

Despite the fact that I will no doubt be complaining about the heat and humidity for at least the next 4 months, I'm still very much loving Spring and looking forward to Summer. Of course, it doesn't hurt that my birthday is on the first day of Summer either.

When I mentioned in passing that I was pondering a garden party do for my birthday, my friends went into overdrive with suggestions about what to bake, what to drink, what to make, what to bring, who to invite and how to decorate...so although I know the whole high tea thing has been done to death, I think I might just do it anyway.

The next few weeks will be a flurry of thrifting, shopping, baking and making drinks (and testing them many, many times, just to be sure they're right!) I might even head to the nursery and add a little colour to my garden...mostly because my shoe-string budget won't allow for all the cut flowers my little heart desires!

So given that I'm not only pretty useless on the domestic front, but I'm also currently based in Brisbane and don't really know my way around, I thought I'd have a little competition.

To enter, all you need to do is send a little help my way! Just leave a comment with any of the following:

Punch or iced tea recipes (alcoholic or otherwise)
High tea recipes (sweet or savoury)
Secret squirrel Brisbane op-shops (for affordable vintage goods)
Nursery/flower recommendations in Brisbane
Leads on good dessert caterers (macarons especially, I can't make them!)
Decorating suggestions and resources (preferably local, but online works too)

Each and every recipe and recommendation can be left as a separate comment, and each comment will be considered an entry.

Better yet, if you share this competition on Facebook or Twitter, make sure you tag me (the That Unreliable Girl page on Facebook, or @MsUnreliable on Twitter) and you'll get another entry per platform.

So, what's in it for you?

That's right, the lovely ladies at Jessica.T have kindly offered $100 worth of beautiful accessories for the lucky winner! The Under $50 Gift Guide has some great suggestions for what's on offer, but there's plenty more goodies in the online shop too!

The competition will end at 5pm AEST on Sunday 27th November, so you have plenty of time to dig out some old recipes or even try out a few! This competition is open to all Australian and international readers, so please share the love!

Thank you again to Jessica.T for the fabulous prize (that I would quite happily ninja for myself, if I could!) best of luck to everyone, and Happy Monday!

xx Kit

[Please click on images for original sources]

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@ohmiso · 698 weeks ago

For secret squirrel Brisbane vintage try Wrap Me in Vinatge in New Farm. They're only open two hours a week but you can check their stock on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wrapmeinvintage

For all of your macaron and delicious cake needs try Chouquette in Barker St, New Farm.

1 reply · active 697 weeks ago

@ohmiso · 697 weeks ago

Replying to myself because I realise my vintage option wasn't remotely appropriate. The main opshop/vintage areas in Brisbane are Wolloongabba, Annerley and Paddington which you probably already know. If you have a car there are some stores at Esk which have heaps of crockery. I'm not sure on price as it has been a few years since I went there but it might be worth looking into. I haven't been myself but I know someone who has found some cute things at the RSPCA charity shop in New Farm.

Jessica · 698 weeks ago

You should consider making some divine Pimm's cupcakes, the ultimate summer treat!
http://uktv.co.uk/food/recipe/aid/638377

Sarah McCullough · 698 weeks ago

Hi there,

Your party sounds amazing!! For the ultimate high tea treat, I would give coconut scones with jam and coconut cream a go! You can find a recipe here: http://www.recipes.com.au/Recipe/Coconut-Scones.a... and my tip would be to use a mixture of half cream, half coconut cream for dolloping. Delish!!

Le Bon Choix in Brisbane CBD do the most incredible macaron's. The strawberry flavour is a particular delight.

Decorations!! White cupcake holders can be made into awesome corsages for guests or nice centerpieces in old jam jars on the table. Just take one, twist the centre of the base into a point to make the 'stem', then cut the frilled section into equal sections to look like petals. Also great for pressies!

Try the Rocklea markets on a Saturday for flowers. Flower markets are opposite the food markets.

Good luck with it all, sounds like heaps of fun :-)

Sarah

elissa c · 697 weeks ago

Unclassy Yummy punch (but pop in some mint and fresh fruit and it suddenly looks very classy!) is an old family favourite (I just made up the name).

Mix one bottle each of dry ginger ale, orange flavoured soda, orange juice drink, sparkling wine, and a tin or carton of Sunshine Pine (by Golden Circle) or pineapple juice. Add as much Fruity Lexia (from a cask!) and vodka as you like. You can also chuck in some lemonade, Passiona or whatever else takes your fancy. Freeze a carton of Sunshine Pine to use as an ice block to keep the whole shebang cool.
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Sussi Mallon · 696 weeks ago

for a really vintage looking pretty pretty high tea look I love to use masses of crystalised fresh edible flowers. Lilacs, nysturcians etc look amazing & taste good too. They can add old-school glamor & charm to a simple fresh cream sponge and so much more. Fresh berries also look fabulous done this way. Fabulous overflowing from the tops of dainty tarts or delicate chocolate cases. Decorative, romantic & delicious. Simply lightly beat some egg whites & quickly dip the flower or berry, then roll in very fine white sugar & allow to dry. I hope your high tea is a fabulous success. I don't think they should ever go out of style again. They remind us how lovely it is to be a woman <3 oh & if you are doing it outdoors don't forget to try & find a branch & hang a simple (but sturdy :0)) swing & cover the ropes with flowers, vines & ribbons for the uber girly touch...<3