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If Downton Abbey sparked yoursecret longing for tea trays and finger foods (not to mention dishy household staffswanning in with the goods), you can capture that vibeby hosting a perfectly lovely tea party of your own.

Mother's Day, birthdays, spa days with your besties, bridal or baby showers -- they're all good reasons to indulge in tea and picture-perfect nibbles. Ihave suggestions for food, drink, and gracioustouches to make your tea party complete.And just in case you're fresh out of household staff, I'mgoing to make this super easy for you toDIY.

You'll also need:

Thiseasytea party menuis built aroundfinger foods that can be eaten in one or two bites so you don't have to fuss with knives and forks. Looks count in tea party food, so play with garnishes to easily glam things up.

Try these sandwich ideas, pictured above.

Make-ahead tip: You can make sandwiches up to one day ahead of time. Spread the bread with a thin layer of butter to keep the toppings from making the bread soggy overnight, and wrap well with plastic wrap so the edges of the bread don't dry up.

In addition to the tea sandwiches, you shouldinclude at least one classic brunch-type dish on your menu. Mini quiches fit the bill beautifully, combining the cuteness of tea food and breakfast-ness of brunch food. As for what kind to make, it's easy to take a basic mini quiche recipe and change it up with a variety of add-ins to suit your tastes.

Make ahead tip: Bake and freeze ahead of time, then reheat at 350 F for 10 to15 minutes.

There's an unwritten rule that it's just not tea without scones. Don't bother fact-checking, though, because it's unwritten. To be in compliance, you'll want your menu to include sweet, biscuit-like scones with plenty of jam and butter or clotted cream. Be sure to cut them smaller than usual because you'll be serving several other tea tidbits as well.

Make-ahead tip: Scones can be baked and frozen ahead of time. Reheat on a lined baking sheet in a 350 F oven for about 5 minutes or so. Watch Chef John make classic Scottish scones with currants.

When you're trying to figure out what to serve, a good rule of thumb is to ask yourself, "What would the Duchess eat?" Here are a few lady-like answers in the dessert category.

Photo by Allrecipes Magazine

Offer an array of bagged or loose leaf teas to choose from. Popular varieties include black teas such as Earl Grey, English breakfast, and Darjeeling; scented Ooolong teas such as jasmine and green teas; and herbal teas such as peppermint and chamomile. Read all about how to brew tea.

When the weather calls for something more chilled and refreshing, turn to frosty pitchers of iced tea as well as lemonade and sangria.

Make-ahead tip: Freeze fruit, flowers, and juices to use as stunning ice cubes. (Be sure the flowers you use are organic and edible.) These floral ice cubes, for example, are perfect! Watch the video to see how easy they are to make.

If you're serving a big bowl of punch, pretty it up with fruits, flowers, or herbs frozen in a gorgeous ice ring.

Take-homes are a thoughtful way to help your guests extend the pleasures of the day. These gift ideas range from no-brainer to downright crafty.

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It's a Beautiful Day for a Tea Party Brunch | Allrecipes