You’ve got the fiancé, the ring, the wedding invites have been sent, now, let’s talk about your bridal shower! They’re typically a lot tamer than the bach, so it’s the perfect event for a theme. Taylor Erickson, a private chef, threw a white-glove afternoon tea, and today she’s spilling the tea (ha!) on how she went about putting together her fête.

Taylor has always loved the 1950s and 1960s—think Mad Men, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and Barefoot in the Park—and has been a collector of vintage dresses for years, so the inspiration for her shower came easily. “Putting a theme on the bridal shower allowed the girls to dress up, and everything just feels more fun when you’re dressed up!” she says.

The tea, that the bride, her mother, and the maid of honor planned by themselves, was held in the Normandy Room at the Westgate Hotel in San Diego. Taylor was drawn to the french design and detailing of the space, which complemented her theme perfectly.

Taylor had A. Compton, who specializes in vintage outfit reproductions, create a dress for the day, using fabric that she hand-selected. For her beauty look on the day-of, Kathleen Ty stepped in for hair and makeup.

The dress code called for gloves and full skirts, and friends came dressed on-theme—recalling silhouettes worn by Jackie O, Audrey Hepburn, and Princess Grace. “My 97-year-old grandmother was in attendance and loved every second! I wasn’t sure if she’d be able to make it,” Taylor admits. “But I was so touched to have her there!”

The charming table settings were created by Rent A Tea Party, complete with floral porcelain tea sets and vintage china, and the hotel catered the event, as they pride themselves in serving an authentic afternoon tea. “Being a chef, the food was an aspect I was very excited to be involved in. I had white ambrosia tea stationed at the tables in beautiful tea pots,” Taylor explains. A classic English blend, lavender, and Masala Chai teas were also circulated around the room, and for those in need of something a little stronger, peach Bellinis were up for grabs.

For the first course, Taylor chose a selection of four savory tea sandwiches and one with fig and honey. Those were followed by delicate buttermilk scones and charming three-tiered dessert towers.

Throughout the day, the ladies played games and the afternoon ended with the opening of gifts, where Agent Provocateur was a favorite!