Saturday, June 25, 2011

Queen's Guide to the Fabulous Tea Party...

"I'm late, I'm late! I'm very, very late!"


Poor Rabbit. It is his first time hosting a party. He was invited to create his own soiree by the lovely Vanessa at a Fanciful Twist, and now he is worried if he can pull off a fabulous tea party. I decided to create a "How To" list for this handsome hare, and he was so delighted, he asked me to share :) Obviously delicious treats and tasty tea are a must (and perhaps some Flamingo Croquet) but some other things to consider...


The Invitation List

Since conversation is just as important as to what tea to brew, it is crucial to invite interesting people who not only are witty, but can wear party hats with panache...
These gals know how not only how to rock their powdered wigs, but how to sip their tea without mussing their ruffles...



The Ambiance
Please note I did not say "decorations." One must create an ambiance, an atmosphere, a magical place that transports the party goers to a realm of wonder. Indoor or outdoor, you must find the perfect nooks to tuck in unexpected lovelies, and they should include flowers, fancy china, and linens...




Party Favors
Without pretty little gifties, your party may feel more like a simple snack time. Homemade favors are best, the more unusual and eclectic the better...
This is a paper teapot I created a few years ago - perfect for place settings!


Couture


One must throw themselves into her attire with reckless abandon. Large hats, layers of lace, and of course, as hostess, a fabulous apron...



And there you have it! Some simple guidelines to help you created a lovely tea party that will keep the party goers talking for months! So get your tea cozy ready, cut some flowers, and tie on that apron - and go visit the other party hostesses today!




Credits
All vintage photographs are from my collection of adopted ancestors. The Alice in Wonderland illustrations are from the Library of Congress. The watermarked images are of my creations and other pretties (such as the apron and stack of linens), and the fabulous photos of flowers and such are from http://www.countryliving.com/.

20 comments:

Pixie said...

Such pretty photos! thanks for inviting me to your party.

Natalie said...

Wonderful tips, I hope that Rabbit decides to follow them! ...although I'm not sure the apron is his style ;)

I love the paper teapot!

I'm taking part in the Mad Tea Party blog hop too, I hope you stop by and have fun at my party as well :)

Terri said...

Thank you for all the wonderful tea party ideas! Love the linens and lace as well as the party hats!
Hugs,
Terri
http://artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com/2011/06/mad-tea-party.html

Melanie Statnick said...

BEAUTIFUL! hahaa! I love your party, such great art!

Ann @ Childrens Tea Party Sets and Ideas said...

Oh how precious. I especially loved the cute little children, complete with powdered wigs, and their delightful childrens tea sets. The flowers were gorgeous! And the tea party craft with cute clip art was such a sweet idea for the place settings. Thank you, too, for all the delightful tea party etiquette tips and ideas. Truly a special visit for the Mad Tea Party 2011.

Lisa said...

thank you for a lovely tea party! i loved the ambiance and couture!!!
cheers
lisa

Exclusively Yours Ltd said...

A very pretty party. Thanks for the invitation. I hope you will visit my party. Have a beautiful day, Pat

Lauren said...

Such a lovely tea party guide, and beautiful photos! Thank you so much for inviting me :) ~Lauren

Molly Anne said...

Written with wit and brilliance. I especially loved the part about inviting people who can wear party hats with panache. ^_^
I agree about the ambience - if only I had the poise of those powdered wig girls, ha ha.
Thanks for having me by! Did I get any crumbs in my ruffles? Nope? Goodbye, goodbye (for I'm terribly late too)

Holiday Sparkle - Cyndi LaChance said...

What fabulous party ideas! I am having so much fun exploring your blog :)

fairiemoon said...

What a fun post! I enjoyed the old photos. They always intrigue me and I love even more that they are of your ancestors.

Have a mad party!
Erin :)

http://www.fairiemoon.typepad.com/weathertop

Karla said...

How gorgeous all! Loved your post. Your apron is beautiful!! Thanks for sharing all the wonders!
xo,
Karla
www.dreamaginarius.com

http://afancifultwist.typepad.com said...

Helooooo! I LOVE your collection of madness here ;)

Your wonderland is beautiful! I just love your blog space, it is charming and lovely and cozy and pretty and good!!

Love, A Fanciful Twist

Robin said...

So sorry I am late
For this important date.
I'm still making my way down the list.

With too little time
I'm leaving this rhyme
For I'm adamant about wanting to persist.

All this running about
Has left me dry in the mouth.
Might I have a cup of tea?

Your lovely advice
and your marvelous tips
have not been wasted on me.

Oh my, the time
It goes so fast
I must be on my way

But fear not friend
I shall return
Please……Have a beautiful day.

Linda said...

I had a great time at your party. the ambiance was wonderus....
Love your tea pot. Thank you for sharing. Please visit me:
momentsinaneye.blogspot.com

Twyla and Lindsey said...

Hi! I am still making my way around to all the parties. I am so glad I got to spend some time at your's. I had a delightful time. Have a wonderful week! Twyla

Alisa Noble said...

A very helpful list, indeed!

Susan said...

great post, Fabby pics! thanks for having me (being so late and all)
Susan

My giveaway was picked just tonight, but you can still visit if you like.
http://piecesoffatesusan.blogspot.com/2011/06/fanciful-twists-mad-tea-party-2011.html

More Paper Than Shoes said...

It's always a treat to stop by your blog!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful and wobbly!
Sample I am Sorry Letter

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