INVITATIONS
Let your creativity flow for invitations. You can add scrapbook embellishments, glitter, or sequins to computer-printed invitations, or create your own by hand. There are several styles of oversized cookie cutters that can be used as a template. Make them in the shape of butterflies, flowers or teapots. Use pretty scrapbook paper or paper doilies and add scrapbook embellishments. You can include an individual tea bag along with the invitation. Be sure to give your guests plenty of notice so they don’t miss out on the fun.
DECORATIONS AND TABLE SETTINGS
The sky is the limit on ruffle decorations. Use a pretty lace tablecloth on the table, sprinkle silk rose petals on the table to make it more attractive to flower fairies. Hang colorful nylon butterflies or dragonflies from your chandelier or windows. Fairies are said to often dress up as dragonflies. Tie bows or fairy wings to the backs of your chairs. Decorate generously with real flowers or things from nature, berries, acorns, leaves, etc. You can also make old-fashioned tissue paper flowers.
Of course, you will need a nice porcelain teapot along with teacups and saucers. Maybe you have your grandmother’s old teapot or cups and saucers. Many are available at local thrift stores. Mix & Match is fine for fairy tea parties. If you have a treasured family heirloom, you may want to avoid using it around young children as accidents can happen.
Place a paper doily liner between the cup and saucer for a special touch. Use real linen napkins or any of the beautiful paper napkins available today. Make paper napkin rings or create some with silk flowers. You can make pretty place cards to match the theme of your invitations. To serve, mix and match silver serving pieces, glass and porcelain dishes, pedestal cake plate, sugar bowl and creamer. Sugar flip flops can add a touch of class to your party.
Don’t forget to set a small table at your tea party for the fairies. Use a miniature tea set or make a fairy set using leaves as plates and acorn lids as cups. Tradition has it that fairies are drawn to bowls of milk, barley, cake, sprinkles, and glitter.
TEA AND SOFT DRINKS
Have a variety of flavored teas available. There are fruity and flavored varieties that may be more appealing to children. You can also serve pink lemonade or even ginger ale from a teapot for those who don’t really want to try the tea. Have sugar cubes instead of granulated sugar, the kids love them. You can even buy decorated sugar cubes.
Tea sandwiches are a must, so make a variety of shapes and styles. Kids love mini pinwheel sandwiches. Between 2 pieces of wax paper, flatten bread with a rolling pin, spread with your favorite topping, peanut butter, jelly, etc. Roll into log shape and cut. Cut crustless bread into any fancy shape with a cookie cutter. For fillings, try chicken salad, cream cheese with thinly sliced cucumbers, peanut butter and bananas, or flavored cream cheese. For fairy sandwiches, using a butterfly cookie cutter, spread butter or cream cheese on a thin slice of bread, top with sprinkles. Don’t forget that fairies are attracted to sparks.
Simple Recipe for Petit Fors Buy 2 store-bought cupcakes. Cut cakes into 1″ squares, insert toothpick in center and freeze 30 minutes. Buy milk chocolate, semisweet chocolate, white chocolate, or flavored candy colors to melt. Melt in microwave according to package directions. Hold each cake in a square shape with a toothpick dip in melted chocolate and place on a plate or tray Remove toothpick Decorate with sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, marzipan flowers or nuts Put in the freezer for just a minute more or less to harden the chocolate Serve on a small tray or footed pie plate.
GAMES
Be sure to sing a round of “I’m A Little Teapot”
Try a variation of the memory game that is played in many showers. Fill a pretty silver tray with tea or fairy-related items (tea bag, sugar cube, spoon, tea strainer, flower petal, etc.) Have someone walk around the room and let guests look at the tray . After the person leaves the room, guests will write down as many items as they can remember. Guest with the most correct wins!
Traditional musical chairs are always a hit. Decorate chairs with paper cut-out teapots. Have a dress-up box with boas, pearls, hats, costume jewelry, and even fairy or butterfly wings.
Children love to play BINGO. I bought a FAIRY BINGO game at a local craft store. As prizes, girls love inexpensive beaded bracelets and necklaces, faux pearls, fairy stickers, bubbles, or hair clips.
FAVORITES
Everyone loves to take home a favor in memory of the wonderful time they had at the tea party. I made lovely Fairy Dust Bags for my granddaughters. Fill small organza bags with iridescent glitter. I added beads to mine and included a little acrylic heart so her wishes would be filled with love.
Make individual bags, paper fans or pretty magic wands. Cut out paper stars, decorate with glitter and curling ribbon, and glue to a small 12″ dowel.
Lace fans, embroidered or monogrammed handkerchiefs make sweet and personalized favors
~Some accessories you can use for your tea party~
Small spoons, decorated with hearts, roses or teapots. Battenburg Lace Fans and Umbrellas Lace Sachets and Linen Gift Bags Lace Tablecloths and Linen Napkins Paper Doilies and Paper Napkins Beautiful vintage china, porcelain teacups and teapots.
HAVE FUN!!!!