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The afternoon tea began centuries ago as a way to say, "come take a break from life and share some of yourself with me." Tea time was a way for women to get together and relax over a warm cup of tea while munching on a few snacks. It allowed the women to bond and get to know one another on a deeper level. It’s a shame that more of us do not take time out to enjoy the simple pleasures of life, such as sharing a simple pot of tea.
Kids of all ages love to play dress up. Whether it be on dolls or humans, children love the idea of pretending to be something else. As they grow up and become teenagers, they love to chat about the day's events and plan future activities together. There is no better way to nurture this type of playing and bonding than to gather together for a Tea Party (also known as a Tea Social).
When planning a Tea Party, one must consider the theme at hand. Will it be a birthday party? Will it be a Christmas Social? Will it be an opening to a slumber party? Once the theme has been determined one can decide what to do next.
Tea Birthday Party:
Before the party even takes place, have the birthday child help make handmade birthday cards, with a tea theme. Decide on whether the children will come dressed up or dress up at the home of the birthday girl. Either way, give directions of what is to be done. Include a flavored tea bag in each invitation and mail.
Before everyone arrives, set the table up with a fancy table cloth, candles, a small floral arrangement, tea cups and saucers, tea pots, and a plate offering some kind of finger food. Don’t forget to put out fancy name cards to show where each person is to sit. Then clear a path for their very own fashion show.
Once the children arrive, send them to the "dressing room" to get ready. The children can dress in Victorian Style clothes, they can dress in formal attire, or they can simple wear their Sunday Bests. The point is to dress up in something that is not ordinary every day attire. Have the children put their hair up in fancy hairstyles using ribbons, bows and curls. And just once, let the younger children wear a little make up.
Once everyone is dressed and ready to go, have them gather around for a short photo session. Take pictures of the girls in many poses, using both colored and black and white film. Then sit then down at their designated spots and give them a brief history lesson on tea as well as proper etiquette for the era.
Once the girls have had a chance to socialize for twenty minutes, begin the fashion show. One by one call each girl to walk the strip, while you talk about some of her favorites (which she will have filled out when she first arrived).
After the fashion show, the birthday girl can open presents and end the party.
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