Mad Hatter Tea Party

Leah and her friend Julie had daughters two days apart last December---they'd hoped to room together but . . .one was in labor while one was on the maternity floor. Julie named her daughter Annie; Leah named hers Anna. So, Julie and Leah thought it would be fun to have a joint birthday party inviting their college friends (mostly sorority sisters). Leah's brain went into over-drive remembering two parties. . .
The first one was the party Rachel had for Libby last spring. Rachel had wanted Libby's 3rd birthday to be a tea party, but with boy cousins and brothers. . . .what to do? So, she had a Alice in Wonderland Tea Party (click here).
Then, Leah and her friends a few months ago had a tea party-themed "sprinkle" for their friend Bailey who is expecting her second child. Leah borrowed all of my old hats (bought 30 years ago at garage sales for my children) and had a lot of fun decorating with her friends Rachel and Rebecca (yes, she has sisters AND friends with those names).
So, she decided to put it all together---tea party for their college friends and young children. One of her college friends works for a local magazine, pitched the idea to her editor who liked the idea of fun parties at home with little cost. Leah's brain really went into over-over-drive.
Most of the decorations were things her friends or sisters already owned. But, she also started visiting re-sale shops and found a lot of great stuff.
For example her friend Rebecca made the banner, loaned the mirrors, clocks and her sister Rachel's Cheshire cat can be seen on the bookcase in the corner.Then, that's my silver on my hat box with Goodwill cups glued together, with Leah's childhood tea set, her friend Rebecca's swan.
Leah's sister Rebecca created the "eat me" "drink me" tags.


(Anna in blue and white above had several costume changes) And, yes, the children had a great time---Eli poured "tea" (water), they used Anna's tea set from her great Aunt Jane (the Queen of Teas). These photos do not do justice to the decorating. Click here for more pictures

Click here to view these pictures larger

or you'll have to see the magazine in May/June to see it all!
And, I got my silver polished! Thanks Lindsey!