One
lonely spider sipped her tea
While gazing at the sky
She watched the insects on the leaves
And many flying by.
If I had friends like these, she sighed,
Whod stay a while with me,
I'd sit them down on silken chairs
And serve them cakes and tea.
-Miss Spider's Tea Party
Parties and Pleasure
Tips to Hosting a Successful Childrens Tea Party
Success: favorable or desired outcome
Invite both boys and girls.
Boys also feel special when they dress up and enjoy interacting with children of
the same age. They appreciate being trusted with the china and take
as much pride as the girls in pouring the tea without a spill.
Lesson: Equality & Acceptance
Let Them Bring a Friend
Tea is always more fun when it is shared with a friend. The friend can be human or stuffed.Human friends are nice because they initiate conversation, laugh at your jokes, and help to pour the tea. Stuffed friends are great because they are a source of comfort in new surroundings. They also sit quietly and rarely grab for the last piece of cake.
Lesson: Sharing, Caring, and Comfort
Encourage Dressing Up
Children feel special when they dress up. Clothes make a statement about
personality and style. At a young age children start communicating their
tastes.
They show interest in certain colors, fabrics and notions like buttons
and zippers. The key is to observe and listen.
Most children would be happy to dress up if they were allowed to be comfortable
and be part of the decision-making process. The girl who prefers simple
and soft clothing should not be expected to dress in cascading ruffles
and lace.
The boy who prefers clothes that are neat and classic should not be expected
to dress in knickers and bow ties. They will retaliate and usually in
the middle of tea or at any inopportune time.
Lesson: Children are people too, Differences should be appreciate and celebrated, Children have value; their feelings count
Keep The Menu Simple
Sandwiches, Tea, Treats
Children generally do not eat smoked salmon and asparagus sandwiches. However, peanut butter sandwiches cut in fun shapes and cheese sandwiches with the crusts removed are always a hit.
Tea can be many things at a tea party. Generally children are not that fond of real tea but they do enjoy milk, cocoa, lemonade and punch as a substitution. Always serve the tea in real teacups, preferably smaller cups that fit comfortably in a child´s hands.
Note: China teacups picked up at flea markets and yard sales are the best kinds of cups for children to practice on. They are generally inexpensive and will allow children to learn social graces without feeling awkward and fearful.
Treats served to children should be decorative, delicious and easy to handle. Sticky desserts with frosting and crumbly cakes should be avoided. Sugar cookies, strawberries, brownies and pound cake are fine.
Lesson: Serve foods that children like and that are easy to eat. Whenever possible serve children with real china, cloth napkins and silver spoons. The best for the best.
Pick a Theme
Tea parties can take place anywhere for any occasion in any season. The place is not the point. It's the practice.
Lesson: Tea parties are just a means to learn the way. Grace, honor, respect, sharing, caring, reflection, appreciation, giving. A "way" of building self-esteem, confidence and poise.
