Here and Now: Mad Hatter's Tea Party

I don't know whether I am just a kid at heart or "completely mad" but I finally had my Mad Hatter's Tea Party. I had wanted to do this last year but never got it together - could only manage a wonderful lunch on the patio. BUT this year - I just knew I had to do it.

To force myself to do it, I decided on a date and sent out the invitations - I had so much fun creating a poem and the invite that I knew this party was going to be fun.

RULES
(oh yes there ARE rules – there are always rules OR it’s off with your head)

You MUST BRING –a tea cup – after all it is a Tea

You MUST WEAR A HAT –it is a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party – Mad attire would be appreciated but if not, at least wear clothes

Bring a chair – there will be some but if you really want to sit, it would secure a spot

Beautiful Grandaughter - Queen of Hearts

And then to the decorations - I started off with wild and crazy ideas but settle on only a few. We have a wonderful yard - so it did not take much to set the stage so to speak. I also enlisted the help of my wonderful sister and my step mom - my caterer extraordinaire and my beautiful granddaughter.

Sister - who came as the March Hare

Wonderful Step Mom,
Caterer who makes my parties amazing

Now what is more appropriate than croquet and what did Alice get to play with but a flamingo - had to have - had to have the card soldiers too - for the wickets. Such fun.

Card Soldiers were on duty to show the guests to the party. I had to stop at 3. Making them was just too much fun and I was becoming obsessed.

Here is my favourite soldier - he is painting the roses red. You see I really could go MAD.

I setup two long tables on the road to the back field, layering on table clothes and adding chairs. I had my credenza setup for the food and an antique table setup with the plates and beverages. It was a perfect day - sun streaming through the trees really set the party stage.