Time for Tea Party Ideas . . .

     Perfect for any celebration – Bridal Shower, Baby Shower, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Tea Party, In Celebration of Friendship, Mother-Daughter Christmas Tea, Mother’s Day Tea, Valentine’s Day Tea.  Can you think of a better way to celebrate?

   My favorite over the years has been the Mother-Daughter Christmas Tea Party.  Little girls love getting dressed up and actually having their very own cup and saucer.  Big girls – even the ones coming home from college for Christmas can look forward to a special time with their moms.  The second reason for liking this one the best is that we don’t have to think – we already have our Christmas decorations – just pack up a box and bring it to the party.

 Here’s how it worked :

      First we chose a theme.  Sugar Plum Tea Party, Let it Snow Tea Party, Candy Cane Tea Party, etc.  We solicited people to “decorate a table”.  These people would be responsible for decorating one table for 8-10 people complete with tablecloth, cups and saucers, teaspoons and a teapot .  Food plates would be provided (we used clear plastic, with paper doilies, of course).  Each table would have a theme – that would be your choice.  I collect angels – so of course, I did a table with my angels in the center.  Think – nutcrackers, Santas, snowmen, snowbabies, villages.  Everyone collects something, don’t they? 

 Picture this:

    I will decorate a table for ten – I have two daughters and a daughter-in-law.  We would use four seats, leaving six seats available for other ticket holders.  Our events were “community life” parties, therefore the $5 ticket covered the cost of food and beverages.  Everyone on our committee did decorate a table and in addition brought a big plate of tea sandwiches.  The chairpersons of the event would be responsible for decorating the food tables and the room where the event is held (lots of fun).

Entertainment:

    It could be anything from a pianist for a children’s sing-a-long, a storyteller for the young ones, a speaker or simply background recorded music.

Tea Choices:

     Keep the tea choices down to about three.  We made tea (not the English way) with tea bags in huge pots in the kitchen.  The head of each table will bring her teapot to be filled.  We tried making individual pots – too much work and everyone was happy with making it in big quantities.  The favorites were raspberry tea, a mint herbal tea and a plain breakfast-type tea.  There are many other choices, but too many choices caused confusion.  We couldn’t predict which would be the favorite – so best to keep the choices down to just a few.  We also had a cold punch for the children – but served in tea cups too.

Write me for more information and suggested menu and recipes for keeping it simple, inexpensive and elegant at the same time.  I can help you with tips from our successful tea parties.  p2bwiser@comcast.net  I have a photo album filled with ideas from parties of the past.

I’ve never done it as a fundraiser, but it could be a little competition.  I can see having contests for the best decorated tables and having little prizes for the “decorators” Guests would vote for their favorite tables. The ideas go on and on.

Submitted by Pauline McCain. 804-740-4705

Chick-fil-A  Virginia Centerhas a GREAT FUNdraising opportunity!
The 2007 Chick-fil-A Calendars are here. Each calendar contains $28.00 worth of Chick-fil-A coupons, and the calendars sell for only $5. each. So they practically sell themselves. This is an easy-to-manage and enjoyable fundraiser. Calendars are great presents and they keep giving all year with the included coupons. Start 2007 with some or all of your fundraising already completed!