Kiddie Tea
Here’s a nice socialization idea for kids, a tea party, complete with grown up fineries and kid’s games. Remember how, as kids, we loved to play dress up and imitate our elders? This party idea will teach them the basics of polite small party talk and buffet table manners.
And it’s fun to watch and facilitate too! Get ready with your cameras!
When to invite the neighborhood kids.
Invitations must be given out 3 days to a week prior to the party. Set the date to a Saturday afternoon when no homework needs to be done. Sunday is family day so better not interfere with that. The official teatime is in the afternoon, a little after lunch time.
Decorate
Let your princess or prince take part in the planning. Regal decorations and tiny silverware will make play tea party seem real and more special. Balloons, streamers and fancy ribbons are a must.
Sandwiches and Fingerfood
Cucumber sandwich – Lightly buttered toast with thinly sliced cucumber fruits and cheese. Nutritious and filling.
Cake – Bake your own or order in. This will make the occasion seem more festive. You must remind the kids though that no one’s going to blow candles on the cake because it’s for tea.
Animal Cookies – These are normal cookies shaped like animals. The trick is in the cookie cutter! Here’s a nice recipe:
4 c. flour
1 c. softened butter
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
3 eggs
Mix the flour, soda and salt together, then add the cream butter slowly. Add the sugar and eggs one at a time and mix. Stir in the vanilla then add flour mixture. Mix. Cover the dough and chill one hour or more. Roll the dough one fourth of an inch thick, then cut out with cookie cutters. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 minutes or until lightly brown.
Tea Party Games
It’s a formal tea party, but the participants are still kids. A print out of a game called What’s that on Old MacDonald’s Farm? will have them learning about farm animals in a fun way. Faciliator adults can guide the kids on what to do, but the fun of discovery should be left to the participants.
Other games include a nice treasure hunt where some gold foil covered chocolates could be hidden in the garden or around the house. Mom escorts can set up stations to keep the kids from getting too enthusiastic and knock over things. This tea party you set up perfectly could be one of the best memories of their childhood.