Tea Party Etiquette - Birthday Fun For Your Child

These tips and guidelines will help your child and all her guests enjoy their party and learn proper manners.

How much you follow accepted etiquette really depends on the age of your child and her guests.

For a very young group you may find that simply instructing them to say "please" and "thank you" and to ask for things to be passed rather than reaching for them is acceptable etiquette at your party.

As a parent it might be helpful if you stand beside the table and gently offer guidance as you go. You could even start your party by giving all your guests a short lesson in this party etiquette.

For older children you can use more proper etiquette, but in either case it will be necessary for you to instruct your child and their guests in the fine art of tea party etiquette that you are expecting them to follow.

Have fun

While following good etiquette will make your party more enjoyable and at the same time provide everyone with at least a little education in proper manners, you don't want your child or their guests to worry about making a mistake.

Make sure everyone understands that if they forget and make a mistake, it's all right. Tell them to have fun and do their best to remember the etiquette guidelines.

Tea Party Etiquette

I've put together a list of helpful tips and guidelines that will help everyone better understand how to do things properly at a tea party without getting too stuffy and formal. We are after all putting together a party for young girls.

A Birthday Tea Party is a wonderful opportunity for your birthday child and her party guests to not only have a lot of fun, but to learn proper manners as well.

Keep in mind the ages of your birthday child and her guests. For very young children you can't expect them to understand or use much in the way of formal tea etiquette, so you may want to try using only a few simple tea party etiquette guidelines.

Send Your Guests The Etiquette Guidelines

If you feel that your birthday child and her guests are old enough to understand, observe and use more of the following tea party etiquette guidelines, you might want to copy the list we've provided here and send these guidelines along with your invitations, informing your guests that you will be following this list of tea party etiquette guidelines. That way, each guest will have an opportunity to become familiar with tea party etiquette and will be more comfortable at your party.

A Gentle Reminder - The Etiquette Game

You can also take a few minutes at the beginning of your tea party to go over these simple guidelines with your guests so that everyone can have fun doing their best to follow the proper etiquette that is expected. You can even make this into a game and reward the guests who observe the best etiquette.

Preparing Your Tea Party

One word about preparing your tea party. Your tea should be served from teapots. Tea bags are just too messy.

Remember It's Fun

I've already said this, but it's worth repeating. The most important thing to remember is to make sure your birthday child and all her guests have fun. Observing proper tea party etiquette can be a fun part of the party experience, but you don't want to make your party atmosphere too stiff because everyone is "worried" they will make a mistake.

Tea Party Etiquette Tips and Guidelines

Since most tea party foods are "finger foods" it is perfectly alright to eat with your fingers. If something is a bit messy, use your fork or spoon.

Break off bite-sized pieces of larger foods unless they are messy. In that case, use your fork or spoon

Take bites of small sandwiches. Even if the sandwich is tiny, never put the entire sandwich in your mouth.

When you sugar your tea, be careful not to dip the serving tong or spoon into your tea.

Stir sugar or milk into your tea with your teaspoon. When you are finished stiring, place your teaspoon on your cup saucer.

Drink your tea by holding your cup and saucer up to your chest, then take your teacup off of your saucer and bring your teacup up to your mouth and take a drink.

Don't slurp or gulp you tea. Just take small sips.

Hold your teacup normally, it is not necessary to "stick out your little finger" (your pinky) while drinking your tea.

If your tea seems too hot to drink, place your cup back on the saucer and return your cup and saucer to the table to let your tea cool off. Never blow on your tea.

You should not reach across the table to pick things up. Instead, politely ask someone to pass the item to you. "Excuse me Cindy, could you please pass the sandwiches?"

Remember to say "please" and "thank you" and "excuse me."

It's not polite to talk with your mouth full of food.

Cover your mouth if you need to cough or sneeze.

Be careful not to talk too much, let everyone have a chance to join in the conversation.

Remember to use your napkin.

Do your best to remember and use these etiquette tips and guidelines, but if you forget to do some things properly, don't worry, have fun.

Thank You Notes

After your child's tea party is over, proper etiquette also calls for thank you notes to be sent to your party guests. This is a great project for you and your birthday child to work on together.

A Closing Thought

These simple tea party etiquette tips and guidelines will help make your child's birthday tea party a great success and one they will remember fondly for years to come.

Mike Dougherty has put together lots of successful birthday parties for his children and grandchildren. To learn more visit http://fun-kid-birthday-parties.com/birthday-tea-party.html

Tea Party Past And Present

Nothing retains the luster of childhood more than a tea party. In the social infancy of our youth we set our tables, put out the perfect set of dishes – commonly small and plastic at that innocent time in our life – and invited all our friends; who if not imaginary were stuffed and furry. We took tea in the realm of fantasy where princes and princesses danced the night away at royal balls and fairies appointed the room with their magic dust.

Today’s tea party – while not so grandiose – still offers its own gift of whimsy. The adult version of this elegant ritual includes real china, fragrant tea, delicious sandwiches and pastries, and company of the human kind. Depending on the culture, the tea party takes many forms – a social ceremony, a reverent custom, a romantic offering, or a daily gathering.

Whatever its purpose, the tea party can be as extravagant or simple, formal or casual as you desire. In any case, tea party guests should always be made to feel special. A carefully chosen tablecloth, beautiful linens, or an heirloom teapot will go a long way towards making your tea party special.

While many use tea bags to brew their tea, loose tea can augment taste and presentation. The addition of strainers or loose tea balls can really make just having tea into a tea party.

Be sure to offer small tea spoons, sugar, milk, honey, and lemon. Additionally, some tea sandwiches or small pastries will really bring your tea party to the next level.

A tea party can be an opportunity to stop for a moment and revisit the simple things in life. That which brought us such joy as children can most certainly be recaptured amidst a beautiful table with delightful delicacies.

But no matter what the offerings – or the occasion – a tea party can be a wonderful way to gather with friends and share a unique experience; no matter what your age.

For easy to understand, in depth information about tea visit our ezGuide 2 tea.

What the Tea Party Movement Stands For

The absolutely amazing thing about the entire Tea Party Movement, which has grown exponentially, is the unity and deep conviction of those involved. The Tea Party movement is drawing people from all political stripes, social causes, and income brackets. It is drawing people who have never participated in any kind of political or grassroots movement before. What we have in common, and what holds us together, is a very deep love for the uniqueness of the United States of America, a desire for the limited government that our Founding Fathers created, a fairly "strict" interpretation of the Constitution, a belief in capitalism and free enterprise and a strong sense of personal responsibility. Tea Party Movement people are feeling an urgency. They are sensing that we must take action NOW, not next year. There is a general sense among the majority of Tea Party people that both major parties are to blame, neither were fully responsive to voters and that it's time to clean house.

The Tea Party Movement is not endorsing one particular solution, candidate or party. We know that there are many good ideas out there, and excellent people behind them. We know that some groups have worked on these issues in a formal way for years, and perhaps feel that the Tea Party movement is eclipsing their efforts. That is not the intention of the Tea Party Movement at all. We are choosing to "major on the majors". That is the strength and the power of the Tea Party movement. It won't matter if it's fair tax, no tax or flat tax if our country is bankrupted. It won't matter if you want the Federal Reserve abolished if Congress keeps appropriating power for itself, and voters are ignored. It won't matter how you feel about the federal funding for abortion, or the Marriage Amendment if our government usurps power and does not reverse its current path, your voice will have little impact.

We see ourselves as serving as a springboard for the people. We are a starting point. We are a powerful voice saying to all elected officials - local, regional, state and federal - "the government belongs to US the VOTER, the taxpayer, not you". The incredible, laser-like power of the Tea Party movement is the lack of factions. We cannot be ignored. Even the framers of the Constitution chose to set aside some issues, (like the issue of slavery) at the time in order to focus on the foundational issue - the founding of a constitutional democracy.

The issues and ideas that are at the core of the Tea Party movement:

1) All forms of government must abide by the boundaries set forth in state and federal constitutions.

2) All pork and earmarks in the stimulus, omnibus bills, and bailouts must be reversed and repealed. The national budget must be balanced. Spending cuts, not increased taxation should be used to balance the budget.

3) Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of happiness implies personal responsibility, not handouts, free-enterprise and capitalism, not government controlled economies. Some people choose to be irresponsible (and of course some fall on hard times due to circumstances), but it is not the responsibility of the general public, vis-a-vis government intervention, to guarantee or bailout irresponsibility and failure. Private individuals and organizations give out of compassion and generosity, not compulsion through taxation. laws, and pork barrel projects.

4) ALL elected and appointed officials are under the employment and serve at the will of We the People.

5) Excessive tax burdens kill prosperity.

6) Excessive national debt is generational theft, and stealing the future of our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

7) Neither major political party is "clean" on these issues. Both Democrats and Republicans have taxed excessively and neither have restrained the hand of government effectively. There are certainly individual representatives who have been faithful to their constituents and to the Constitution. However, too many are engaged in protecting their congressional positions and turf. The majority of government officials have insulated themselves from the people they serve, and hold themselves above the law. We are simply saying, "No, you aren't above the law".

8 ) The American public at large is ignorant of the purpose of government, the founding documents such as the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Federalist Papers. As a result, they allow politicians to sell them false hope and "rights" and "entitlements" that are not guaranteed by the Constitution. By educating the American people on the foundations of our history, we hope to bring sanity to the election and legislative processes.

9) As a group, we are appalled at the audaciousness and arrogance of our government in the last few years, particularly the proposals and bills passed in the last few months, despite massive public disapproval.

The Tea Party is a wake-up call to all Americans.

Karen Miner Hurd is a wife, mother of 5, businesswoman, patriot and a lover of cheesecake. She is the Founder and organizer of the Hampton Roads Tea Party. More of her writing can be found at http://freedomwize.org Her passion includes history, Bible study, indie movies, entrpreneurship and preventative health. She lives in Virginia Beach, VA, and still misses her home state of Michigan sometimes.

Children's Birthday Party Locations and Ideas

While most children’s birthday parties are held at home, you may want to consider an offsite location.

For starters, you won't have to be concerned about the current state of order and tidiness of your house. Plus using the cultural and recreational resources of the community will broaden your child’s horizons and introduce him or her to some wonderful experiences.

Ask your child what she would like. Usually the party theme will reflect her interests, hobbies or sports.

Here are some ideas to jumpstart your creativity.

If your child loves sharks, what better place to be than the local aquarium where he can see sharks up close and personal.

Then, there’s the zoo, if he or she loves elephants and wants a jungle theme. Or maybe the local museum of natural history.

Local history museums can make history real.

The local art museum is a great place for the budding artist, a concert for the budding musician, the planetarium for the budding astronomer... you get the idea.

The best part is that many such institutions have activities designed especially for children. Ask.

There are entire institutions, like the Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia, designed for children.

Other cool ideas:

Have a Pottery party:

Facilities have opened up that allow you to paint on pottery. When you are finished, the staff will put it into a kiln for you. Most will host parties and many have special children's birthday party packages.

A Day of Beauty:

Recently, our local newspaper had an article about the popularity of makeovers as a party idea for preteens. Mom arranges with a local beauty school or beauty salon to have the group come in for an afternoon, where they have the run of the place.

Roller skating rinks have packages where you can rent the use of a private room for an hour to enjoy light refreshments and cake. Then they are free to enjoy the facility. Keep in mind that rinks are very strict about scheduling.

Ice skaters might enjoy a trip to the ice rink.

Facilities like Chuck E. Cheese cater to birthday parties for young children.

A group of girls may enjoy a luncheon in a neighborhood Chinese restaurant.

Little Ladies’ Tea Party:

Many hotels will host teas. And they are happy to accommodate children. The kids can dress up and be princesses for the day. Many invite their favorite stuffed animals to the festivities and they can get important lessons in etiquette.

In the summer, you may want to use your back yard for your children's birthday party. But if you don't have a large yard or you don’t wish the event to be held there, check out neighborhood parks and playgrounds. Many will allow you to reserve a pavilion.

Where else can you go for ideas?

Try your city or town’s local visitor or welcome center. Another source is the local library – especially the children’s department. These days, the internet is an invaluable resource. Local newspapers and magazines often have sections that feature local events and activities. Last, but not least, there is always word of mouth.

Enjoy.

About the Author:

Ellen M. Zucker owns http://www.faces-and-fortunes-partytips.com a site where you can find advice on party and event planning from Party Pros. It includes tips, interviews, and advice on putting your event together from professionals who make parties and special events happen.

For more information about planning your kid's party, go to http://www.faces-and-fortunes-partytips.com/childrensbirthdayparties.html

Birthday Tea Party - Your Daughter Will Love This One

A birthday tea party is an elegant and fun way to celebrate your child's birthday party.

Your daughter and all her invited guests will have a wonderful time with this kid birthday party theme.

And you can put together lots of fun activities and games that will keep everyone busy and having lots of fun.

You can also use your tea party theme to teach your child and all her friends proper manners and etiquette.

Tea Party Invitation

Set the stage for your child's tea party by making your invitation elegant but fun. And you'll have your invited guests excited if you tell them you'll be doing makeovers and playing dress up.

You might word your invitation like this:

"(First and last name of the birthday girl) invites you to join her for a birthday tea party celebrating her (number of birthday) th. birthday."

"For your tea time with (birthday child's first name) please wear a party dress for high tea. You can also wear your dress up hat and gloves."

To make your invitation really special and exciting you might include a pair of white gloves with the invitation.

If your birthday tea party is for younger children, you might ask them to bring a favorite doll or stuffed animal with them.

And don't forget to give them all the important information too.

"Our special tea party will take place on (month and date) at (start time for your party), ending promptly at (end time)."

Giving an end time for your party will keep you from having party guests stuck at your house waiting for a parent to pick them up.

"Our party location will be (street address and other important location information)."

You can also mention that you will be doing make overs and playing dress up.

You can deliver your invitation by postal mail or you can have a gentleman in a butler suite or tuxedo hand deliver the invitations. What fun!

If you send your invitation by postal mail, consider using a special envelope and stationary. Anything to make your invitation elegant and fun.

Birthday Tea Party Decoration

Think elegant, pink and fun with balloons, streamers, ribbon, confetti and glitter.

Mix pink, white, gold, silver, royal blue and red.

Use balloons to create a pink and white ceiling. You can also use red ribbon tied to the balloons as streamers so your guests can get hold of the balloons and play with them. Have some balloons on the floor as well.

A tea party pinata is also a great idea.

And don't forget to use some balloons and streamers outside to decorate your mail box or doorway.

Set An Elegant Table

Set your table using a table cloth, plates, cups and napkins. You'll also need forks and spoons. You might want to roll up each fork and spoon setting with an elegant napkin and tie it with a nice ribbon.

Decorate your table cloth with glitter.

Use a colorful tea pot as a fun centerpiece. Attach a small helium filled balloon bouquet to the tea pot.

To make your table setting really exciting, you can put a few party favors by each place setting. A ring, a fun bracelet or even a tiara for each guest.

Birthday Tea Party Games

Get things started as soon as the first guest arrives, this will keep everyone from just "standing around" while they wait for all your guests.

Give everyone some indoor bubbles to blow.

Have your guests make a tiara

Give each girl a coloring page from the tea party in the Disney movie "Alice in Wonderland."

You might even have the tea party scene from "Alice in Wonderland" playing on a DVD in your living room or family room.

Make Over

Pick up a small mirror and comb set for each guest. You can also pick up an assortment of lipstick and nail polish.

Let the girls help each other with a make over.

Just for fun you can also pick up a few colorful costume boas, hair clips, costume jewelry and even high heel shoes.

You can always pick up a few dress up items at a local thrift store. This is a great way to save some money and give a little back to your community at the same time.

Pass The Ring

Have all your guests stand in a circle.

Now place a small ring on a long piece of string and tie the ends of the string together.

Now have your guests hold the string while your birthday girl puts her hand over the ring.

To start the game, have one player stand in the middle of the circle as all the other guests pretend to be sliding the ring along the string and secretly passing the ring to each other.

The player in the middle tries to guess who really has the ring.

When the player guesses who has the ring. That person switches places with the player in the middle.

Birthday Tea Party Food

Think elegant, think fun! If your group is very young you may want to stick with cake and ice cream.

Small finger sandwiches

Sliced veggies

A crackers and cheese plate

Pizza cut into small squares

Grapes

Melon balls or slices

Strawberries dipped in chocolate

Elegant Mint candies

Jello Jigglers

You can easily add a very elegant touch to the serving of food and treats by asking an older male to put on a a tuxedo or a suit and tie and serve the food.

This can be a lot of fun especially if the male actually pretends to be the butler by asking the birthday girl what she would like and serving it to her and her guests.

Birthday Tea Party

You can easily put together an elegant cake for your daughters tea party.

One things for sure, your birthday child is going to have an absolutely wonderful time at their fun birthday tea party.

Mike Dougherty has lots of experience putting together successful birthday parties for his children and grandchildren. To learn more visit http://fun-kid-birthday-parties.com/birthday-tea-party.html