How to Throw a Child's Tea Party

Whether it's to instill good manners or simply to have a great time, tea parties can be a memorable event in a child's life. So pull out the tea set, put on your best pair of gloves and set the scene for a day your child won't forget.

Things You'll Need

• Food for the party
• Patience
• Party favors
• Tea set
• Imagination
• Party invitations

Instructions

1. Set a date for the party. If you want a theme for the party, talk with your child and choose one together. It can be anything from "Tea for princesses" to "Tea in outer space."

2. Choose who you and your child would like to invite to the party. Also choose where the event will be held.

3. Buy or make invitations. If you've chosen a theme, the invites should relate to it in some way. Have your child help you fill out the invitations. Deliver or send the invites to the party goers.

4. Create a schedule for the tea party. Include everything from the games to be played to when food will be served. Be sure to add some cushion for unexpected events or late guests.

5. Plan a menu. Sit down with your child and decide on some bite-sized foods to serve. Try sandwiches cut into shapes with cookie cutters or mini-cupcakes. Keep it simple and something your child can help you prepare. Also, if you don't want to serve hot tea, you can substitute juice, iced tea or anything that sounds tasty and can be poured from a teapot.

6. Decide on party favors. If you can, match the favors to the theme of the tea party. They can range from simple, homemade treats and games to more elaborate store-bought toys and goodies, depending on your budget and available time.

7. Prepare the location. If the event is at your home, clean the "tea room," set up tables and chairs and put up any decorations that fit the party's theme. Pull out the teapots and teacups. Make sure they're clean and ready to go.

8. Make or buy the food. You can also set the food out on trays so it's ready for the party.

9. Get dressed up along with your child and enjoy the day together.

Tips & Warnings

• Although you may be tempted to throw a tea party when your child is three years old, be sure she is old enough to understand, appreciate and enjoy the tea party.

• Keep the guest list to a minimum. Too many little party-goers can mean more work for you and cost a lot more.

• Even though dad and the boys might not want to join in on the frilly dresses and tea pouring, you can still include them either as guests or as helpers throughout the event.

• Plan for the party to last for about 2 hours.

• Record the event either with a video or still camera. One day you and she will want to look back and remember the party in detail.