How to Plan a Mad Hatter Party
Lewis Carroll's books "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking Glass" have inspired many things over the years, including movies, art and music. The whimsical, nonsensical Mad Hatter scene has spawned a tea party trend, from birthday--or shall we say "unbirthday"--parties to wedding and baby showers. With colorful decorations, silly costumes, countless game ideas, yummy tea and food and other clever touches, a Mad Hatter party promises an unusual event guests are sure to enjoy, even more than Alice did herself. After all, in the story she chimes, "It's the stupidest tea-party I ever was at in all my life!" Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Alice- or tea party-themed invitations
- Large table
- A variety of chairs
- Colorful linens
- Tea cups and saucers, preferably mismatched
- Alice-themed decorations
- Teas and snacks
Instructions
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Choose a date and time for your Mad Hatter tea party, then secure your location. The tea party in "Alice in Wonderland" was held outside, so a party in a backyard or park would be quite authentic. Indoor parties at a home or private hall also would work. Since tea time in the story is six o'clock, that would be a fun, appropriate start time for your event.
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Create your menu. Tea is a must-have, of course. Make the selection varied and unexpected. Depending on the audience, adult beverages, such as a hard tea, could add to the party. Remember, though--in the story, the Mad Hatter offers wine to Alice, only to tell her there is none. Light appetizers and finger sandwiches are perfect fare for a tea party. Add in other Alice-themed items such as hat-shaped cookies or cupcakes decorated as toadstools. For the party, place "eat me" and "drink me" signs in front of the serving dishes and teapots.
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Plan games, activities and music. Think "Alice in Wonderland"-inspired games, such as cards or croquet. Ask guests riddles. Have them create and share nonsensical poetry. As in the story, have people switch places during the party, perhaps using a timer. Better yet, play a game of musical chairs. Make a playlist of music inspired by Alice in Wonderland. Tom Petty's "Don't Come Around Here No More" and Bob Dylan's "Tweedle Dee & Tweedle Dum" are two to get you started. Offer prizes such as teacups, decks of cards or tea accessories.
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Make and send themed invitations. The ideas are endless for creative invitations to a Mad Hatter tea party, both in design and wording. Give them a playing card or teacup design. Refer to your party location as "Wonderland" and remind guests not to be late "for an important date." Include a teabag or small golden key inside the envelope.
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Encourage guests to come wearing hats, or have them bring plain hats to decorate at the party as an activity. Guests also could dress up as "Alice in Wonderland" characters. Motivate people to come in costume by offering a prize for the best costume or hat.
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Decorate and set up for the party. The Mad Hatter's tea party took place at one long table, so you may have to join several tables to accommodate all the guests. Set the table with a colorful cloth and an assortment of teacups and plates. Mismatched items will complement the story well. Before the party, check out thrift shops to find fun, one-of-a-kind cups and saucers. Add other Alice-themed decorations on and around the table, such as clocks stopped a six o'clock, armchairs, chess pieces, a Cheshire cat, a stuffed rabbit, mirrors and playing cards.
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Tips & Warnings
For added fun, watch one of the "Alice in Wonderland" movies after tea and food are served.
As with any outdoor party, have a tent or a Plan B in case of rain.
References
- Photo Credit tea time image by lidian neeleman from Fotolia.com
