How to Make a Tea Party Boy-Friendly

A tea party outdoors on a nice day can attract boys.

There is no rule that says that boys can't enjoy a traditional and proper tea party. However, given the social conventions that shape taste based on gender, you won't find a lot of young males willing to sit through an afternoon of elegant sipping and chatter. If you want to make a tea party welcoming for boys, you need to involve elements that stimulate their thirst for fun. Get creative and break the tea party barrier by hosting a tea party that all kids -- boys and girls alike -- will relish.

Snacks

There is little that young boys like more than eating. If you want to make your tea party more boy-friendly, load up on yummy snacks. Include traditional tea-party items, such as biscuits, cookies, cakes and fruit. Also include party foods that tend to get boys excited. Order a pizza and slice it into small, snack-sized pieces. Make miniature hot dogs and serve them as appetizers. In addition to regular dessert, make jello of different colors.

Superhero Theme

One way to attract boys to a party they might not otherwise attend is by giving it a theme they are sure to love. Host a superhero-themed tea party that young boys will not be able to resist. Find mugs bearing pictures of Superman, Batman and Spiderman. Buy superhero-themed napkins. Encourage kids to dress up as their favorite superhero. Put up posters of superheroes on the walls and decorate the room with red and blue streamers, colors that are common to a few different superheroes.

Games

It may surprise you how physically active and energetic young boys can be when you put them in a room together. Make a tea party more boy-friendly with physical activities and games that will keep them moving. Instead of an egg race, stage a sugar race. Break the party into teams and have kids run back and forth with a spoonful of sugar without spilling it. Have a tea-bag toss, where kids takes turns trying to throw a tea bag or bean bag into a teapot.

Other Ideas

A tea party can come in many varieties and contain many elements that boys will find welcoming. Give out loot bags or party favors at the end of your tea party. Include not only tea bags, but small chocolates, trading cards and small plastic toys. If kids start to get bored, have a movie set up and ready to go to entertain even the most impatient boy.