Tea Manners for Kids
Hosting a tea party is a fun way for children to practice their manners, not just at the table but before the party even starts and after it ends. Have your child invite a few friends and ask them to come in their best clothes. Use china tea cups and saucers, a pretty teapot and linen tablecloth and napkins.
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Invitations
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Help your child send out invitations that you write out yourselves or print on the computer. Give about one week notice, and ask your guests to come dressed up to the party. Give a phone number to RSVP. This can be an early lesson to the guests on the importance of responding promptly to invitations. If you have pets, let your guests know, and ask if anyone has any food allergies as well. This can teach your child to be considerate of others.
Preparation
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Plan the menu for the tea party with your child. Figure out how much food you will need and consider what the guests might like. You can serve real tea, with plenty of cream and sugar for children of course, or substitute something more child-friendly, such as hot cocoa or warm milk. Include a couple of scones of muffins, sandwiches and desserts. Keeping each portion bite-size will delight the children and allow them to try everything. Show your child how to set the table properly, with forks to the left of the plates, knives to the right and spoons at the top.
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The Party
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Teach children about proper manners at the party, such as greeting their guests and showing them where the table is set up. Make a game of having the children pretend they are princesses and must act accordingly. They should sit up at the table without their elbows on the table, and their napkins should be on their laps. Teach them to stir their tea carefully and place the spoon on the saucer. Food should be passed to others before they take any themselves, and no one should start eating until everyone is seated.
After the Party
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Your child should thank her friends for coming, and if you've arranged the party with the parents of the other children, they may want to write a thank you note to your child for hosting the party. If your child likes, she can offer her guests a simple parting gift, such as a hand-drawn picture.
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References
- Photo Credit cup of tea image by Victor M. from Fotolia.com
