How To:
Plan a Magical Tea Party
Shimmery accents. Cozy confections. Layer upon layer of white. This tea party-themed birthday celebration captures all the magic of a winter wonderland. Whether you’re serving real tea or just using the concept as inspiration, your little girl will feel like she just stepped into a fairy tale—a feeling she’s sure to remember for years to come.
Three to Four Weeks Before:
Decide on a location and time. You’ll need a larger table for party guests to sit at, along with a smaller table or some counter space to display desserts and other goodies. This can be the kitchen, living room or even a playroom—just as long as there’s space for all the must-haves!
Send or deliver invitations. Get guests excited about the party theme with festive invitations. For an extra special touch, hand-deliver the invitations with a white candy cane or tiny tea cookies.
Plan and start making decorations. Use our step-by-step guides to carry the theme throughout the party. Some of the items can be purchased and prepared ahead of time. Shop for your craft materials now, and for any of the non-perishable food and dessert ingredients you plan to use. You can also make and fill the Treat Jars—one less thing to worry about the week of the party!
One to three days Before:
Prepare food and desserts. Purchase the last of your ingredients and do most of your cooking and baking. Bake and frost the Mini Golden Cupcakes and the Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies the night before the party.
Setting up the party space. Choose a location for the party table, and if you have a “Happy Birthday” banner, go ahead and hang it up now. Decide how you’ll display the cupcakes and party favors, as well as how you’ll serve the Hot Cocoa. You might also want to designate a space for guests to drop off gifts as they arrive.
Prepare party favors. Follow our step-by-step guide to make the Favor Boxes. By now, you should know how many guests will attend—though it’s a good idea to make a few extras just in case. You can fill the boxes and place them at each guest’s place setting, or you can set up a station near the Treat Jars and encourage guests to fill the boxes themselves.
Day of the Party:
Prepare food and desserts. First thing in the morning, take cookies and cupcakes out of the fridge so they’ll be back at room temperature for the party. Make the Hot Cocoa as late in the day as possible so it’s nice and fresh.
Decorate for the party. Fill and hang balloons and other decorations. Set each place setting with your tea sets and plates. Add winter-themed forks, napkins and table runners for some extra party magic. Arrange desserts and Hot Cocoa on the dessert table, along with the Favor Boxes and Treat Jars.