Host A Tea Party With Your Child

In times past, "tea time" was a time honored tradition shared by women, and young girls, for the sole purpose of bonding. No matter how busy the women were, or how hectic their lives got, they always managed to slow down long enough to share a warm cup of tea and discuss life.
Wouldn't it be nice if you, too, could slow down your fast-paced lifestyle long enough to really get to know your children? To experience the thrill of real conversation followed by giddy laughter?
If your child loves playing dress up, then you are going to love throwing a tea party with her!
Whether you choose to throw an intimate tea party for two, or host a more elaborate event for your daughter and her friends, involve your child in the entire preparation process and you'll create a bond that will stand the test of time.
Agree upon a theme.
A theme is a reoccurring element that ties your tea party together. Your theme can be based upon your child's favorite fantasy book, like Alice In Wonderland; the nearest holiday, like Easter; or your child's favorite season—even if it's winter and your child likes spring.
Choose the dress attire.
Your dress attire should match the theme of your tea party. If, for instance, you're hosting an Easter Tea, you may want to dress up in your Sunday best. If, however, you're hosting a tea party based upon your child's favorite fantasy book, dress in costume.
Think decorations.
Again, match your decorations to the agreed upon theme. You don't have to decorate the entire room, you can limit your decorations to the table setting, alone. If, however, you opt to decorate the entire room, remember that you don't have to purchase ready-made decorations, you can improvise by altering materials you have on hand.
Create invitations.
Even if it's just the two of you, invitations can be a fun way to set the mood. Your invitations can be as simple or as elaborate as you want them to be. You can create simple invitations using clip art of a tea cup and saucer or you can create elaborate invitations by creating a collage based upon your child's favorite fantasy book. (Don't forget to state how guests should dress and what is expected of them in your invitations.)
Select the food.
Figure out what type of food you want to serve (finger sandwiches, soups and salads, fondues, etc.), then decided if it will be catered by a local restaurant or created at home, the night before.
Schedule events.
Every tea party needs an events' schedule. Whether you choose to use the tea party for an intimate chat or to entertain the guests, give some serious thought as to what you'll do once the food is done because you may need to stock up on supplies.
Last but not least, remember that perfection does not exist. If you stress out and make too many demands upon your child, or yourself, you will miss out on an incredible bonding opportunity. Your mother-child bonding will only happen if you remember to relax and just enjoy the process.


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