What's a zany, colorful, whimsical delight? A Mad Hatter Tea Party, of course! This theme is great for guests young and old -- a birthday party, a baby shower, a bridal shower, a hens party, a moms night out... everyone is always ready for some silly tea party fun! Below are some decorating ideas and menu suggestions for your Mad Hatter Party.
A Little Inspiration!
Mixed Up, Mismatched Tea Cups and Pots
Head to your closets and find all those teacups given to you by our long lost aunt. Don't have any? Ask neighbors and friends if you can borrow a few, or head to the thrift store to find some. The more the better, and the more mismatched is ideal!
Now fill your Mad Hatter space with all your goodies, on the serving table, on the dining table, on the mantle! Use cake pedestals to raise some higher than others, the uneven display is great on the eye.
Don't forget to fill the pots with flowers and butterflies! (See below for details.)
Colorful Flowers and Butterflies
Now it's time for some real color! Fill all those pots with bold flowers. Use artificial flower, real flowers, or paper flowers, take your pick, all will look great! (Check out another post of mine about
tissue paper flowers)
Once the flowers are in the pots, purchase some faux butterflies and stick them in the arrangement. The more the better. Again, this party is all about color, excess and whimsy! The above butterfly bouquet example from Martha Stewart shows how festive a bunch of butterflies look together! Many different types of artificial butterflies can be found at your local craft store or online.
Twinkle Lights and Paper Lanterns
Now it's time to look up! Fill the sky with twinkle lights and paper lanterns. If your indoors, hang lights all around the room and dangle paper lanterns from the light strings. If you are outdoors, hang lights in trees and paper lanterns above the table. If you haven't seen the original Disney version of Alice in Wonderland... now's the time. The scene for the Mad Hatter Party is filled with lanterns and lights!
If you're searching for paper lanterns, you must check out
Luna Bazaar. It's a great resource for all types of paper lanterns-- different colors, shapes, prints, and more!
Deck of Cards
It's time to put those decks of cards that are missing a card or 2 to use! You can either hand make a garland with hand cut paper hearts, and cards, or head to your party store and look in the casino party aisle for inspiration and ideas!
Also, scatter the cards on the top of the serving table and dining table. This will be a great addition to the look.
Mad Hatter Party Menu Ideas
Little finger foods are great for a tea party! Below are a few ideas for your Mad Hatter party:
- Tea Sandwiches - From simple cucumber tea sandwiches to elaborate smoked salmon sandwiches, you can find all types of tea sandwich recipes online sure to please all tastes!
- Meat Pies - How about a little meat pie in a pastry shell. Easy finger food, and hearty to fill your guests tummies!
- Salty & Sweet Mixed Up Treats - There are recipes galore online for cereal snack mixes. For your Mad Hatter party, create these same mixes, but add some color and whimsy-- use colored cereals (i.e., Fruit Loops or something similar), and/or mini marshmallows for color and the sweet taste!
- Fruit Tarts - How great would a bunch of mini fruit tarts look on cake pedestal stands! Head to a local bakery to save time, unless you are inclined to make them yourself!
