Last weekend we found ourselves stuck inside with runny noses, getting restless while the pouring rain hit the windows.
I started making scones. In a moment of spontaneity, I asked my daughter if she'd like to have a tea party and invite some of her toy friends to join us. She was thrilled. And immediately requested egg sandwiches (served at the last tea party she attended).
In a brief amount of time, I managed to whip up, not only egg salad sandwiches, but also cucumber-cream cheese sandwiches, fruit salad, cheese and crackers, lemon-white chocolate scones, and hot tea with sugar or honey. My husband and children helped set the table, placing our "fancy" dishes with matching teacups and teapot alongside their plastic ones. They were delighted to squeeze as many toy friends as would fit into the last two chairs at the table. We sat down as a family and enjoyed our meal.
I don't know how we've managed to go so long without having a big tea party like this, but I don't imagine we'll wait too long before having another. My children loved it.
If you're not already in the habit of having family tea parties, I suggest you try it. Spontaneously, like we did, or planned out in advance so your children can enjoy the anticipation of the party as well as the party itself. Pull out your fancy dishes, make scones, have your children send invitations to their favorite toys, use a nice tablecloth. Show your children you're enjoying the party as much as they are.
We used very simple recipes for this party (cream cheese, bread, and cucumbers being the only ingredients in those sandwiches, for example), but if you're up for planning ahead, here are a few recipes you can follow or use as a springboard:
Raspberry Mega Scones
Cream scones
Cucumber Mint Tea Sandwiches
Chicken Salad Tea Sandwiches
Fresh Fruit Salad with Nutmeg-Cinnamon Syrup
Blueberry Peach Fruit Salad with Thyme
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How fun! I know my kids would love this too. Thanks for sharing your fun experience and recipes!