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 On 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, 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 Carefully About The Decorations
Match the decorations to your theme.
You don't have to decorate the entire room in your theme, but you should make sure the table setting is all decked out!
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 Festive Invitations
Even if it's just the two of you, invitations can be a fun way to set the mood and get your party guests excited about your tea party.
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.
On the inside of the invitation, state how guests should dress and what is expected of them when they show up.
Select Finger Foods
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 Something Fun To Do
Every tea party needs an event 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 on 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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