Hostess With The Mostess

I knew I wanted to throw a tea party for our goddaughter's 2nd birthday, and at first I wanted an Alice theme, but I didn't want to go overboard with it.  So it ended up as an eclectic  "English Storybook Themed" tea party.    The children all received a personalized letter from Mary Poppins with tea party etiquette instructions with their invitation (while parents were promised BBQ and a full bar!).  

As it came together, we wound up with elements from 4 of my favorite British classics:

"Alice in Wonderland":  Hanging antique keys and stacked tea cups on the dessert table; the whimsical mini top hats; and an appearance by "Alice" herself!

"Mary Poppins":  provided a bowl of chocolate tuppence and her penguin waiters

"Winnie the Pooh":  the birthday banners were our homage to the E.H. Shepard's signs from the illustrations in my favorite childhood book.

"Peter Pan":  the mischievous and spirited birthday girl could only be Tinkerbell!

My favorite element was the mini top hats.  I am not crafty at all and had to recruit help, but we put them together quickly with the help of a Downton Abbey marathon!  At the party, the little girls (and big ones!) picked out the ribbon and tulles for a custom hat/party favor.

The Gorgeous (and delicious!) cakes were provided by "Beth Bakes!" of Atlanta, Georgia  

www.facebook.com/pages/Beth-Bakes/127176397321032?fref=ts

Invitations by Anders Ruff:  shop.andersruff.com/alice-in-wonderland-birthday-party-printable-invitation?filter_name=alice