Mad Hatter’s Tea Party

A Mad Hatter’s Tea Party was the perfect birthday party theme for my little bookworm. B turned nine last week and at the weekend we hosted a Book Party for her family and friends, with crazy food and fun activities. The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party was such fun to plan and prepare, with the kids excited about sharing the mad ideas with their friends.

All the invitations were little books, illustrated by B, with the story inside telling the tale of how all the guests were invited to a party. Everyone came dressed as a favourite book character – I was Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother, although sadly no photos of that incarnation remain. I do have lots of photos of what we made and what we ate though, so here’s our round up of how we hosted a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party.

Apple juice was served in our fanciest tea pot and every guest had a weird and wonderful cup to drink from (sourced from family treasures and charity shops.)

We froze grape juice in gold fish ice cube trays and served them to guests with silver sugar tongs.

One fish or two?

Pudding was do-it-yourself. I used my favourite cake recipe and gingerbread recipe to make the cupcakes and cookies in advance and then the children all decorated their own: some to eat at the party and some to take home too.

As you can see, they are not of the less is more school of thought.

Like all the poshest parties, cucumber sandwiches were served, but with a Mad Hatter’s twist. (Thanks to Jackie for the inspiration)

Edible golden bracelets were served on a china platter.

Ever eaten a hedgehog? A potato skewered with sausages on sticks – or even something as exotic as cheese and pineapple! – was a classic dish at birthday parties when I was a kid, and my girls thought it was fun. (Do hedgehogs have whiskers? We couldn’t decide.)

A rainbow on a stick was a healthy dessert option and bursting with colour. You could add a yellow section too if you don’t forget to buy the pineapple. (ahem)

We never have a birthday party without jelly.  In a rabbit mould (see first  photo) or in a jar the stripes look fabulous.

This idea of putting individual portions of ice cream in silicone cupcake cases makes the easiest way to serve it – fun too. (Thanks for the idea Real Simple)

Homemade party bags were filled with book worms (thanks to Jessie for the idea)…

and Wonka chocolate bars, plus a note pad and pencil to write stories of their own.

Thank you so much to all of you who left lovely birthday wishes for B, she had a great Mad Hatter’s tea party.