Delightful Children’s Tea Party:

Nothing says “charming childhood” like a delightful tea party for lucky little children in the garden. A perfect party for the under 6’s is easy enough to achieve with just a bit of advanced planning.

A few tips to make a truly memorable tea party:

• Tiny sandwiches: yes, they will eat them if the crusts are cut off, and white bread is preferable. For fillings, stick with the favorites, including PB&J and peanut butter and honey. Egg salad works too, and don’t forget a bit of curried chicken salad to enrich their little palates. It is nice to have a fun treats for their mothers to enjoy as well.

• Make the mothers and nannies stay for the party. It’s much easier than trying to keep track of all those little darlings on your own. Entice them with a bit of sangria if you must.

• Real tea in real cups: if you’re worried about breaking your grandmother’s china, pick up some cups and saucers at the second hand store, or take advantage of your local discount store’s children’s tiny tea sets. I’ve found the tikes will be extra careful when using “real” cups and it’s a great way for them to practice party manners. Really, the big treat for the young ones is to pour the cream from the little cream pitchers, and scoop several spoonfuls of sugar into their tea cups.

• Plan an outdoor party, on the lawn, if you can. I’ve been known to use my great aunt’s “Dessert Rose” china (much to my mother’s chagrin, as she points out that each cup and saucer is worth at least $40 now…not to mention the highly collectible ice-cream cups I like to use as mini jam dishes…) This way, if anything drops, it simply bounces on the grass.

• Ask the children to dress in white. It’s so sweet, and if you have wicker furniture, and use black and white film for the photos, the pictures will be keepsakes for years to come.

• Serve sweets…mini cupcakes with edible nasturtiums on top are an easy favorite. In fact, anything small is quite darling, and the mothers and nannies won’t feel so conspicuous eating a few of the cute little pastries. Bake extra, of course.

• Flowers, flowers everywhere! Cut fresh flowers from the garden and place in assorted tea cups and tea pots to add to the festivities!

Pour yourself a cup of herbal delight, and enjoy another job well done!