Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Tea party etiquette: What you really need to know

Yesterday, I had the privilege of attending a very fancy, very special tea party, hosted by this yummy girl:



She gave me quite the schooling on tea party etiquette and I thought I would share with you what I learned, in case you ever find yourself the recipient of a hand scrawled invitation for afternoon tea. These are just some of the things that you will need to know.

First, the drink of choice will always be lemon water. You will not be allowed to help slice the lemons, however, so spend this time praying and cringing as the stubborn strong willed hostess does the cutting.

[Note: Miraculously, no fingers were harmed in the making of this lemon water.]




Lemon water/tea is best consumed with the fancy umbrellas in the cups. Should you attempt to remove the fancy umbrella before consumption, you will be severely reprimanded.

Even if it is poking you in the face.



Best jewels are not only encouraged, but highly recommended. Most preferable are multi-colored, homemade necklaces. The gaudier the better at this type of social event.

Be prepared also for a delicious concoction of melted crushed chocolate popsicles covered in caramel sauce and whipped cream.

A delicacy rarely seen in western society, but tasty nonetheless.



Nilla wafers are the tea cookie of choice. You will only be allowed to eat one or two of these, however, as little fingers are much faster than yours.



Be sure to open your heart and be willing to make new friends. Welcome and converse with the short blond girl next to you in spite of her seemingly stoic silence.



Complimenting her fine ballet attire will also bring great joy to your hostess.

Under no circumstances, however, will your hostess allow big brothers of any sort to attend. Doing so would violate the strict, time-honored rule of No Boys Allowed.



They will not be welcomed even if they just so happen to be hanging out in the next room.



Much to their chagrin.

Last, but not least, when you think no one is looking, go ahead and give that plate a little lick.



And smile sheepishly if you happen to get caught.



Any questions?

26 comments:

Kimberly said...

You have Grandmas plates...how cool! I think my mom ended up with a few of those too! Looks like a fabulous tea party. Taylor and "Kit" would have loved to join. Is that really Hannah? When did she look so grown up? She sure is cute!

shilo said...

How fun! Kind of reminds me of that funny commercial where the dad and brother get all dressed up so they can scarf the popcorn. I'm sure the boys would have done it to eat the fine food your hostess was serving.

Tristan said...

Awesome! I have attended a similar tea party myself. Only we had 'pretend' tea and food as I did not allow my young baby girls to do otherwise. ;) In a year or two we may consume real food.

Hannah is adorable!

Jenny said...

That is one fancy tea party. I don't get real anything. Love all the pictures.

Liz said...

The melted chocolate popsicles may be more popular than you think, they have made many an appearance in our home.

That little princess looks a lot like her mama, if you ask me.

Anonymous said...

Those pictures are just as stunning as your little girl there. Love the plate licking picture- so so innocently charming :)

Your kids sure get treated king and queen style!

Cindy said...

What a fun party!

Emily said...

Yet another reason we love Hannie

Mrs T said...

Love it. She is so adorable!

Terra said...

simply perfect in every way. I loved this post!

Jennifer said...

How wonderful. Savannah (18 mo) got a plastic tea set for Christmas, but she prefers to carry around her brothers' cars and trucks in the cups. I hope she'll embrace tea parties someday without vrrrrooommm noises. The experience looks delightful. Wonderful pictures!

Annemarie said...

Yes, I have a question...when and where is the next one? That chocolate popsicle/caramel sauce/whipped cream concoction sounds too good to be true.

Travelin'Oma said...

Maybe I can be a guest in a couple of weeks. I'll bring my jewelry.

the wrath of khandrea said...

i am really confused by the chocolate thing. it sounds like something that should be scraped down the drain.

great pics though, and isn't it fun when we join in once in awhile? i mean, like once every few months? or perhaps annually?

Anna said...

Fun, fun, fun, Hannah is a darling girl. I love it when one of my girls invites me to spend time with them. Lap it up baby.

PrincessDipti said...

thats so cute !! ur lil baby is very cute..

dear.. wud u mind if i'll say that plz leave some comments on any of my blog posts? not in the chatterbox.. but in the blog posts itself.. if u dont mind.. i need it for my grade. :) thanks a lot.. i am looking forward for your comment :)

Lauren in GA said...

Your hostess is lovely and truly knows how to make a tea party wonderful.

I love her sheepish smile. What a lovely afternoon it must have been. I am glad you enjoyed yourself so much...even with a fancy umbrella poking you in the face.

Thelma said...

What a charming tea party. (What a good mom.)

Christina B. said...

How fun! And great pictures of your daughter, she is so cute.

mae said...

Okay. I think you have the cutest family ever. What a sweet little girl. I still can't get over how big your kids are getting!! You need to come visit more often....July holidays maybe?? Just a suggestion.

danandcindy said...

It's really special that you spend such quality candid time with your children, and the camera. Have you ever considered doing a reality show, and celebrating these precious moments in HD?

Keeping up with the Kalversons!

Mel said...

We frequently have tea parties around our house too so it is always good to brush up on the etiquette. Your pictures are gorgeous!! as well as your hostess and the uninvited guest.

Amanda D said...

Oh, she is just too cute. Looks like fun!

Tammy said...

How fun! What a great memory making day.

Amy said...

Cute Hannah! What a cute girl you have there.

Christie in Dallas, TX said...

What a lovely time! Who knew that learning etiquette could be so fun?!