When I was young, we visited my grandmother in upstate New York each summer. Grandma lived in a beautiful big home with screened front porches and a back sun porch. One of my favorite memories is having tea parties on her sun porch. She sure knew how to host a great tea party!

Funny thing, there was never any tea involved. (I’m pretty sure it was chocolate milk in a glass!) Instead, Grandma used the metal tea sets (yes, I’m that old!) to serve mini marshmallows, raisins, peanuts and chocolate chips. What fun we had!

Fast forward to 2021. I still have fond memories of tea parties! I’ve hosted grown up teas in the past, and recently decided it was time to host a children’s tea party. And now I’m hooked!

The Opportunity to Establish Traditions
I love the tradition of taking tea. I love the quiet time away from distractions, the elegant place settings, and the beauty of colorful and tasty tea treats. Using my past experiences as a pattern, I developed a tea party plan for my very special young guests.

The Guest List
My Spring Beauties Tea Party invitation list included a young mother and her three darling daughters. They were the perfect guests for our inaugural tea party!

The Décor
Decorations included traditional spring décor and a beautiful tall cake circled in colorful peeps. I purchased colorful child-size elbow gloves and clip-on fascinator hats, plus one for myself. Of course, we used our fine china and tea cups from our extensive collection.

The Menu 
Although I personally love to drink tea, and I’m a fan of traditional tea sandwiches and scones, I tailored the menu to our guests. Our young guests’ tea cups were filled with soda, chocolate milk and water. The tiered tea tray offered sandwiches including PB&J, Jelly, and Nutella with banana slices. Their mother enjoyed the more traditional egg salad and hot tea with cream. I’m keeping a recipe file including these 7 Kid-Friendly Cupcake Recipes that get their sweetness from Stevia.

The Activities
After time at the tea table, we moved to the larger dining room table to decorate Easter cookies provided by Jacksonville’s No Regrets bakery. Peggy the Baker makes it easy, and the girls loved the opportunity to express their creativity. It was so much fun to watch them all show their artistic side. And, best of all, they were able to take their cookies home to enjoy them!

The Parting Gifts
We put together a bouquet of Easter candies for each one to take home. They were colorful and seasonal, and the girls really seemed to like them. They also kept their cookie decorating kits, party hats and gloves.

I loved hosting this tea party! I enjoyed watching the girls (and their mama) as they participated in each aspect of the party and I am ready to do it again!

My Blessings Tea Party Plan:

• Children Ages 3-10, OR Older Youth,  Adults
• Up to six young guests per party; Up to eight adults
• Parties will last approximately 1-1/2 hours
• Party themes will vary, based on ages and season
• Garden Gazebo parties may be an option
• Price: $29/child includes child-specific menu choices, party favors and a seasonal activity
  $35/older youth and adult

• I will post available dates on Social Media, or you may contact me to set a date.
• Put together your own tea party guest list for up to six children or eight adults and let’s set a date!
• Keep an eye on our social media to receive notice of $5/off flash sales.

All Photographs: Justin Hurley Photography

Blessings on State Bed & Breakfast is an award-winning all-suite inn located in Jacksonville, Illinois. We offer many amenities, including overnight accommodations in a 130-year-old vintage mansion, Wi-Fi, expansive lawn and gardens, all-season fireplaces, and multi-course breakfasts. Come see us! Our reviews reflect that guest satisfaction is a high priority. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube to see how we’re moving forward in 2021. We are still in business!