This is the continuation of “Mad Tea Party” Theme, Part 1A…So, the highlight of this party is obviously the tea party and the unusual tea table(s). As you plan, Miss Party wants you to keep at the top of your mind that a man, the Mad Hatter, is planning this tea party, so he would likely make somewhat masculine, tailored choices, though he does have a flair for the dramatic. Mix feminine and masculine details along with whimsical items as you go to keep things light and play off the yin and yang of Alice and the Hatter.
Also, keep in mind that it would appear that the Hatter was once well-off. He was the primary Hatter to the Queen of Hearts, but has fallen on hard times and out of favor due to his poor singing for the Queen. Miss Party Smarty imagines the Mad Hatter is a bachelor, and that he purchased his high-quality linens, china, and furniture at a time when his career was at it’s high point many years ago, but due to being a poor man now, his possessions have become shoddy, worn and faded from time and use. Though the mad tea party in the book is being held in front of the March Hare’s home, we shall imagine our tea party to be at the Hatter’s home instead. It would, of course, be preferable for the party to be held outdoors, but do what works best for your situation and weather.
Now, a major sticking point Miss Party Smarty must discuss, is that in Wonderland all the clock’s have stopped at 6 o’clock. Why would Lewis Carroll choose 6 o’clock for an eternal tea time? If you would like to learn why he chose 6 o’clock in particular or more about the differences between Low and High Tea, read “Low Tea vs. High Tea, which is it?” for a little English tea history. If you have more than a dozen guests, hire a server now if you, the hostess, intend to sit with your guests to eat. If this is a teen event and you are not sitting with the central tea table, you might be able to handle it on your own, but either way definitely go with a buffet-style of service. You don’t want to BE the servant!
If you’d like to forge on with this wonderfully dream-like, fantasy tea party, see Part 2A and 2B -The Mad Tea Table; Part 3A, 3B and 3C – Decor; Part 4 – High Tea Menu; Part 5 – Party Activities!! Enjoy the madness!!
