Hosted by Chloe of Celebrate and Decorate, today’s post is part of the Welcome Summer Tablescape blog hop. I’m sharing a different take on the traditional or proper tea. Mine is a summertime, iced tea party table.
Last June, I hosted my fourth annual Favorite Things Party. Every year, I pick a different theme to build the event around. I’d always wanted to have a vintage style tea party. Because it was summertime, I served two refreshing iced teas, along with a sparkling pink lemonade. They were part of an extensive menu that included classic tea party finger sandwiches, savories and desserts.
Did you know the Mad Hatter’s tea is actually an Unbirthday Party? It just so happened, that the event coincided with a big milestone birthday for yours truly. So, holding a Wonderland unbirthday, vintage style tea theme party checked all the boxes! And, the self proclaimed, Queen of Theme, got to bee the Queen of Hearts for the day, LOL!
For those coming from Kari’s pink and gold table at Me and My Captain, welcome to Debbee’s Buzz. And to my dearly appreciated subscribers, thank you for taking another trip down the rabbit hole with me! Come all, and take a seat at this richly detailed, tea party table set for the Queen of Hearts’ official Unbirthday.
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Dress Rehearsal in Case of Rain
In Alice in Wonderland, Unbirthday Party Reveal, I explained how violent thunderstorms and heavy downpours nearly moved the event indoors.
After viewing the weather forecast earlier that week, I decided on a trial run; setting the three tables for 17 inside. Think of it as a dress rehearsal in case of rain, or Plan Bee. Here’s the practice tea party table set for six in the dining room.
An Alice in Wonderland Table and Party Favors was set for four (with room for a fifth in case of rain), in the open kitchen.
Had it been necessary, I would have set up a third tea party table in the family room. Using a folding banquet table, it would have seated another six guests.
But it would have been tight to also accommodate the three-course buffet, beverage station, Mad Hatter’s fascinator shop (How to Make Whimsical Teacup Fascinators), and 51 favorite things displayed for the gift exchange!
Spoiler alert — after violent thunderstorms and heavy rain overnight, by 11 in the morning the skies cleared. With the Unbirthday Party starting at 1 in the afternoon, we were able to quickly set three tables outdoors on the covered porch and under the pergola. Whew!
As a result, I was able to use the dining room table for the Unbirthday Party buffet, as originally planned.
See all the sumptuous food in Tea Party Menu: Finger Sandwiches & Savories and Wonderland Scones & Desserts.
But now, let me take you on a tour of the dress rehearsal, tea party table in the dining room.
Tea Party Table Favors
Regardless of which table, each place setting included a vintage teacup favor. Guests received a cup, saucer and luncheon or dessert plate in one of two floral patterns (Goodwill).
For the three course meal, vintage teacup favors were layered on top of Anthropology and Lenox plates.
Red-handled spoons (Home Goods) were for eating traditional Eton Mess pudding during the second course.
Inside each teacup, I placed a packet of flower seeds (Amazon), cookie cutter (Michaels), lavender tea bag (Amazon), and classic Alice in Wonderland playing card (Amazon). They are tied together in a clear bag with ribbon and large key (Michaels). The keys were used later as part of the favorite things gift exchange.
Another DIY favor at each place setting, was a pen disguised as a potted flower (Dollar Tree). Heart-shaped ornaments decorated the tea party table and hung from the chandelier.
Hand Painted Character Glasses
Guests also received a large ice tea goblet (Dollar Tree), that I decorated with one of four Alice in Wonderland characters. Here’s my Queen of Hearts glass — who else would be on my goblet after all?!
Alice is playing flamingo croquet on another guest’s glass. Each goblet also had a jewelry charm tied to the stem. A butterfly place card (Joann Fabrics) fluttered on glass rims.
The character depicted on your glass designated which team you were on for Playing Flamingo Croquet and Building a House of Cards.
Guests took their stemware home as favors, after I rinsed and slipped them into a clear plastic sleeve.
See how you can make your own in DIY Hand Painted Glasses & Champagne Flutes. The example goblet in the how-to project depicts the Mad Hatter.
Which character glass is your favorite?
On the side of each plate was a pink napkin folded into a rose.
We’re All Mad Here Centerpiece
The Wonderland centerpiece runs the entire length of the tea party table. It sits on top of a vintage white cloth, with a black and white diamond print runner. I made four runners in all; one for each table and another for the food and dessert buffet.
Starring in the mad centerpiece are the Queen of Hearts, Mad Hatter and Alice doll figures I also crafted. See how I made them using muslin forms, in Creating Alice in Wonderland Character Dolls.
Alice holds a looking glass, while surrounded by my favorite teapots. Holding court on one end of the tea party table is the Queen of Hearts.
Which is your favorite? Mine might surprise you. It’s actually the Mad Hatter, which has gone on to host another mad tea party.
Alice and the Queen are still available in my Etsy shop, DebbeesBuzzBoutique; along with a few other Wonderland decorations.
Vintage China Decor
Sitting between the trio of Wonderland characters, are DIY Vintage China Tier Server Stands. A quick and easy project, they stand ready to hold a variety of homemade tea sandwiches.
Other vintage china decorations are scattered around the centerpiece and table too, including three whimsical tea cups.
Each teacup appears to float, while pouring flowers into the saucer below. Crowns and keys decorate each one. To make your own, try How to Make a Floating Teacup Centerpiece.
Sitting behind Alice, on the opposite side of the tea party table, is a vintage china teapot overflowing with Wonderland cards. It is the third Pinterest-inspired decoration crafted for the occasion.
To make your own, visit DIY Alice in Wonderland Cards and Teapot Centerpiece.
I had a blast creating all the party favors and decorations — over the course of an entire year! Other decor included a Fanciful Alice in Wonderland Wreath and Roses & Teacup Grapevine Wreaths.
If you’re interested in the menu, don’t miss Finger Sandwiches & Savories and Scones & Desserts.
Don’t Bee Late
How absolutely perfect are these clock and watch face plates (Marshall’s, TJ Maxx) for a Wonderland tea party table? Originally, I used them for New Years Eve Tablesetting.
Joining the mad event was the White Rabbit; in the form of a Kaldun and Bogle teapot.
Even though we drank iced tea, I also used a Mikassa Silk Flowers teapot, creamer and sugar to decorate the tabletop. It was featured previously in A Valentines Day Tea Party with Friends.
A paintbrush — from painting the white roses red on the overhead chandelier — landed on this vintage plate used for serving mini desserts.
Rain Rain, Go Away, Come Again Another Day
In the end, we were able to set three tables for 17 under the covered porch and pergola. We also got in four rounds of flamingo croquet in the yard — even if the lawn was a bit soggy!
However, as my guests were heading for their cars, the sky grew ominous and winds picked up. Half an hour later, we experience another line of violent storms; dumping several more inches of rain!
Mother Nature, smiled kindly on my Unbirthday Party — and, I’m very grateful. But, agonizing over the weather added more than a couple years onto that milestone birthday, LOL!
Related Post Picks
Time to Table Hop
Twenty fun to fabulous tables await to inspire and delight. I’m always excited to bee a part of this talented group of bloggers.
Monday
a casa di Bianca | My Thrift Store Addiction | Bluesky at Home | Celebrate & Decorate
Tuesday
Everyday Living | Life and Linda | Knock it Off Kim | Home is Where the Boat Is
Wednesday
The Painted Apron | Me and My Captain | Debbee’s Buzz
Thursday
My Family Thyme | Living With Thanksgiving | Zucchini Sisters
Follow the Yellow Brick Home | Panoply
Friday
Sweet Sensations | Chasing Quaintness | Katherine’s Corner | Corner of Plaid and Paisley
Just a quick thank you to all those who left comments or sent emails on my father’s passing last week. I deeply appreciate your kind words, condolences and encouragement. Posts over the next month or two may be somewhat erratic, as I organize and host a memorial service and family weekend, help care for my mom, and address other personal issues.
Hope to see you soon!
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I regularly participate in: Metamorphous Monday, Share Your Style, Tablescape Thursday, Thursday Favorite Things, Saturday Sparks, Happiness is Homemade, and Love Your Creativity.
That was a great party you created, Debbee. I love your phrasing, “Plan Bee”.
Well, I just can’t bee stopped I guess! Hope to hear/see more on your amazing new abode soon. Miss your posts and tablescapes.
My, My, Debbie! What a party! You outdid yourself! Happy Significant birthday!
My condolences for the loss of your dear father!
This was an amazing event and I know your guests were wowed! So many details that delight. I am glad there was a break in the weather so it could go as planned.
Thank you for sharing in the blog hop with all you had going on.
Truly this party should be in a magazine.
Thank you Bonnie — on all counts. Your magazine compliment has made my day!
Wow, Deebee, you always amaze with your attention to details, and I love your Alice in Wonderland fun here! Your glasses are so well done, I painted glassware for gift shops for 15 years, lots of fun! You did a good job anticipating rainy weather with your Plan Bee! I have enjoyed reading about your Alice parties in the past, and it deserves to be an annual event, so have so many wonderful crazy things! Glad you got the rounds of croquet in too! So sorry about your loss…
I can’t imagine painting glassware professionally, wow! So much effort goes into each one, don’t know how you can price them to be worth your time. Mine were labors of love. Not sure I get any credit for anticipating the weather, but the party was going on rain or shine! I had guests coming in from all over; some by plane and others staying in hotels. Plus, it was scheduled on my actual birthday. Appreciate your condolences Jenna.
Beautiful party! I am in awe of your craftiness, resourcefulness and tenacity! I would have just thrown my hands up or postponed. How did you craft the cups pouring flowers?
So nice to hear from you Charlotte; glad you enjoyed the party. I had all kinds of friends and family in from out-of-town, and lots of help from my college roomie, sister, brother-in-law and dear hubby. You know, I’ve been meaning to do a post on crafting the teacups — been afraid to overload my followers with too many Wonderland posts. But, since you asked, I’ll try to get to it soon. In the meantime, there’s lots of versions on Pinterest.
Well, THIS is absolutely adorable! I love all of your whimsical details! It is a pleasure to be joining you this week!
Glad you enjoyed the virtual seat at the tea party Cecilia. Didn’t want to miss the monthly blog hop.
Debbee,
First of all, I am so sorry about the loss of your father. It is so difficult to lose a loved one and I know your time is going to be taken up with all the planning that goes with such a loss. Hang in there, dear friend, my prayers are with you and your family.
As to your tablescape!
You are indeed the ‘Queen of Theme’….and I enjoy every single tablescape theme party you have shown us.
My favorite doll is the Mad Hatter, I know you must have a reason for no facial detail, but with your talent at painting glasses and stemware, I think you could do a wonderful job at giving them black lines for their faces, my friend. They would be even cuter than they are ,which would be over the top.
Just me though, I know there are a lot of figurines and such with no faces. In fact I collect willow tree figures and none of them have faces either.
I also love your menu….oh my goodness, how I would have loved to sit at your table.
Another stunning table.
Thank you Kari, this and the previous post (Hand Painted, Wedding Champagne Flutes) were a happy distraction before I’m going to be taking another pause while mom spends time here in Pittsburgh.
I’m sorta regretting now that I sold the Mad Hatter, but it’s not like I have a place to display him. At least I know he went off to host another tea party. As to their faces, I debated that and took votes from my family. Although I was fairly confident I could draw an acceptable face to scale, wasn’t so sure a black marker or paint pen wouldn’t bleed and ruin the whole doll. Just couldn’t risk it.
You’re welcome at my table anytime.
What a party, this is amazing! You deserve lots of me-time after working so hard on the party and this gorgeous display. I’m still bowled over by your decorated chandelier and it’s a pleasure to hop with you again.
The party was a year in the making, as I chose the date and theme ahead of time. Gave me months and months worth of craft projects, including the DIY Alice in Wonderland Invitation: My Favorite Things Party. Chandy was quick and easy, using Valentine’s Day decorations in part.
Hello Debbee, I am so sorry for the loss of your dear father. I know a piece of your heart is missing. Treasure his wonderful memories.
On to your gorgeous table. You always throw the best parties. I want to be a guest. Your attention to detail is pretty amazing. From painted stemware to the darling accessories. Your friends and family must feel so special to sit at your table. The buffet table looks perfect. Love the floating teacups. Always a pleasure to join you.
Thank you Linda, I will. Working on a Celebration of Life for family from all over the country during Memorial Day weekend; here in Pittsburgh.
Taking a year off from the My Favorite Things Parties, although I may host a seasonal theme party in the fall or at Christmas time. Won’t be near as over-the-top. Just too many other things going on. Will try to continue crafting as I’m a maker at heart.
Can you pass on the Fritz & Floyd name of the white rabbit with green cabbage teapot? I would love to find one for myself.
Esther, when I turned the teapot over to answer your question, I discovered it was not made by F&F and updated my mistake on the blog post. It’s actually made by Kaldun and Bogle. When I did an Internet search I didn’t find mine, but another adorable one on eBay that included a bunny, cabbage and carrot handle. Good luck!
So sorry for the loss of your dad. I can’t believe the detail you put into your parties. I could almost taste your refreshments. I do a lot of crafts, but I am a mere amateur compared to your artistry! I really enjoyed seeing your party.
Aww, thanks Kathy. I suspect you underestimate yourself. Remember, I’m a bit of a crazy lady who spent an entire year crafting for the party.
Debbee, I love all things Alice and Wonderland and am happy to travel down the rabbit hole with you! So many fun and rich details here from your hanging teacup chandy, clock plates, party favors and food. Happy Unbirthday to you! So clever (and enterprising :) for you to open an Etsy shop with your creations. As always, it’s a treat to join you at the table and blog hop with you!
P.S. So sorry to hear about the loss of your dad and thinking of you and your mom in this difficult time ♥
Thank you Mary. The Etsy shop has been a nice outlet for helping to offset the costs of my craft and blog hobbies — and a good way to pass theme party decor on to other good homes. It’s such a huge compliment when someone purchases on of my creations.
Debbee, I am so sorry in the loss of you dad. I will be thinking of you and your mom and will be praying for comfort during this difficult time.
Your Alice In Wonderland party for your significant birthday is so cleverly done with tons of details. I know that you wowed your lucky guests. The hanging tea cups, the painted glasses., and food are all perfect. Plan Bee, how cute. It is always a pleasure to go blog hopping with you!
Appreciate the sentiments and prayers Pam.
As far as the party goes, my family and friends pretty much know I’m mad as a hatter when it comes to running with a theme. I just can’t bee stopped LOL!
Oh Debbee, how much work you have put into your amazing party! I am sure that everyone had a grand time! I love Alice in Wonderland themed parties and this one is beyond anything I have ever hosted. You have so many lovely details, I don’t know where to begin. The sweet little gift bags and painted goblets are such a nice take home for guests. I love your dolls that really set the scene, too! Thank you so much for sharing your amazing party!
Always lovely to join the tablescape hop Chloe. Have enjoyed seeing all your Alice party posts too. I just went a little bonkers with this party — maybe that happens when you hit the big-0 birthday?!
Wow ….let the tea party begin! Such fun! I love all the whimsical details. The pieces you picked for the playful table is so perfect. Such a perfect representation of the Mad Hatter. Awesome!
Wow!!! Your attention to detail is amazing. Your tablescape is filled with whimsy and charm and I love it all! The hanging teacups above the tablescape are brilliant and the perfect touch to your wonderful table.
I couldn’t pick a favorite painted goblet though, I like them all.
Please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of your Father.
It’s a pleasure to be on the tablescape tour with you. Hugs!
Thanks you Katherine. Although I really can’t take credit for most of the creative ideas other than the dolls and glasses. Most of the other DIY and guest favor inspiration came from Pinterest — including the hanging teacups on the chandy. I just like to think I amped the ideas up a notch.
So many details here to take in!! You are so creative with all of your treats and special touches. I do love your Plan Bee, as well. Love the hanging tea cups!! Such a glorious party!!
Debbie, I am so sorry for the loss of your father, my prayers are with you and your family. Our table hop group seems to be a bit of a family as we all have been through some difficult times of late and are there to understand each other. Sending a virtual hug.
Thank you for your kind words Ann and that hug. Amazed how fast you got to visiting the other tables after just getting back home!
Debbee, you’ve really outdone yourself with this tablescape! I can understand why it took a whole year in the making. Your creative DIY touches really caught my eye…the dolls, hand painted iced tea goblets and the favors. (Alice holding the flamingo is my favorite goblet BTW) What a treat for your guests to attend such a magical party! And the buffet looks scrumptious! Well done! As always, it’s a pleasure joining you on this hop.
P.S. I’m so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. I’ll be keeping you and your family in my prayers.
Well it was a pretty big-0, unbirthday occasion I was celebrating with my dearest friends and families, so I wanted to make it special. Thank you too for your kind words and thoughts in regard to my dad.
Debbee, I love this table! It is so colorful and whimsical, perfect for summer! Those timepiece plates are awesome! Hope you have a great holiday weekend! Hugs!
Wow! What an amazing party and fun, creative theme! Your guests must have had a wonderful time. I love your sweet guest favors and all of your attention to detail. Those hand painted goblets are amazing. You are very talented, my friend!
Such a beautiful table. I am loving all the black and white with stunning pops of color and texture!
I love black and white/cream, and there’s a lot of it in my home decor. Glad you enjoyed the tablescape Christine.
How adorable is this! My niece is a lover of all things Alice… she would go nuts over this! Thanks for sharing at Tuesday Turn About, Debbee!
I’ve “met” so many Wonderland fans as a result of the party posts. Hoping they’ve inspired more!