Tea Party (7 year old) Every little girl loves a tea party. An afternoon tea calls for everything fancy…fancy dresses, fancy table settings, fancy food…and this party can be set up in a nice backyard or indoor setting.    INVITATIONS: This invitation is meant to be very elegant and dainty.  I traced a teapot template, printed the party information on the face of the teapot with Lucida Calligraphy, 12 pts font, placed invitations in an envelope and tied tulle in a bow around envelope.  The invitation asked the guest to dress in their best tea party attire. Each guest was greeted with a straw party hat that was decorated with flowers, curling ribbon, boas and faux pearls.  I made these prior to the party.  I purchased inexpensive make-up and applicators and (lightly) put make-up on the girls as they arrived. This helped "kill" a little time while waiting for the few that were running late.  DECORATIONS:  The decorations for this party were light and elegant. We used white tablecloths, fresh flowers in vases in the center of the tables, old purses that were bought at a second hand store, stuffed with hankies, white or lace gloves, and faux pearls or boas.  We cut buds off of flowers and scatter in center of the table around each centerpiece. The tables were set before our guests arrived with laced paper placemat under each place setting. We used real plates  and placed forks and spoons wrapped in a napkin and tied with tulle and ribbon. Each guest had a cup and saucer placed above the silverware with faux pearls draped out of the cup and onto the saucer. Tulle and crete paper were hung from the patio cover. Each strand was cut long enough to leave some hanging from the center of room.  Tulle and white Christmas lights were draped around plants, bushes and trees. Big tulle bows were tied in the corners of the patio cover.  Balloons were taped in the center of room and under tulle bows in corner.  Also, balloons were arranged to cover poles and unsightly objects. Jazz music was softly playing in the background.    FOOD: All food was served on silver and crystal platters and bowls. Tea sandwiches were cut with a flower shaped cookie cutter. Goldfish shaped crackers and fruit salad was placed in crystal bowls in between the vase of flowers and old purses along with a cheese and cracker platter and pitchers of lemonade and apple juice.  Individual teapot shaped cakes where made for each party guest, along with a candle to blow out.  PARTY FAVORS: Small novelty purses were purchased (but can also be made)and filled with plastic rings, bracelets lip gloss, nail polish and hair accessories.