A Tea Party for Two

Lately, I’ve been trying to plan more quality time with Amelie, as I’ve noticed more one-on-one time with her equals better behavior. On a day-to-day basis it’s as simple as going to the grocery store just the two of us or coloring together – but every once in a while I like to do a little extra. So my goal is to plan an intentional activity each week with her.  This past week it was a tea party!

Tea Parties – a childhood favorite. When I was younger I used to love throwing tea parties (real and pretend) with my sisters and neighborhood friends. The dresses, pretty dishes, petite treats, and everything in between – I loved it all. When I attended a tea birthday party at The Huntington Library it was a dream come true, and something I plan on doing with my own daughters when they are old enough. For now, homemade tea parties will do.   

Even though this activity was a little more prep than I normally do, it was totally worth it. We used an old coffee table leftover from my sister’s wedding, some cheap pillows, and my mom’s tea set and cake stand. Amelie helped me with the prep from setting the table and flower arrangements to making the turkey sandwiches. We threw on her most recent flower girl dress and we were good to go! This was a great way for me teach her proper table manners and behavior, and also how to converse with another when you sit and share a meal. These are not foreign concepts to her as she is used to eating out and family dinners – but it was a good opportunity for some reinforcement. I enjoyed my tea and Amelie’s company and then left her alone with her teddy bear for some imaginary play.