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Help Them Collect Good Habits
When did you first learn basic manners? Start them young, and children will learn good habits that will last a lifetime. Hosting a children’s tea offers the opportunity to teach children etiquette skills. I recent- ly watched a young mother guide her daughters to place their napkins in their laps. Later, she worked hard to impress upon her three-year-old that it was improper to stand in her chair to reach the tea tray. She set a beautiful example for her young ones. It brought me great joy to observe her little ladies prac- ticing their etiquette skills at my tea table.
Chat without Distraction
Tea parties offer an atmosphere well-suited to communication and relationship building. Soft back- ground music sets the ambiance for quiet conver- sation. Teas provide a perfect opportunity to get to know one another better.
Create an Avenue for Self-Expression
Whether they’re actually dressing up for the Tea or playing dress up during an activity, tea time is a great time for children to express themselves. When we
host a tea at Blessings on State Bed & Breakfast, we include an opportunity for creativity and self-expres- sion. Our recent guests spent time decorating seasonal sugar cookies from a local bakery. Think of activities that will both interest your young guests and keep them entertained.
Collaborate with Others
Need flowers, petite fours, or a bakery cake centerpiece? Call your locally-owned businesses! Abigail’s and All Occasions produce stunning floral arrangements. No Regrets Cookies put together complete cookie decorating kits for our young guests. The girls loved using the kits, and it was so easy for us to manage! Use your resources rather than wearing yourself out trying to plan and produce everything on your own.
Celebrate a New Tradition
I do hope you’ll consider offering your own Children’s Tea Party! We had such fun hosting our latest Tea at Blessings on State Bed & Breakfast. It was very satisfying to plan and execute, and it gave me a great excuse to use my fancies. It took a signifi- cant amount of work, and I was happy to have extra help from our Blessings on State Bed & Breakfast staff, so plan to enlist others for support. Let’s get a whole new generation excited about taking tea!