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Tea Party Invitations You Can Make at Home

Tea party invitations are an important part of the etiquette associated with the time honored tradition of a tea party, and taking the time to hand make your invites will add a personal and intimate touch that your guests will appreciate.<br>

Whether young ladies playing princess for a day, mothers and daughters sipping tea in the garden, or good friends enjoying an afternoon escape, tea parties are a favorite choice because they epitomize class, elegance, and true refinement. They teach young girls etiquette and sophistication and remind grown ladies that it is sometimes necessary to set aside busy schedules, pull the fancy gown from the back of the closet, and simply take the time to feel beautiful.<br>

And even before the table is set or the tea is brewed, the perfect party begins with the perfect invitation. Invitations have the power to create a sense of anticipation and excitement that will have your guests rushing to mark the date on their calendars. Even if you have very little artistic ability, it is simple to make a lovely invite for any tea party theme.<br>

Teapot Invitations: What better way to welcome friends to an afternoon tea than with a charming teapot invitation. Use a clip art program or visit the scrapbooking section of your local craft store and find a teapot template. Trace the pattern onto floral wallpaper or wrapping paper and glue to a piece of cardstock folded in half. Cut your teapot out, remembering to leave a portion of the fold attached, and print the party details inside. Top off with a little ribbon bow, slip a tea bag inside, or trace a gilded edge using a gold marker. If you want something a little simpler, trace the template onto blank cards and decorate with lace, flowers, and sparkly stickers.<br>

Teabag Invitations: Print the party information on a template of a teabag, or make miniature invitations that can be attached to individually wrapped teabags. You could even trace a cup and saucer pattern onto colored paper, decorate with flower stickers, attach a teabag to the opening of the cup, and print the party details on a tiny folded square of paper stapled to the end of the teabag string.<br>

Formal Cards: Use beautiful floral stationary and note cards, tea stained vellum, or fancy paper doilies to make sophisticated tea party invitations. Hand print the details or use a computer to design an insert for the cards and decorate with miniature dried flowers, ribbons, lace, buttons, and tasteful stickers. Cards can be wrapped in classy wallpaper or gift wrap and tied with a wide ribbon. If you have the time, you could even try your hand at making your own envelopes. For something simple yet creative, set an elegantly decorated tea time table, take a picture of your handiwork, and use the photo as your invitation. You may even wish to dress your little girl in a wide brimmed hat, lacy gloves, and feather boa and capture a picture of a whimsical teddy bear tea. By using seasonal colors, patterns, and accessories, you can make the perfect invitation for any holiday or theme.<br>

Unique Invitations: If mailing costs are not an issue or if you are able to hand deliver your invitations, you may want to purchase a tin of loose leaf tea and either insert your invitation inside or create your own label outlining the party details. Use a fine tip marker to print the invitation on miniature cups and saucers found in a child’s play set or purchased from a gift shop. Decorate a magnetic, foam, or wood picture frame and insert the invitation, which can later be replaced by a tea party photo. Purchase ornamental Victorian hats, or use a paper template, and decorate lavishly with lace, beads, and feathers. Print the invitation on a tiny scroll, wrap with a ribbon, and attach it to the hat.<br>

Making your own invitations requires a little time and patience, but they will add a special touch of you and make your tea party truly unique and memorable.

About the Author

Marcia Schwanger has worked in the tea party and hospitality business for over 20 years and created <a href=”http://www.tea-party-circle.com”>www.tea-party-circle.com</a> to share her knowledge and ideas. Use one of her creative <a href=”http://www.tea-party-circle.com/tea-party-invitations.html”>tea party invitations</a> for your next party.

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