Mad Hatter Soiree! Take 2

Silver Sycamore’s amusing take on a Mad Hatter-inspired tea party continues today, with the second part of our post. At the event itself—whether you choose to host a small gathering in our tearoom or a larger party in our reception room—the fun continues with decorations. Create centerpieces from various teapots, cups and saucers scoured from local thrift stores (or ask Silver Sycamore how we can help). Arrange the china haphazardly in the middle of the table atop brightly hued tablecloths—Alice thrived in a world of color, right? You can even scatter various types of playing cards on the tables like oversized confetti. Perch clusters of white and deep red roses in clear vases or in the teapots themselves to finish off the tabletops.

Large armchairs can be placed at the head of each table, resembling a queen on her throne; but you might want to consider assigned seating to avoid chair disagreements! Plastic pink lawn flamingos can add a whimsical touch to the room when propped in various corners, and you can even incorporate clocks in mismatched styles all stopped at your appointed tea time. When it comes to entertainment, it almost goes without question: a game of lawn croquet is the answer! Other ideas are oversized classic board games, like chess or checkers. Provide multiple “game stations” in the room or outdoors for guests to meander around and challenge each other to friendly matches. If you’d rather that partygoers remain seated or partake in in-house games, Alice in Wonderland trivia questions are a terrific alternative. You could also set up a projector screen to play the movie in its entirety or just clips of the film at appointed times.

Top hat decorating booths will get your creative juices flowing. Set up small tables with stacks of top hats in any color that guests can decorate to their heart’s content and wear around during the party. These can be great DIY favors, but you can also order inexpensive alternatives like mini teacup candles or small bags of loose-leaf tea. Teapot-shaped cookies and tea-related devices like strainers also make appropriate favors.

“No wonder you're late. Why, this watch is exactly two days slow,” says the Mad Hatter. Plan your stylish Mad Hatter tea party right on time with Silver Sycamore today!