Don't settle for a plain tea party; make some decorations.
Whether in the U.S. or the U.K., making arts and crafts spawns creativity and encourages perseverance all while making something beautiful. Get your craft groove going and throw a tea party, give a new parent some sweet-smelling perfume for the baby or decorate some biscuits and share the smiles. These arts and craft ideas from England are sure to inspire.
Tea Party Decorations
For your tea party decorations you will need colored and patterned card stock, ribbon, round stickers, cellophane, patterned felt, scissors, glue, muffin or cupcake baking cups and snacks. Be sure to use bright colors and designs for a cheerful party. Cut a large circle from the cardstock. Roll this circle to form a cone. Glue or tape on back so the cone stays together and can be set upright on a table as decoration. Make additional cones in various sizes and colors. Enhance these cone decorations with ribbon and stickers. Fill muffin cups with snacks such as candies, cookies or crackers. Wrap with cellophane and tie closed with ribbon. Use the brightly colored felt squares or rectangles as placemats. Arrange your decorations on the table. Use extra bits of cardstock to design place cards or, if you have a badge maker, make name badges that can be sent home as party favors.
Baby Perfume
You will need one bottle of unscented baby oil, a bowl, glass bottles, all natural scented oils, a funnel and ribbon for this baby perfume craft. Begin by pouring the unscented baby oil in the bowl. Stir in your favorite scented oil. Consider using crushed herbs such as lavender or rose hips. Not only will these all-natural herbs lightly scent they oil, they will enhance the presentation by adding bits of color to the oil. Parents will especially appreciate lavender, as the scent will help lull baby to sleep. After corking your small, glass bottle, decorate the bottle with ribbon. Using a fine fabric pen, write the scent name on the ribbon or attach a small declarative sticker.
Biscuit and Cake Decorating Crafts for Kids
Make your favorite cookie or cake, perhaps using recipes from artsandcraftsforkids.co.uk, and get ready for the fun part: Decorating. Make a simple icing by combining one tablespoon of water to every 3.5 ounces of icing sugar. Add food coloring as desired. Consider making a palate of colors or swirling subtly to create a marble effect. After your "biscuits" have cooled, ice and decorate. Use chocolate chips, coconut, fruit bits or small candies such as M&M's as decorations. To create a truly decadent treat, sandwich the cookies by spreading jam or chocolate spread in between the layers. Then simply decorate as described above.
Tags: with ribbon, baby bowl, unscented baby, unscented baby bowl, will need, your favorite