Holiday Tea Parties for Kids

Whether I take them to a fancy hotel or just surprise them with some little sandwiches and scones after school, my kids really love tea parties. Our five year old is still happy to play pretend tea party, so all I need to do is add a few snacks to put a big smile on her face.

This holidays season, there will be many options for elegant, themed holiday parties around the country. Several hotels are throwing holiday tea parties for kid:

- At the Langham in Pasadena, the Teddy Bear Tea includes a puppet show, Santa, and mini sandwiches and sweets.

- The holiday tea at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel features a magic show.

- At The Ritz-Carlton in San Francisco kids are treated to holiday storytelling, a visit from Binky the Elf, and a take-home bear at this event that benefits the Make a Wish Foundation.

- And the holidays are being celebrated at the Roosevelt in New Orleans where kids can share tea time with their bears and secrets with Santa.

Other cities host Nutcracker tea parties, Victorian tea parties and more.

Or you can throw one at home. From a simple last minute play date to a tea party with invitations and decor, kids just love to dress up and play tea. Add in your favorite furry friends, some tiny treats you are ready.

Suggestions for kid- friendly tea sandwiches:
- peanut butter and jelly
- cream cheese and cucumbers
- ham and swiss
- tuna salad, egg salad…whatever they love…just pop it in some bread and cut into small shapes or use cookie cutters.

Easy extras:

- cheese and cute crackers
- veggies and dip
- little scones.  Our favorite scone mix is Bette’s Oceanview Diner’s Orange Cranberry Scone.

Serve peppermint tea, juice, hot chocolate…serve it in a tea cup and the kids will love it!

And, of course, offer some cookies, cakes, or tiny cupcakes. For sweets anything goes: bake, buy, or use store bought dough.

Add some place cards and colorful napkins and it’s tea time!