{Party Ideas} A Japanese Tea Party

Looking for a classic "girly" birthday party idea with a unique twist? Why not host a Japanese Tea Party! The May 2011 issue of Parents offers some great party tips, ideas, and inspiration to help you pull it off.

Dress the Part: Let the birthday girl celebrate her special day in the proper attire. Upcycle a sheet to create the perfect party kimono. You can find step-by-step directions on how to do this, here.



Sweet Sushi: This faux fish dessert is a must for your Asian-inspired shindig and is easier to make than you might think! For fun, supply each guest with a set of chopsticks. Click here for the Sweet Sushi recipe.



Decorate: Colorful paper lanterns, floor pillows, and paper fans will add color and help set the scene of your Japanese Tea Party. You can also create Cherry Blossom arrangements from gathered branches and tissue paper to add to the party table and surrouding areas. So easy and super inexpensive! Find directions, here.



Activities: Entertain guests by teaching some easy origami techniques (origami-fun.com) and helping them make their own pair of Japanese Paper Slippers to wear at the party and take home afterwards.



Wrap it Up: Wrap the birthday girl's presents (and even the party favors) in a piece of fabric using furoshiki, the Japanese art of gift wrap. Click here to learn about different ways to wrap using the Japanese style.



You can find more party ideas and inspiration over at the Parents site.

Photo Credit: All images in this post are from the Parents online site.

Hello Kitty Inspired Tea Shoppe

I was so excited when Bird of Bird Crafts sent me this super cute Hello Kitty Inspired Tea Shoppe photo shoot. Bird wanted to design a party with a Tea Shoppe theme that also had a "hint" of Hello Kitty. I LOVE the final result! The colors are fabulous and the printables (which she offers in her Etsy Shop) are so versatile.








Great job, Bird! For more pictures and details, visit Bird Crafts here.

It's Tea Time!

Check out this Tea Party by CupKate's Event Design! It was put together for one lucky little playgroup and to help launch CupKate's Event Design.




I love outdoor parties and this Tea Party has a great outdoor setting! The Tutu bench is one of my favorite details and could be used for so many different party themes (princess, Angelina...).




This is my other favorite detail: a Cupcake Bouquet! Love it!!

Each guest was sent home with a bag of homemade chocolate tea cups, saucers, and spoons. Yummy!

CupKate's Event Design put together a beautiful party. Best of luck with your new venture!