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How to Throw a Mad Tea Party. Recreating one of Alice in Wonderland's most famous adventures
is a great theme for all kinds of celebrations. Set the scene with these suggestions. You
will need Invitations Cups, saucers, and teapots Hats Vintage bottles A mouse stuffed animal
A clock A hat cake Cupcakes Finger sandwiches Playing cards Directional signs A variety
of teas White teacups and saucers (optional) and craft paint (optional). Step 1. Send invitations
that include the line: "Don't be late for a very important date!" Ask everyone to wear
a whimsical hat. Step 2. Hit flea markets, yard sales, and thrift stores for interesting
teacups and saucers, teapots, hats, and vintage bottles to hold "Drink Me" signs. Buy white
cups and saucers at a dollar store and paint them in stripes, polka dots, and other colorful
patterns. Step 3. Seat a stuffed mouse at the table as the Dormouse. If you can't find
a big enough mouse, stick a smaller one in a teapot so its head sticks out. Step 4. Set
the scene: Take the batteries out of a clock to signify that time has stopped, and create
a looking glass by hanging a mirror on a door that guests must pass through to get to the
tea table. Step 5. Make a hat cake by baking a 9-inch round cake and 6-inch round cake
to sit on top of it. Trim it with real ribbon and edible flowers. Bake cupcakes that say,
"Eat Me" on top in icing. Prepare a variety of finger sandwiches with delicate fillings,
like smoked salmon and cream cheese. Be sure to cut the crusts off! Step 6. Mismatch the
teacups and saucers. Place your hat cake in the center of the table. Make and hang signs
that say, "This Way" and, "That Way" leading to the tea table. Decorate the table and chairs
with playing cards. Provide a few whole decks so guests can play card games. Step 7. Sit
down with your guests and enjoy your tea. Just be careful not to fall down any rabbit
holes. Did you know Lewis Carroll is a pseudonym for British author Charles Dodgson, who wrote
_Alice's Adventures in Wonderland_ in 1865.