Tea Party for 7 yo

[butterflies]

We're celebrating dd's birthday this weekend with a tea party for about 8 little girls. I'm kind of last-minute putting this together and would love to hear some fun ideas for activities to keep them all busy.

We don't have a yard but we're near a park and could do some outdoor games if the weather cooperates.

I was thinking of getting some beads and letting them make bracelets, etc to accessorize their "fine tea party attire".

Other thoughts?

[columbusmomma]

You could have each girl paint a little flowerpot, even plant something in it too.
Each girl could frost/decorate a cookie or cupcake.
Scavenger hunt at the park
Sounds like a fun party!

[umami_mommy]

we just went to a "fairy tea party" yesterday. (for a 3 yo but there were a bunch of older kids too). the kids decorated their own cupcakes (fairy cakes), when on a treasure hunt for "fairy beads" to make their own bracelets, had a tea party under a bower. (my friend found one cut rate someplace online) in which they drank "tea" from salvation army tea cups and had chocolate fondue. oh and finger sammies too. (a little victorian tea influence there)

when i had a "high tea" shower for a pregnant friend i found TONS of ideas online. there is lots out there.

[Earthy Mama]

a cute little party favor would be to get some tea cups from a thrift store and let them plant and take home a little flower-violet, impatien, etc.

[LuckyMommaToo]

I think making jewelry is great for that age. We just had DD's tea party, but she was only turning four. The girls loved the sugar cubes, and the sandwiches cut out into heart shapes (with a cookie cutter).

I bought adorable espresso cups (kinda like these:
http://www.amazon.com/Yedi-Houseware...4203951&sr=8-5

and then each girl brought hers home as the favor.

You could hide beads for the jewelry everywhere, and then have them do a hunt for beads, and then make the jewelry. I also like the idea of a nature scavenger hunt. I thought this article had some good ideas that could be adapted:
http://familyfun.go.com/parties/very...-party-844544/

best of luck!
-e

[limette]

search this forum for tea party. There was a really good thread on it a month or so ago.

[butterflies]

These are great! Thank you for all the creative suggestions!