A Tea Party For Audrey's 6th Birthday

I am currently enjoying a quiet evening.  While enjoying a cup of herbal tea, the only sound I hear is the wind howling outside my bedroom window.  However, that wasn't the case just 12 hours ago when 7 little girls and their dolls filled our home for an American Girl Tea Party.

For Audrey's 6th birthday I planned a tea party & the girls were invited to bring their favorite doll.  I did my best to plan lots of things to keep them busy, but as it turns out, 5 and 6-year-olds would rather not sit still long enough to do a craft.  Running around, dressing up, and playing in the doll house suited them much better.  Duly noted.

The birthday girl with her tower of cupcakes.

The paper flowers I made as a center piece.

The cupcakes I tried to decorate like I see them do on cupcake wars.  It really is a lot harder than it looks.

Mom & daughter photo opp.  We've been through a lot together.

A tea party calls for dainty foods so I made a plate of chicken salad and turkey & cheese sandwiches, a veggie platter, a fruit platter, and heart shaped jello.  

The table settings.

 While decorating these frames didn't keep their attention for as long as I would have liked, they all turned out beautifully and will look even better once I put their pictures in them.  

While the girls decorated frames, my mom, sister Gracie, and friend Amy, made hair clips for each of the girls and their dolls.  Each of the girls got to pick a flower for their hair clips.  

After crafts, it was time for lunch.  I served each of them vanilla herbal tea with their lunch, not knowing what they would think of it.  Surprisingly, they all liked it.  Some of them even asked for seconds.  

Tea time.  Pinkies up!

After lunch the birthday girl opened her presents.  She was showered with very thoughtful gifts ranging from accessories for her American Girl Doll to crafts. 

Then it was time for cupcakes!  There was squealing involved after I made that announcement.  

Make a wish!

The birthday party wouldn't have been a success without the help of these special ladies.  My mom, friend Amy, and sister Grace.  I love them all.

And of course all of the little girls that Audrey is blessed to call her friends. 

You may notice the two big girls sitting front and center.  Abby came to provide Madeleine with moral support while her home (and consequently her room) was over run by kindergartners.  Both of them handled it well and proved to be sweet role models for the little kids to look up to.

Just as I do every year I drove myself a little crazy planning this party that was over in a blink.  However, it was worth every second because Audrey loved her special day and the memories will last forever.