English garden Tea party

 

My Little girl turned 5 this June. Well she had given me a heads up that she wanted a tea party..so mommy got to work. Must confess I started planning this in April. This gave me time to look around, draw inspiration and pick goodies for decor from my favorite thrift shops..{ antique shops, goodwill, dollar tree..} . My favorite part was the painting of  the tea sets { thanks to Martha Stewart's multi surface craft pearl and metallic paints}. Did I mention I got these "never been used " tea sets at 50 cents a set??. See the finished product at the end of these posts.
Pictures courtesy of  Darcy at http://www.darcyholsopplephotography.blogspot.com/2012/06/rosies-5th-birthday-tea.html

 

Marshmallows

 

decorated with sugar paper..these were the kids' favorite

 

 

 

 

 

Party favors

 

Dollar Tree crafts..each girl upon arrival would take a necklace off a branch to wear.

Crafts..

 

Inspiration from http://www.creativityinprogress.com/blog/2011/04/plastic-easter-egg-tea-cups/ There is a sweet tutorial on fun things to do with plastic Easter eggs.

Red sweet wine and strawberry cake with strawberry frosting ( Milk free)

For Cake:
I package yellow cake mix
3 eggs
1 cup red sweet wine
1/2 cup fresh strawberries
1/3 cup oil
Mix all ingredients in a bowl with an electric or hand  mixer for about 4 mins and bake per cake mix directions. Allow cakes to cool.

For Frosting:
1/2 cup butter or margarine ( I used soy margarine)
1/4 cup shortening ( may add more if desired). Optional
1 cup confectioner's sugar
1/2 cup strawberries

Whisk margarine /butter and shortening till fluffy and pale, add sugar, whisk till well incorporated and then add strawberries and whisk for another minute or so. Whole process takes about 5-10 minutes.
Frost cake and enjoy!!