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Now that the weather is finally in our favour, we like to celebrate the best way we know how - by getting outdoors with our toddler!
When our daughter was born, I vowed she would follow in her mom’s footsteps and never be a girly-girl. I was against all pinks, purples and princesses. But then, she became a toddler and I quickly discovered that it was not my choice. Babies, dresses, bows and the colour pink are now a common sight in our house. So, getting outside to celebrate the arrival of spring with a tea party seemed like it would be right up her alley.
A tea party is something I can get on board with because it is not just a fun way to eat lunch with your little one. A tea party is also a form of imaginative play, giving your child the opportunity to role play and act out various experiences (ahem, including being bossy). They can experiment with decision making, while also practice their social skills, from negotiation, to sharing, taking turns and understanding consequences.
Add the outdoor setting and a toddler-friendly tea party is the perfect way to celebrate the return of spring (and the Victoria Day long weekend)!
Interested in enjoying a cup of Bigelow Tea this spring season? Hover over the photo above to click through to Walmart.ca to buy your favourite Bigelow Tea steep flavour.
What do I need to create the perfect toddler tea party?
First, you’ll need a table and chairs. One suitable for little people. To the table, you can add a lace or floral table cloth, but of course its not necessary. Decorate the table with all things spring, including bright colours and fresh flowers. Our favourite spring-time flowers are tulips. Pink for Morley, of course.
In order to have a tea party, you’ll also need a way to serve the tea and snacks. There are many toddler-friendly play tea sets that will do the trick, or you can opt for a real set. Your local thrift store should have a variety of inexpensive cups and saucers, and even tea pots. For our party, we stuck with a kid-friendly set. Somebody can be a bit messy when it comes to eating and drinking, so plastic was safe.
Don’t forget to wear your best tea party attire, such as a spring dress. If you’re venturing outside into the sun, a wide-brim hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are also a must.
No party is complete without food. Tea sandwiches are simple two-to-three-bite treats that go perfectly with tea. If you have a favourite sandwich combination - such as peanut butter & jelly or cucumber & cream cheese - try it in miniature-sized version instead. You can also include mini cupcakes, cookies or scones as dessert.
Whether it is mom, auntie or even a favourite stuffie, don’t forget about inviting friends to share the party with!
Last, but definitely not least, the tea. For our recent tea party, we opted for Bigelow Tea’s organic collection, steep. Our go-to flavour was the caffeine-free Chamomile Citrus. Also toddler friendly, when cooled to the perfect temperature.
Steep is completely “NEW” to Walmart Canada locations, and comes in six different flavours - Chamomile Citrus, Earl Grey, English Breakfast, Green Tea w/Pomegranate, Lemon Ginger and Pure Green Tea. They can be found in the tea and coffee aisle and, coming soon, online at Walmart.ca.
And, if your toddler is not into the idea of drinking tea, you can always substitute their favourite juice and reserve the tea for the adults at the table.
Just because it’s finally warm outside, doesn't mean we can't drink hot tea. Tea brings people together, regardless of the weather. After all, a good tea party should be all about enjoying the company of others and finding something to celebrate, whenever you can. Like the return of spring.
Just because it’s finally warm outside, doesn't mean we can't drink hot tea. Tea brings people together, regardless of the weather. After all, a good tea party should be all about enjoying the company of others and finding something to celebrate, whenever you can. Like the return of spring.
How do you celebrate spring? Does it involve a favourite beverage, such as Bigelow Tea? I’d love to hear!
