The ever-popular strings of chains
might keep the kids involved if they’re
color-coordinated with your theme. Pa-
per banners to hang or to wear over the
shoulder will make the day more festive.
Paper crowns or inexpensive tiaras add
to the drama.
The Menu
Since teas are generally served with
both sandwiches and sweets, here are
some ideas for a child-friendly version
of the day:
Drinks: You might try herbal teas,
but be prepared to serve something more
familiar such as chocolate milk, lemon-
ade, or hot cocoa.
Sandwiches: Most children are a bit
picky about sandwich fillings, so stick
to choices that are easy on their palate
such as turkey on whole wheat, nutella
and banana on white, cinnamon cream
cheese on rye, cinnamon toast points or
pb&j on virtually any kind of bread.
Sweets: Brownie bites, mini-cup-
cakes, chocolate-dipped shortbreads,
fruit kabobs with marshmallows or
rice krispie treats cut into cookie cutter
shapes are some good choices.
Final Prep
Be sure to involve your kids in both
the planning and the final preparations.
They can help set the fancy table, gather
flowers for a centerpiece, make and cut
the sandwiches, mix and help bake the
cookies, frost cupcakes and add sprin-
kles, and so much more.
Be sure your guests know they’re
to come dressed according to the theme
and ready to hold their pinkies up as they
drink their beverages.
Let the fancy fun begin!
For more ideas for your special
child-friendly high tea see:
www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/collec-
tion/afternoon-tea
https://whatscookingamerica.net/Elle-
nEaston/ChildrensTeapartyMenu.htm
Jan Pierce, M.Ed. is a retired teacher
and the author of “Homegrown Read-
ers” and “Homegrown Family Fun.”
Find Jan at www.janpierce.net.
April 2019 WNY Family 19