About the Theme
Similar to an ‘Alice in Wonderland’ party, a mad hatter tea party is sophisticated and nutty at the same time. Think of a mad hatter party as a more concentrated version of an ‘Alice in Wonderland’ theme—instead of touching on all different elements from Lewis Carroll's famous tale, this theme is based solely on the mad tea party.
Decorate with eclectic tableware, use cups and tea pots for centerpieces, and ask guests to come donning curious hats or fascinators. When the tea portion of the celebration commences, take turns going around the table and asking riddles, playing off the particularly curious riddle asked to Alice by the Hatter: “Why is a raven like a writing desk?"
OCCASION: 40th Birthday Party
VIBE: Whimsical
SIMILAR PARTY THEMES: Alice in Wonderland, Vintage Tea Party
Entertainment
Magician
Anything can happen once you fall through the rabbit hole. Hire a magician to wow guests with illusions and tricks and that would impress the Red Queen herself.
Food
Finger Sandwiches
For this type of sit-down meal, opt for lighter fair that can be easily enjoyed between conversations. Mix savory and sweet with individual finger sandwiches, tarts, scones and macarons.
Beverage
Tea
Of course tea is expected at this event, right? Place a tea cup and saucer at each setting and have a variety of different tea flavors on the table, ranging from camomile to mint.