A Madly Cute Galentine’s: Hosting an Alice in Wonderland-Inspired Brunch
I love hosting tea parties any time of year, and I also want guests to feel full when they leave my house, so incorporating a brunch and tea is on the Galentine’s menu. When I think of my closest friends, I design the occasion around what I know they will enjoy. My dear friends adore whimsy, favorite childhood books, and everything that comes along with sharing time together. With that in mind, I’m sharing some ideas for an Alice in Wonderland themed Galentine’s Day – this childhood storybook will bring back both memories and conversations from the past.
If this sounds like your cup of tea, today’s post is packed full of inspiration for a themed celebration. Of course, you will want to choose a theme that feels just right for your close circle. Here is my “menu” for this year’s Galentine’s Tea.
Roll the Tape – Watch the Show or Read the Book with Your Besties
Admittedly, when I went back to rewatch “Alice in Wonderland” to get some ideas and inspiration, I was a little shocked. I was not as overwhelmed with the childhood awe I remember as a kid. I found the snarky Queen of Hearts and her incessant slogan, “Off with their heads!” inappropriate for any age viewer. Using a little flamingo as a mallet and a hedgehog as a ball when she played croquet was not only shocking but offensive to me as well, being a lover of all furry friends. However, there were also many charming things about the story that I still found enjoyable.
Whatever movie you choose, you may want to incorporate a movie time or a storybook into the conversation.
Here are a few more ideas for a kinder and friendlier Alice in Wonderland Brunch.
Saving Grace – Make it Polite and Upbeat
Alice was darling and put the queen and many other characters in their place, urging them to be polite and kind. I especially loved Sammy Davis in the 1985 version of Alice, playing the caterpillar. His dance moves were delightful and entertaining. Focus your conversation on happy thoughts and steer clear of any form of details that are not yours to share (aka Gossip).
The Anticipation Begins with the Invitation
Even though you are inviting your closest friends, making them feel special from the very first moment matters. Whether it’s a digital invite or a more elaborate invitation, the tone will be set with the first request to attend your gathering. Be specific if you have any particular requests, such as “potluck” or “wear pink”.
Not Necessary to Recreate the Entire Story
If you are doing a themed fairy tale, and you don’t necessarily care for all of the details, pick a few key elements you enjoy about the movie of choice, such as the red hearts from the Queen of Hearts, white turned red roses, the stack of teacups and playing cards, and create a theme for the table.
Encourage Humor
Ask each guest to dress their favorite part, or simply dress for Galentine’s Day, which, in this case, will lend itself to the theme of the party naturally. Your guests should feel festive, as opposed to competitive and overwhelmed. If a guest says they aren’t comfortable in any type of costume, honor their feelings and have some simple props they can put on to feel in the spirit without feeling uncomfortable and pressured. Red lipstick, heart earrings, and crowns are fun and easy to share – new and unused.
Focus on the Table
Use your favorite china and don’t hesitate to mix and match. Reach for tea cups to serve soup, or set out appetizers in the tiny cups for your guests to enjoy when they arrive. Make the table interesting with things you already have around your home.
For the Alice Theme – Use Playing Cards as Accents
A budget-friendly and multi-purpose decoration, playing cards are right on theme, and most of us have a few decks in a drawer. You could also print some cute Alice-themed decorations from Etsy or your favorite artist. It feels good to support small creators.
Intentional Photo Moments
In this era of social media, we know everyone will want photos to keep or post (true for me as well). I love the idea of keeping photo or video moments intentional with a sweet backdrop or a few minutes to grab footage before the fun begins. After the photo opp, encourage guests to put their phones on pause as they savor the conversation and food.
Hearts for Dessert
Whether you have a disposable heart-shaped cake tin in your kitchen, or if you have a fancy oven-friendly tin to cook your dessert, Galentine’s Day Tea is sweeter with a heart-shaped sweet. Cookies from your local grocer, or from scratch, all taste the same when enjoyed with a favorite tea.
Sweet Take Away
Some of the sweetest memories happen before your party when you handmake party favorites and put them in gift bags for your friends to take home. If you aren’t especially crafty (I get it!), and you are taking the Alice in Wonderland theme as your own, share a package of paper cocktail napkins, a gold key, a small mirror (“looking glass”), some cocoa and cups, or anything that doesn’t require a paintbrush.
Happy Galentine’s Day!
You may also like Warm Hearts, Thoughtful Gifts: Valentine’s Day Ideas Among Friends
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