Throw a Children's Tea Party

Set the at table with your very finest: the lovely English teacups your Aunt Gertrude left you in her will, the pretty silver tray you bought a garage sale, the damask tablecloth you never use because it has to be ironed. If your kids are going to learn formal tea-party manners, it’s better to have them practice with your china than with your mother-in-law’s.

Teatime should be called for 4 p.m., give or take an hour. It’s neither lunch nor dinner, so you’re not required to provide a nutritious, balanced meal. Fancy fun is what it is.

Have your kids invite only as many friends as you can handle without freaking out. You’ll want to remain cool, calm and dignified — not frazzled and hysterical. Send out personal, handmade invitations (kid job!) ahead of time, and specify the dress code (crazy hats, dress-up clothes, royal attire,) if you have one.

Make a pot of Lipton Tea (your favorite flavor), as well as a pot of some lovely Lipton Iced Tea for the younger kids. Elegant additions to the tea table:

• Sugar cubes
• Butter and jam
• A pitcher of milk (for the tea)
• Fresh strawberries
• A plate of miniature chocolates
• A dish of candy-coated almonds

Finally — pick some flowers for the table, fold your napkins into swan shapes (or whatever), and raise a teacup to this terribly civilized tradition. It may not be as exciting as frog hunting, but it certainly has its own special charm.

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