Tasteful Tea Party

A costume jewelry treasure hunt will be great fun.

Plan two or three lively activities for a two-hour party. Choose extra so you're prepared for the unexpected. Alternate them with quieter activities, such as a crafts project or reading aloud, to keep the party from becoming too wild.

Old-fashioned lawn games such as croquet, bocce, and badminton on the lawn are always appropriate for a tea party.

Ages: 4 and up

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Playing time: 10 minutes

Players: Any number

What you need:

• Small gift bags or felt pouches
• Marker or fabric paint (optional)
• Inexpensive costume jewelry such as bead necklaces, children's rings, hair clips, and so on; have enough so that every child is likely to find at least one item

Before the party:

1. If desired, write each guest's name on a bag or pouch.

2. Hide the jewelry items around the house or playing area (keeping them within a defined space).

At the party:

3. Give each child her bag or pouch to hold the treasures she collects.

4. Let children search until they find as much of the costume jewelry they can.

This is a sweet game to play!

Ages: 4 and up

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Playing time: 10 minutes

Players: At least 4

What you need:

• 2 large teacups (you might want to buy them at a thrift store, as they may get broken during this game!)
• 2 spoons
• 1 sugar cube for each child

1. Place two large teacups on a table about 15 to 20 feet from the starting line (the distance can be adjusted for age or setting).

2. Divide the guests into two teams, giving them names like "The Sweethearts" and "The Sugar Plums"). Have each team form a line, one person behind the next.

3. Place sugar lumps and spoons next to each team.

4. To start, the first child at each team places a sugar cube on the spoon. The first member of each team walks or runs with her sugar cube to the teacup and drops the cube in the cup, then runs back to the next teammate and hands off the spoon.

5. At the handoff, the second member of each team places her lump on the spoon and repeats the process.

6. The first team to get all of their lumps in their teacup wins.