Mad Tea Party ♥ 2010

Somewhere, hidden in a place where dreams come to life, there was a tiny girl hosting a Mad Tea Party, and anxiously awaiting your arrival...

 

 

The thing is, she had forgotten how to get to Wonderland on a whim...

 

 She wanted so very much to host a Mad Tea Party for all of her friends.  "She" being Alice, of course...

 

 Alice pondered about how exactly she would get herself and all of you, her friends, to Wonderland...

 

Just then she heard a familiar voice.

 

 

It was Mister Toad himself!  He knew exactly how to get to Wonderland, and to the Mad Tea Party.

 

 

"Why, it's simple, all you have to do is believe..." said he.

 

 

Of course I believe, whispered Alice, from atop a giant toadstool.

 

 

Just as she uttered those words, something quite magical began to take place...

 

 

 

Reality morphed and swirled amongst dreamscapes...

 

 

 

And just like that, the doors to Wonderland burst open, as a Mad Tea Party warmly welcomes you, and you, and you, and you!

 

 

Wait, wait, whose that? I hear laughter in the distance!

 

 

Why, it's the Mad Hatter, doing a drive by...

 

 

 

Welcome my friends, it's time for tea, I'll sound my horn and scream yippeeeeee! 

 

 

Oh, YES!  Let the festivities begin, don't walk, skip, run and twirl in!!

  

Time to nibble, and sip, and chat, and catch up - for it's been a year since we last did formally meet (in the Mad Tea Party fashion, that is)...

 

 

There are so many treats, no time to waste!

 

 

Grab one, grab two, oh grab ten, why don't you? Please please, do!

 

 

 

Alice and I are so overjoyed to share today with you!

 

 

Just be warned, about what you choose to nibble...

 

 

 

As you well know, some wee cakes might make you grow very tall...

 

 

 

And, little potions, might make you grow Thumbelina small...

 

 

And then there are others, which...

 

 

 

I have not tried at all, and wouldn't know what to expect.  Are you brave enough to dare drink?

 

 

Oh oh, and did you see the time?

 

 

 

Time for a round of confections divine!

 

 

 

Oh, and what does that cake do?  Go on, try it, come on, I'll pay you (with gum-balls that is)...

 

 

 

What fun I am having, and Alice is too, are you??

 

 

Oooooo, I spy a little cake!  I must take a bite!

 

 

 

What on earth is that, under the giant bell jar??

 

 

 

Okay okay, I'll test it out, and 1, 2...

 

YUMM!

 

 

 

Red Velvet BLISS!

 

But wait, where's my tea?  I need something to wash it down, jeez Louise!  Make it hot, and add some cream.  Please?

 

  Oh, how rude, I should be serving you.  It seems I am channeling the Queen of Hearts ;)

 

  Okay, you can have yours first ;)

 

 

Wickedly delicious, I say...

 

 

 

Look, the sun is going down, and things are starting to glow...

 

 

 

Nightfall and fairies, and...

 

 

 

I think I hear more voices coming down the path?

 

 

 

Who is it?  Is it you?

 

 

 

Oh, it's someone carrying a tray!

 

 

Why it's my lovely sister, here to share a rare tea, poured from her beautiful...

 

Shipwrecked tea-set...

 

With Mermaids and Seahorses for handles, oh my!

 

 

But wait, what is the Mad Hatter up to, cackling and carrying on?

 

 

 

I think he might have nibbled the laugh until you faint cake... 

 

 

Too much sugar sure makes people act wacky, doesn't it? 

 

 

But wait, he is running off, with flowers in his hand, no less...

 

 

OH YES!  He is greeting our honorary guest, author of The Mystery of Lewis Carroll, delightful Jenny Woolf!

 

 

It gets better - Jenny has provided us with a couple copies of her book, to give away, YAY!  So, I will draw two names from those who leave a comment, sometime in the next week.  I will let you know if your name is drawn ;)

 

 

Thank you for being this year's honorary guest Miss Jenny, I love your book, filled with insights and details into who the man behind Wonderland itself, was all about.  Brilliant!

 

This seems like a perfect time to dance, don't you think?  What songs would you choose for this party??

 

 

 

I quite enjoy dancing alone, but it seems, someone else has to have a dance partner (and it ain't me)!

 

Silly HATTER!

 

 

 

I thought he might run off with the paper towel dress girl.  But, he said he thought she was a little too plastic ;) tee heeeee!

 

Hey, who just let out that giant hiccup??

 

 

Seems some ribbity fellow has gobbled up a bit too much sweet goodness...

 

 

 

What a ton of fun I have had here with you.  I really needed this little party time.  It has been quite a week here, I tell ya...

 

 

 

And, as the clock ticks, I find that I can't wait to run off and visit you in your own virtual Wonderland...

 

 

I will skip quickly, as not to be too late...

 

 

Down the rabbit hole...

 

 

 

 

Through the garden...

 

 

 

And, down a little path I go, on my way to visit you!

 

 

 

I will find a little grassy spot under a tree, and get some rest, before I reach my destination...

 

Thank you for being a believer of wishes come true and of dreams life-sized and enchanted-full!  And for knowing that, no matter what happens in life, good or bad, you can always find your way back...

 

 

 

To your very own Wonderland, through the looking glass, and deep inside your creative heart...

 

 

 

In a place where magical lands live on forever.

 

 

Cheers to continuous Mad Tea Parties, and to believing!!

 

 

 

Much love, from our wacky little world, to yours!

 

 

♥,V

  

  

Note to all Party Participants:

Please leave a comment here, with the link address to your party post.  That way, I can easily make a page with all of your party links, over the next few weeks.  And also, your party links will then be available here forever.

 

ps:  I will get some hearty sleep (it's 4 a.m.), and be back to make visits soon.  Please try to leave your party posts up for several days (if you had a party on your blog), as it will take folks a few days to blog hop.

 

pss:  My handmade Alice doll (in the images above), and postcards and prints of this event are available in my shop.   Candy Jar Wonderland Labels are now available here...

 

Update:  Dear friends, your parties are so beautiful and so touching, thank you for all the hard work you put into this event.  You are truly wonderful folks. 

 

I know you might be wondering why I am slow in visits to your parties.  I just want you to know that, there has been a turn of events in our household, and I am trying my hardest to make visits, but I have a heavy heart at this time.  When I am feeling up to it, I will share more in depth details...

 

Please do enjoy the Mad Tea Party season to its fullest, it is a lovely time.

 

Love, your friend, Vanessa

 

Comments

[Robert Brawley-Halloween Fanatic]

Hello having fun and drinking tea or is it pumpkin juice?? Hmmm...over at Halloween Fanatic...
http://twinklestricksandtreats.blogspot.com/2010/06/happy-un-birthday-welcome-mad-tea-party.html

[Maria-Therese]

Wonderful!!! Thank you for another magical year!

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
Here's me: http://blog.afiori.com/2010/06/alice-in-tea-party-wonderland-and.html
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Love ♥ Tea ♥ Chocolate ♥ Hugs ♥ White rabbits from the north of Sweden where this time of year is magical.

[Michelle Schafer]

You my friend are simply an amazing creature! Enjoy your many parties...I'm so sorry I didn't participate this year. So much goings on! LOL However, I wanted to stop by for quick spot of tea, have some of those delicious goodies on the table, and wish you lots of love! Enjoy....oh, watch out for that Mad Hatter...he is up to no good! LOL
Cheers my friend

[Marlen]

Amazing and wonderful!!
I feel like in a dream!
Thank you for this magic party!!!

[The Princess of Hearts]

Thank you very much for having me over for tea. I hope you shall come to visit my Pretty Wonderland and try out some of the delicious teas Mother has prepared:
http://prettywonderland.com/?p=810

~ The Princess of Hearts ~

[Andrea at Opulent Cottage]

Such a delightful party, Vanessa! Mine can be found here
http://opulentcottage.typepad.com/opulentcottage/2010/06/mad-tea-party-2010.html
I'll be party-hopping now!
xoxo, Andrea

[Myrna]

Spectacular , wonderful party ! I love your Alice ! Thanks so much for hosting this fun event !
Blessings,
~Myrna
http://daylily777-myenchantedhome.blogspot.com/2010/06/mad-tea-party.html

[Victoria Sayer]

What a wonderful time I had enjoying your Quite Mad Tea Party. Your photos are as delicious as your Party delights. Thank you so much for the fantasy and whimsy you have brought to everyone in the Land of Blog. Please come and visit with me for some more Mad Tea in the Secret Enchanted Forest at:
http://greenandwhitegarden.blogspot.com/2010/06/mad-tea-party.html
~Vicki.

[somepinkflowers]

get out!

i ate some Velvet Bliss
and thought you said

~~~Jenny Woolf~~~

:-)

oh my o my oh my

YOU did!
{{ pick me
pick me }}

oh and do send over
the Mad Hatter
for a bit of a drive*by...

i will bring all my peeps
back
when we get our
Parade Permit
over here...

{{ plus,
i am bringing
Geo.Washington,
hope you do not mind }}

♥

http://somepinkflowers.typepad.com/my_weblog/2010/06/somepinkflowers-and-the-mad-tea-party-2010.html

oh happy day!

♥

[Kathryn - Collage Diva]

What a delightfully sweet and magical story once again! Collage Diva is waiting to take you on a little adventure to the Forest of Wishes. Rest up and then swing by. I have little surprises and gifts!

Thank you for sharing your brilliance with all of us. It is always a pleasure!

{{soul hugs}}
Kathryn, Collage Diva

http://collagediva.typepad.com/collagediva/2010/06/blogparty.html

[Martha]

It is all soooo amazing!
Love that Mad Hatter!
Thank you so much, Vanessa, for taking the time to put this all together!
♥♥♥

[Jennifer]

Once again you have outdone yourself. Pure magic and whimsy - you are amazing. Thanks for letting us join in on the fun. I've included a link to my party!

[eleni]

thank you so much for this inspired tea party!!!!!! you are so wonderful!!!
please visit me for a cup of tea on the beach! i'm waiting with my fairies! my link is http://apinkdreamer.blogspot.com/2010/06/mad-tea-fairy-party-on-greek-beach.html

[I see the bridge! (Linda Lilly Cottage)]

Vanessa, you have made so many people dream and imagine and make everyday that extra little bit special, myself included.
I adored your tea party and Mr Toad is quite my favourite I think.
Inspired by you I have indeed held my own party and would be delighted if you would visit when you are rested.
It has been another magical Mad Tea Party.
Thank you from the bottom of MY creative heart!
Kiss Noises Linda
here is the link
http://lillycottage.typepad.com/lilly_cottage_a_shop_of_o/2010/06/and-we-are-offfor-a-mad-tea-party.html

[Kelley]

Oh Vanessa a party it is! Enough magic to last us until next year, you are a wonderful hostess, thanks Miss V!
Kelley
http://teacupmosaics.blogspot.com/2010/06/dreaming-of-tea-party.html

[Lady Grace Flowers]

OH ME OH MY OH! What A TEA PARTY DAY...YOUR TEA PARTY DIVINE.......I COULD JUST CRY:) From sweets and treats and magic through out.. the perfect host and hostess Mrs. Venessa Rabbit & Hoochie Smoochie Mr. mAD HaTTEr himself. "I AM" BUNNY HOPPING off to another site... remember to visit me! YEA JENNY BOOK A CHANCE WIN BIG CAT GRIN.
Merry Magick! All along the MAD TEA PARTY 2010 bunny trail! LOVE YA! Lady Grace FlowersXOX
http://ladygraceflowers.webs.com/madteaparty2010.htm

[Maggi]

Woo hoo Tea Party!!!!!!

Another stellar party! Is it too early to start planning for next year??? ;) lol

You are cordially invited to my party: http://justaddglitterandstir.blogspot.com/2010/06/best-tea-parties-are-mad-tea-parties.html

[Miss Linda]

Oh my, What a lovely time I am having. Can't wait to come back again later, sip tea, eat your goodies and sit a spell. Hope to have some visitors today myself.
I give all the credit to you for your inspirations. I am off to check out the scenery. Again, lovely yparty.

[ittybittyandpretty]

hoorah!! how do you manage to top each year?? wonderful pictures that allow us to enter into your world...thank you so very much.
i did play along just a wee bit but i didnt add my name to your list. you are more than welcome to visit
http://agapanthasandgoldsworthy.blogspot.com/

p.s. if you pull my name outta the hat pop it back in as i have already won a prize or two from you :)

xxrosey <3

[Jorgelina]

Maravilloso!!!
Magico!!!
Soñado...
Una gran fiesta Vanessa y vos una excelente anfitriona.
Mil besos

[junie]

What an amazing trip through wonderland, Love, love! Thank you for bringing the magic of childhood into our lives. BTW Alice is amazing! Your party has inspired me to put my post together in a little book for my grand babies to enjoy. Yipee!
xo-jj

[Monica Davis]

How delightful
I want to to some scrapbook pages--
You are awesome and I thank-you
Monica AKA Stampinmama

[Melissa]

Vanessa,
Thanks for hosting this wonderful event! I really look forward to these parties. It is just sooo much fun! Your Mad Tea Party is most beautiful! I do love your creativity.

Thanks Again!
Melissa

http://blog1.ardoria.com/?p=719

[Jingle]

Oh, this is so beautiful! Thank you so much for putting this together!!! My post is officially live! I hope you guys enjoy!!!
http://justjingle.blogspot.com/2010/06/welcome-to-mad-tea-party.html

[Sandi Van Winkle]

Stunningly gorgeous as always! Thank you for being such a gracious and creative host! Loved all the characters, sister's tea pot, and the enchanted time spent here.

Please, won't you visit our little Mad Adventure? http://vanwinklesart.blogspot.com/2010/06/sarah-and-search-for-mad-hatters-tea.html

Here's to more magical adventures - in & out of Wonderland!

-Sandi

[Harem6]

This Tea Party is so great!You made dreams come alive!So magic and creative!Thanks for the oportunity to participate!
Harem6
Join Tatum's Tea Party at
http://harem6art.blogspot.com/2010/06/tatums-tea-party-and-her-secret.html

[A Forest Frolic]

Oh Vanessa, my tummy is so full of sweets (as if we didn't have enough here ;) Thank you ever so much for a wonderful time and the best party yet! I had fun staying up late to have our Mad Tea Party here too and am now up early to head out on a trip. I hope to be able to visit some other parties from my phone and throughout the next few days. You always make me smile V, and that Mad Hatter, always into mischief ;)

Will chat with you soon my friend...have so much fun today!

Jamie :)

http://aforestfrolic.typepad.com/a-forest-frolic/2010/06/mad-tea-party.html

[Linda Diane]

Vanessa, Such a scrumpdillyicious feast you set before us this day! Oh, and not the least of which was the "mad"deningly beautiful feast for the eyes! These photographs are so chock full of eye candy that no matter how many times I look at them, I think I shall be discovering something new each time. Thank you for the gift of your time, and do please get some good rest and dream of all of us visiting your Tea Party Paradise!

[Melissa]

I feel a fluffy happy feeling, like Earl Grey and buttercream icing. Down the rabbit hole we go! Wheeeee!

http://dandelionladyseeds.blogspot.com/2010/06/wandering-to-wonderland.html

[JoAnne]

You certainly know how to weave a magically wonderful tale! It was truly enchanting. Thank you!
xoJoAnne
http://vintagedragonfly.blogspot.com

[Kim]

Thank you for hosting such an amazing event. I couldn't believe how excited I was to read you post. I've had a wonderful time at the party :)

My blog post is here
http://oakmoonstudio.blogspot.com/2010/06/mad-hatters-tea-party.html

[Kathy]

Clap, clap clap for Vanessa!!! Wonderful, wonderful as always my dear. Actually, I believe this was the best one ever. EVER!!! Such fun, I'm off to read it again and then head down the path, past the burping toad to the rest of the parties. ;o) Kathy

The link to my blog:

http://aspectacularmess.blogspot.com/

[Giada M.]

Fabulous party! Thank you for this amazing post! I LOVE the pictures! *-*

[Maria-Therese]

P.S. As for the music I would choose - something composed by your brother and sung by you! Also, I hear fairies are pretty good at making music.

[Tracey]

What a delight my dear! You've done it again! I believe you truly have been to Wonderland and back again!
Thank you for another fabulous year!
*hugs*
now i am off to get my fill of tea!

Tracey
http://wadsworthnollstudio.blogspot.com

[Blanche]

How enchanting!! Alice is delightful, Mr. Toad is the dearest! The Mad Hatter's drive-by is price-less! All those yummy treats! You've once again created quite A Wonderland! It was a pleasure to meet Ms. Woolf!

Thank you for hosting this event and encouraging us to wish and dream!
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
http://sha-shajewelry.blogspot.com/2010/06/zunis-mad-tea-party-adventures.html

[Papillon Bleu]

Bravo!bravo! you did it again sweet Vanessa!
The dolls would like some more!
X

[Clairedulalune]

Oh what a wonderful party! thank you so much for letting me come along! I must get my dancing shoes on i am becoming late for a very important date! If you would like to join me over at mine there is some dancing and tea drinking antics going on! http://clairedulalune.blogspot.com/2010/04/mad-hatters-tea-party-and-start-of.html i will pop over to yours very soon!

[Michelle]

Cheers again Vanessa for another beautifully hosted event.

Happy mad tea party to you my dear. May your imagination run wild for ever....

http://michellekartdolls.blogspot.com/2010/06/oh-i-opened-my-eyes-before-sun-and.html

[karen cox]

Vanessa,
You have sprinkled your Vanessery dust throughout The Land of Blog today. Asking us to reach into our imaginations and become little children again. Bringing to life the Alice or Hatter that lives within. I know that I do not just speak for myself, when I share with you how your creative muse has painted this side of Blogland a magical shade of fun.

Each year your parties become more and more enchanting with your amazing photography, storytelling and your incredible gift to stage magic.

I love every frame and word of your lovely lovely party. Thank you for being Vanessa, and thank Mr. Lovee for being the grandest Mad Hatter and for encouraging his lovely muse.

Karen

[Danielle Suplicki]

Thank you for hosting such a magical and beautiful party! And more so, thank you for inviting all of us to go mad with you.

My party can be found here... http://thewhimsicalcottage.blogspot.com/2010/06/through-looking-glass.html

[DonnaMundinger]

I'm speechless! This is party perfection! Thank you so much for a magical time! Perhaps next year I can participate. xxD

[Rosalyn-Sue]

Come one, come all...we're almost ready to make our journey to wonderland...put on your party best, and join me back here shortly...a sprinkle of magic will take care of the rest...down the rabbit hole we'll go...to meet up with Alice, the Mad Hatter, and the Queen of Hearts you know...

http://thelittlebluebirddiaries.typepad.com/the_little_bluebird_diari/2010/06/welcome-to-wonderland.html

Do stop by...for a chance to win some of the decorations...chocolate molds and tags...

And thank you to our most magical hostess for bringing us back to our childhood once again!

Rosalyn-Sue
www.TheLittleBluebirdDiares.typepad.com

[samantha tara]

♥♥♥ Yayyyyyy!!! It's tea party time!♥♥♥

Even though my belongings are packed up in anticipation of a big move, I couldn't resist the call for divine tea-party action (:

http://pipodoll.blogspot.com/2010/06/tea-party-time.html

Happy tea-party wishes to all you wonderful people! ♥

[Laura Irrgang]

Lovely as always, V!!!!

That Mister Lovee is such a good sport, too.

http://rhinestonearmadillo.typepad.com/my_weblog/2010/06/mad-tea-party.html

I hoping you sleep laaaaate!
XOXO
Laura

[Mo'a]

I am so sorry...I am not having a tea party this year...but quite another kind of party.
I love, love, love your party as always you give the best parties.
Have fun everyone...I may crash a party or two ...if I can tear myself away from the little ones ;)
Mr. and Mrs Hatter send their best wishes xoxo

[Betty]

Dearest Mlle. Vanessa,
Such lovely surprises you have at your beautiful party today!!! As usual, everything is just like the very best dream!! So many lovely sweet things to try (and I LOVE the image you took of the cream going into the tea!!). I was very excited about your honorary guest as my party today was inspired by books!

Here is my party post:
http://gossamertearoom.blogspot.com/2010/06/welcome.html

Thank you for your ultra-beautiful, extra-Mad Tea Party!

Extra festive hugs to you,

Betty

[alicia]

Oh my God!! i don't know what happened to me!! i tried one of these lovely cakes and became so small i can hardly reach the keyboard, jumping from one letter to another!!
Anyway i had a great time at your party and can't wait have more and more!!!
thank you for such a great time!!!

http://dollandpea.blogspot.com/2010/06/mad-tea-party.html

[Rhonda Roo]

Hey! It was 4am my time when I posted tooo! Must be some kinda Wonderland Magic

*~*{I believe, I believe!}*~*

Your honorary guests are divine, treats are delicious (red velvet oh no Cowboy is probably on his way to your place right now!),your sister's tea set is de-lovely and you are da-bomb AWESOME!

And the Mad Hatter? Well, he knows I Believe.(After all he's an angel in disguise!)

Kisses made of wishes and hugs made of dreams!

~xoxoviiivvveevvaalaaaxoxoxo
Roo
http://roostreehouse.typepad.com/roos_treehouse/2010/06/were-off-to-see-the-hatter-the-wonderful-mad-hatter-of-az.html

[Sonya McCllough]

I had so much fun doing my impromptu tea party 4 one ... Thank U so for the last min. invite ...

http://sonyamacdesigns.blogspot.com/2010/06/tennessee-tea-party.html