Wonderland is calling...
Can you hear it?
It's a soft buzz.
A heart fuzz.
Like, angels and puppies.
And dreams, and yellow petals, and...
Anything you want it to be.
Anything at all.
But first, we must have a dress rehearsal of sorts.
Choosing bits and baubles...
A little gardenia scent for luck?
What luck, pray tell?
Oh, yes, you must mean good luck making my way down the rabbit hole?
Oh then, of course, I wish you luck as well ;)
Too much sun on skin, swollen little garden and hammer working hands, eagerly look forward to the maddest of all days in the year.
With jewels and hats, and tea and crumpets, and you, and me.
I am predictable.
I choose my favorite things all the time.
Tattered earrings I wear over the years.
Day to day.
Down time's path...
But the frock, the frock is important.
What do you look for in a mad tea party frock?
I look for fluff, and ruffle and lace, and puff.
Not something we might say often ;)
But first, I must send out memos.
Don't forget, Saturday, right here.
You have a hair of time to sign up if you wish ;)
I will add your name to the list straight away!
Whilst mixing up rose tea...
And determining which shoes will lead me...
Floating through flamingo song...
Glowing from sparkled sips...
Swooning at RSVP pics...
Getting my transportation in check....
And closing my eyes, while I drop...
Down...
Down...
Down the rabbit hole, through the garden, and into Wonderland...
I am sooooo excited!
I am, I am!
Butterfly excited!!
Are you?
See you soooooooooooooooon!
See you there!
(Or here, if you will)
Love, V
Yay! I was hoping we would hear from you one more time before the event of grandeur! I am really looking forward to hippity hopping from blog to blog and seeing what beauty and whimsy and magic await me. I shall start here first, of course, and you may have to push me along if I linger here past my welcome. I'm afraid it could happen. Yes, indeedy.
Oh Vanessa, I tried the carrot cake recipe. I did tweek it a bit here and there. My middle name is tweek when it comes to recipes. I seldom ever follow one exactly. Oh, it was beyond delicioso. I still have some in fact. Thank you for sharing the recipe. I will be making it again, for sure.
Until Saturday, m'dear!
Posted by: Linda Diane | June 23, 2011 at 02:29 PM
How Beautiful! Can't wait!!
Posted by: Karla | June 23, 2011 at 02:29 PM
Hurray! I'm excited to do the rounds this year though sad I won't be participating (I'm house-sitting for a month and just couldn't manage it).
You know what's funny? SyFy or whatever they are calling that channel now - is airing their movie Alice this weekend.
Your flowers are looking mighty lovely!
Posted by: Molly @ A Bit O' Shine | June 23, 2011 at 02:35 PM
can't wait! my favorite time of year in blogland! looking forward to the parties - what excitement!
Posted by: alice | June 23, 2011 at 02:37 PM
We are so excited! Love your pre-party pix!!
Posted by: Deanna | June 23, 2011 at 02:46 PM
Patiently waiting here, Vanessa! I just put the finishing touches on the post just now and am looking forward to posting it! See you Saturday!
Posted by: Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions | June 23, 2011 at 03:36 PM
Oh Kathy, you ROCK!! I have not even taken my photos yet,
eeeeeeeeeeeeeks!
Posted by: A Fanciful Twist | June 23, 2011 at 04:18 PM
well i just attended the most fabulous tea party hosted by lind from lilly cottage all in honour of your big day. it was the most beautiful setting and to be honest the photos will not do it justice...we had such a lovely time. it must make you giggle with delight that people all over the world have tea parties because of you! oprah should have known about this before she signed off! i can just see it now ladies skype-ing in all over the world attending their tea parties and talking to oprah about it all and you as the main guest speaking about your art and passion....aahhhh what a dream.
i digress...i want to join in on the fun, sign me up baby doll!
xxrosey
Posted by: ittybittyandpretty | June 23, 2011 at 04:26 PM
So excited Vanessa...we are ready and waiting for tomorrow (Saturday) we are on a different time zone here...oh I see the lovely Rosey has whispered some of our secret location ( only known to mad tea party folk)...we too are giddy with excitement...
Can hardly wait, the whole year revolves around this event for me...weeee!!!
Kiss Noises Linda moi!
Posted by: Linda Lilly Cottage | June 23, 2011 at 05:18 PM
I've ironed my table cloth and napkins. I've pulled out my favorite teapots.
I've baked some banana bread and pollished the fruit. I'm ready for this party to begin.
Love to all....
Posted by: Robin | June 23, 2011 at 05:19 PM
My teapot is ready, cupcakes are baking tomorrow, and a little giveaway painting is in the works....
Can't wait! :)
Posted by: Carolee Clark | June 23, 2011 at 06:36 PM
Oh I know your party is going to be beautiful and super spectacular! I am still working on mine. LOL But of course. I will try to offer up a magical and humble offering that I hope folks will enjoy. The magic is so electric!!!! xoxo Theresa
Posted by: Theresa | June 23, 2011 at 07:10 PM
My Alice will be going 'Through the Looking Glass' and into a fabulous Victorian house and grounds...I CAN'T HARDLY WAIT!!!! And I mean that...if I 'CAN' HARDLY WAIT... HMMMMM? Oh bother...my mind is already mixed up on which is which...
Almost time for tea...
Oh my ears and whiskers...
I know I shan't be late...
I may loose my way...
But...
I will follow the White Rabbit...
And I will be sure to end up in Wonderland!
Ta, ta, for now...
Posted by: Teresa in California | June 23, 2011 at 08:00 PM
Oh Vanessa me and my Gnomes are Very Excited--the outside gnomes are already posted on my blog!!!:0
Posted by: Monica Davis | June 23, 2011 at 08:21 PM
You have a lovely blog site. I love the photos very stunning. Love those accessories like the bracelet especially the earing you'd predict to wear.. :)
Posted by: notcathy | June 23, 2011 at 10:05 PM
I am so excited for Saturday! I'm fairly new to blog-land (started my blog at Thanksgiving) and I LOVE hosting tea parties! The teacups are gleaming, the cozy is waiting for it's pot, and a tiny fairy is eager to make a new home with one of my Saturday visitors!
Posted by: micupoftea | June 24, 2011 at 12:54 AM
Oh my oh my am excited! Finished editing my post. Had the tea party last weekend! Which is quite good coz its raining cats and dogs here...Whatta contradiction to your Hot, Hot, Hot weather! Was really disappointed as well that it will take me quite sometime to wait for your saturday over there because of our timezone difference! Anyway, I'm sure its worth the wait! ;) Can't wait to see what you have done Ms V!
Posted by: the weekend artist | June 24, 2011 at 07:53 AM
What a fun peek into your pre-tea party preparations. Loved all the sweet jewelry and twinklies. And I can't wait for the actual party, but, sigh, I guess I shall have to. :) See you tomorrow!
Posted by: Ann | June 24, 2011 at 08:20 AM
I've just arrived here from Blandlandsville. The trip was long enough. I brought all my stuff with me. I have no intentions of going back.
It's as if I'm trying to devour your blog in one sitting. I'm scared it'd disappear when I hop out.
Posted by: Sid M | June 24, 2011 at 08:27 AM
Your shoe cabinet.......(love)
Can't wait to see what parts Miles & Matty will be playing (their darling selves)
What about Mr. Lovee (no more hiding!)
Your flowers make me happy (I spy your new umbrella)
Baking ANOTHER lemon yogurt cake in honor of your tea party ..... and twirling my pagoda style black & white checked parasol a la Alice
Posted by: Jill James | June 24, 2011 at 09:49 AM
I don't need to wish you luck as your MTP's are ALWAYS a success and YOU KNOW each and every person eagerly awaits what YOU will do!!! Unfortunately once again I cannot make the festivities as we are going to a fete of our own to see folks I haven't seen in many a year! I will, however, be a voyeur upon my return!
Sending you sparkling decor, yummy treats and delicious sipping tea!!
XOXOXOXOXO
Posted by: Lisa Swifka | June 24, 2011 at 10:05 AM
How could my relatives have planned a graduation party for the very day of your Mad Tea Party - don't they know that magic should be enjoyed at its peak! I can not attend any party until I first visit here and then shall give up sleep to make my rounds.
Posted by: DogsMom | June 24, 2011 at 11:01 AM
I am excited. Can't wait for the big day!!
Posted by: Shell | June 24, 2011 at 02:07 PM
Hee hee! Looking forward to your party Vanessa. I got out my Alice in Wonderland book last night, in search of pictures of the Queen of Hearts, as old china and a phrase in my journal had inspired me to draw her. I shall explain on Saturday! One of my Alice dolls is ready and waiting to play her part too. And I had not thought what I look for in a party dress but I realise it might be polka dots! I am out all day tomorrow so will be quite late, like you know who, but I will be there!
See you Saturday!
xx
Posted by: Sarah | June 24, 2011 at 02:59 PM
I've just posted my party post a minute ago. As I'm at the top of the list I know I have to get mine in asap for the early partygoers. Here's the link if you need it:
http://58cherries.blogspot.com/2011/06/jump-down-rabbit-holea-mad-tea-party.html
Your pre-party post is beautiful - I know the party itself will be lovely. Looking forward to it!!
Nicki
58Cherries
Posted by: Nicki | June 24, 2011 at 05:22 PM
Oh Dear Mademoiselle Vanessa!
Of course everything is looking beautiful in your world on Mad Tea Party Eve! Things are still under construction in mine, but it will all come together! Now, back to work for me! Miles to go before I sleep, you know, and lots of parties to visit "on the 'morrow"!
Thank you, as always, for the chance to celebrate!
Hugs to you, Mr. Lovey and your boys!
Betty
Posted by: Betty | June 24, 2011 at 06:55 PM
the kettle is filled , the table is set and the cakes are made...the magic is waiting.
time to get a good night sleep ready to be bright eyed for tomorrow party fun.. see you there. hugs wendy
Posted by: wendy | June 24, 2011 at 07:33 PM
Oh me oh my....I just couldn't wait. I'm afraid that I have gone ahead and posted my party on my blog. But I shall return and do this properly.
Oh fiddle sticks
Posted by: Robin | June 24, 2011 at 07:58 PM
oooooooooooooohhhhh my I can't tell you how FUN this was to create! I will be back tomorrow with my URL post!! I LOVE this!!! I invited Queen Anne Boleyn to TEA for my MAD Tea PaRtY!!!!!!! Thank you sweet hostess!
Posted by: trisha | June 24, 2011 at 08:35 PM
Hello girlie-girl.... I'll be attending this year's party as well..... ok, I'm early, I've already posted mine! :-)
Posted by: Cheryl | June 24, 2011 at 09:03 PM
I am almost in tears as I write this to ask you to remove my name from your Mad Tea Party list..... My computer crashed last night and I am unable to get it fixed in time!,, I will be attending all of these lovely parties but will not be able to host one of my own for the first time in three years!,, enjoy!!!
Posted by: Melissa | June 24, 2011 at 09:45 PM
Oh no...I sent you an e mail explaining I wanted to be part of your party but for some reason I can't grab your button...I am all set and ready to go...help!
Posted by: Deborah Belasco | June 24, 2011 at 10:42 PM
In case I'm not around later in the day, here's my little tea party: http://www.hautewhimsy.com/2011/06/mad-tea-party.html
I hope you enjoy my whimsical adventure! Thank you for inviting me to yours :)
Posted by: Jen | June 25, 2011 at 12:03 AM
Inspiring as always!!! You are amazing.
Posted by: Lucinda Keller | June 25, 2011 at 10:29 AM