A Red Hat Tea Party

Afternoon Tea, once started by an English Duchess as an afternoon gathering for her friends, quickly spread throughout London to be the ritual we know today as the tea party. A lovely time for ladies to sit in relaxed conversation mixed with a bit of good gossip, drink delicious tea and eat. A tea party can include a simple pot of tea with dainty sandwiches & cakes, to three courses that include savory and sweet foods.

Heat things up this winter season by hosting your own tea party for your dearest red hatters. A fun and festive tea party will allow guests to indulge in excellent food and fellowship. When sending out invitations to your tea party, encourage guests to wear red and purple satin gloves along with their red hat and a mini feathered fan to make them feel like queens having tea in England.

Purple Ruched Satin Gloves add a touch of elegance to any red hat look while showing off great taste in fashion. To add an extra boost of flare while entertaining, wear the Masquerade Party Hat. This hat shows off a feathery masquerade mask and has all the glitz and drama you need as the hostess of a spectacular tea party event.

Prepare for your lovely red hat ladies by making mini bite sized sandwiches, scones, biscuits, and sweets to eat as hors’douvres. Bite sized sandwiches are a great treat in between meals and when paired with your favorite homemade sweets, they will hit the spot with every guest.

Red Hat tea parties should never be boring, spice up yours by hosting a small gift exchange between your guests. Ask each attendant to purchase a small gift under ten dollars such as a Tea Time Pin or some Red Hat Socks! Have each guest write their name on a small sheet of paper and throw it into a hat, and then they can draw names and exchange their favorite gifts.

At the close of your tea party send your guests away with something thoughtful. Purchase mugs and different flavors of tea, wrap them up in red or purple cellophane and add ribbon or bows to create the perfect going away gift for your guests to enjoy.

With these tea party tips, you will be able to host the most spectacular tea party that your red hat guests will be talking about for months. Remember to enjoy yourself and share some special memories with your closest friends!

Tell us about your most recent tea party and let us know what activities you prepared to entertain your guests!

Red Hat Resolutions

A new year can mean a new you! New Years resolutions are ways to improve yourself for the following year. Resolutions can include ways to change your life, improve your relationships with others, and help the community. Some ideas for resolutions include:

• Spending more time with friends and family- It is important to build stronger relationships with family and friends this upcoming year. Business activities and prior commitments may need to be rescheduled to make time for the important people in your life.
  

• Sparkle at the Red Hat Society's 10th Birthday Celebration- Head to Orlando Florida in June and strut your stuff with a dazzling new outfit and hat. Sparkle among the crowd with an outfit that stands out and purchase a new red hat that is sure to grab everyone's attention!

• Learn something new- Increasing knowledge is important for growth and self confidence. Try learning a new language, a musical instrument, or take up watercolor painting. Break out of your current routine and challenge yourself.

• Take a trip- Travel the world and visit places you never thought you would see. Relax and take a break from your everyday life to view other cultures and areas of the world. Take a cruise, visit another state, or even try out a new country.

• Start a garden- Take time to grow beautiful flowers or even vegetables to use in the kitchen. Vegetables and herbs will taste extra special if you grow them yourself. Fresh flowers will brighten your yard and even your home.

• Volunteer to help others- Help make a difference in other people's lives and volunteer. Mentor a child, build a house for the homeless, or even volunteer at a local library. Giving back to the community can also improve your own life.

What are some of your New Year's Resolutions? Let us know how you plan to improve your lives in 2008!