In your Easter bonnet: mini Spring hat making and tea party

Although it seems the whims of fashion have made Easter Bonnets a thing of the past, it wasn't too long ago that these "must-have" Spring accessories were proudly showcased by stylish ladies in Easter parades from New York's famous 5th Avenue to Main Street, USA 

 left to Right: 5th Ave Easter Parade 1911, unknown sitter in Easter Bonnet, 
Easter Bonnet from Ad 1945

sources: aoifekirwanmillinery, bing.com, gettyimages.com

In your Easter bonnet,

With all the frills upon it,
You'll be the grandest lady
in the Easter Parade

Irving Berlin

 

Left to Right: Easter Parade, Harlem 1947, Judy Garland & Fred Astaire 1948, 

Vogue cover

sources: by Henri Cartier Bresson, Film still: Easter Parade, Vogue magazine

Many years ago, our family, channeling their inner milliners, began the admittedly unusual tradition of making pint size decorative hats for Easter, starting with the very humble….styrofoam cup.

Add some paints, trim and extra crafty accents and voila: a petit but chic chapeau. 

Recent years has seen our family tradition turn into an annual ladies tea and hat making afternoon, complete with mock parade and photo shoot. 

My Mother, the consummate hostess, holds the event appreciated as much for her teatime fare as for her well stocked "craft room" an enviable basement space dedicated to fostering creativity. 

Of course the event is BYOGG (Bring your own glue gun)
   

Spring Bonnets
There are many different tutorials for these online but we've always found this system works for us
You'll need

styrofoam cups
we noticed different brands yielded different 
results and shapes.

paint which adheres to cup 
(avoid spray paint as it will dissolve cups)

trim, ribbons, florals and trinkets

head bands, hair clips if desired

hot glue guns 

photos and ideas for inspiration

Place cups, bottoms up, on a cookie sheet.
 "Bake" in preheated 300 degree oven anywhere 
from 2-10 minutes, checking every minute.
 (size of cups and variations in ovens will affect time)

   

As if by magic, the cups will shrink into a variety of hat like shapes. I always make extras to allow for "oopses" or the occasional dud.

Remove cups and allow to cool thoroughly, painting if desired. Faux eggs are on hand to make fun models.
If hosting a party, cups can be heated and painted with assorted colors the day before to save time and allow guests to dive right into the decorating part.

busy hands: gluing, snipping and trimming

Then decorate away: The fun part is seeing how each guest incorporates their own personal style. 

hats inspired by favorite colors, travels, or interests.
toothpicks become impromptu chopsticks for an asian inspired topper, stars add sparkle to chic black chapeau

Once complete hats can be displayed anywhere: on eggs, glassware,candlesticks or even small Eiffel Towers.

No need for serious fashion, as Easter Bonnets can range from the subtly cheeky to the all out outrageous.

Anne Miller in the ultimate Easter bonnet c1946

With the popularity of fascinators (Thanks Princess Kate!) we decided to attach some of our creations to plastic headbands or hair clips for some whimsical but wearable flair.
channelling my inner bunny
(don't think I'll make the fashion pages)

with a bunny tail in back of course

or why not spruce up household members in their Easter finest?

Angel reluctantly models a petal pink chapeau

Tea is Served

We kept our creative energies in full gear with festive tea time fare featuring a "Mad Hatter" theme including tea sandwiches, soup, scones and sweets

mini candy and decorative hats adorned the table

Easy 5 minute Hat Cookies & Strawberry "Carrots"

Using simple ingredients, these fun treats can be assembled in the blink of an eye and are a perfect project for kids.

For Strawberry "carrots" simply dip fresh berries in orange chocolate melts with a few carrot ridges added

(Lots of versions on Pinterest) 

Hat Cookies

round flat cookies (store bought or homemade)
Marshmallows (cut in half)
Candy melts or baking chips -any color or flavor
(melted according to package instructions)
icing and sprinkles

cover cookies with melted chocolate

top with marshmallows (cut in half) and allow to cool.

Decorate as desired

Spring is in the Air….

furry friends on the mantel, tea cups and hats on the "Tea" Tree,  assorted cups

The House was brimming with bunnies, Spring flowers and teatime inspired decor

a cheerful foyer sets the mood

Wishing all our readers

a Delightful Spring!