Saturday, July 11, 2015

Happy Birthday Alice in Wonderland: A Mad Tea Blog Party

It's hard to believe that it's been 150 years since Alice first stumbled down that famous rabbit hole, and a century and a half later her antics are still enchanting us all. What better way to celebrate this auspicious "un" unbirthday than by joining a delightful group of fellow bloggers for 
Mad Tea Party! 
Of course tea, cake, hats and animal friends are a must and with some easy DIY's, household props and sunny weather it's fun to turn your yard or porch into a fete worthy of the hatter himself.

Books, cards and clocks give a nod to the classic story
 cookies and colorful sweets round out the menu
no need for formality, mismatched tea cups add to the "madness"
a dapper March Hare shows up on time
A DIY Flamingo croquet set from last years party are at the ready for a quick match
instructions here: a-mad-tea-party
More tea cups suspended from tinsel string hold flameless votives 
should guests linger into the evening  
and the sun goes down

Down the Rabbit Hole Birthday Cake
Celebrate Alice's famous tumble with an easy but fun dessert that won't require  advanced baking skills or degree in the Culinary arts. I embraced the trend of "naked" cakes and skipped the full traditional frosting, instead using some fun accents and fresh berries.
You'll Need
the cake
A chocolate bundt cake (store bought or handmade)
 Store-bought Tube, or pastry bag of icing for adhering decorations
Berries and mint 
Dollar store or inexpensive doll of appropriate size
At the risk of sounding creepy I had to gently remove the legs to fit cake
 Luckily she came with a blue dress but I painted her pink shoes black, painted some white socks and glued lace to hem for more Alice-ness
Toad stools
I created toad stools with red velvet cookies divided in two atop marshmallows (a dollop of icing acts as glue) with white gel icing dots 
or try my Marshmallows Mushrooms from my woodland-tea 
Cake Banner
I found vintage images from the story on charming emilysimagegarden and added the text 
"we're all mad here!" 
Then glued to ribbon attached to skewers and inserted in cake

"Unbirthday" Hats
While the mad hatter sported an elegant silk topper for an un unbirthday, these classic festive paper versions are fun DIY alternatives.
Printables, trim and craft scraps add some wonderland flare to basic party hats and no need for perfection, for a mad party anything goes.
Images from one of my favorite go-to sources thegraphicsfairy.com


UnBirthday Giveaway
Whats a birthday without a gift?
 This year I will be giving away an Alice themed mixed media shadow box painting from my shop Le Beau ChatonThe painting was hand done in assorted paints and accented with embellishments and measures about 6 x 6 x 1 1/2"
To enter, please leave a comment and, if necessary, a way to contact you, and let us know you'd like to participate in the giveaway by July 19th. 
The winner will be announced the following week and can send their shipping information via the "contact us" button.
disclaimer: Not techy enough to install a raffle app or gadget, I will very unscientifically have one of our cats randomly select the winner from a printed list of entries- whoever the paw points to first will be our winner. The Dormouse will be on hand as a witness

Many Thanks to Vanessa of A Fanciful Twist 
for hosting her delightful parties!
For a link and list of the wonderful bloggers participating in this 8th annual celebration please click HERE.

101 comments:

  1. Ohhhh wowwwwww what a great party...love the Flamingos....WE ARE ALL MAD HERE....happy unbirthday to you
    hugs
    Kerstin

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    1. Many Thanks Kerstin! The neighbors did look at me funny when I pulled out flamingo croquet mallets lol

      Delete
  2. LOL I love how you'l choose your winner, and yes, please include me in the drawing for your amazing art! LOVE your party, and your cake is so creative. I love the idea of red velvet cake toadstools!

    Linking from A Fanciful Twist,
    Happy Mad Tea Party!
    Ricki Jill

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  3. LOL I love how you'l choose your winner, and yes, please include me in the drawing for your amazing art! LOVE your party, and your cake is so creative. I love the idea of red velvet cake toadstools!

    Linking from A Fanciful Twist,
    Happy Mad Tea Party!
    Ricki Jill

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    1. Thanks so much Ricki Jill!
      This is such a fun theme- and the toad stills took only minutes-
      so glad you entered the drawing -hope the cats fulfill their duties without a problem :)

      Delete
  4. Christina,
    How charming and lovely, the glow of the evening is stunning. I enjoyed every minute of the party and thank you for the DIY tips too!
    Happy Saturday!
    Hugs,
    Jemma

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    1. Thanks so much! This was such fun to put together!

      Delete
  5. Thanks for visiting me at Delights of the Heart.
    Love, love your creative cake, such a fun idea. The toad stools too are a delight, a simple idea that I will remember. How fun to share tea time with you.

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    1. Thanks so much Marylin-
      This was fun to put together!
      -Sadly I have limited baking skills so I try to keep things easy to make- I think the toad stools took all of 5 minutes :)

      Delete
  6. This is so adorable. It is very whimsical and in theme. I love all the fun characters... Isn't so much fun to join Vanessa's Mad Tea Party?? So many amazing and creative minds.

    Nice to meet you. I hope you can stop by to look at my version too.

    Janet

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    1. Thanks so much!
      I just love this Tea party- this is only my second year - wish I had discovered it sooner- but what fun!!
      I will definitely pop over for tea!
      Cheers

      Delete
  7. Love the mushroom cookies, and the tea cup candles surprised me, they are lovely. Thank you for sharing.

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    1. Thanks so much- the tea cup candles were tricky to photograph but so simple to make :)

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  8. Love the mushroom cookies, and the tea cup candles surprised me, they are lovely. Thank you for sharing.

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  9. oh I love your porch side tea party. The tea cups hanging from the rafters are lovely.

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    1. Thanks so much! It's such a fun theme to work with :)

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  10. Your cake is the best! I love the red velvet mushroom cookies and Alice falling down the hole. The hanging teacups with votives is also awesome. Thank you for the most wonderful Alice tea party ideas. :-)

    Please come to my party: http://www.moonlyf.com/2015/07/8th-annual-mad-tea-party.html

    ~♥Carmen♥~

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    1. Thanks so much Carmen! The cake and mushrooms were almost embarrassingly easy to make lol
      So glad you popped by for tea

      I will definitely pay you a visit! :)

      Delete
  11. Hanging teacups! LOVE. Cookies on marshmallows...brilliant. From the party over at http://healingfairyalphabet.com/2015/07/11/join-the-fairy-mad-tea-party/

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    1. Thanks so much! So glad you enjoyed the projects -they were really super easy to make :)
      Cheers!

      Delete
  12. Your tea party is wonderful!! I love that cake!

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  13. Your tea party is wonderful!! I love that cake!

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  14. Amazing presentation. Love the tea cups with flameless votives, completely brilliant!

    Happy Mad Tea Party. ♥

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    1. Thanks so much! Popping the flameless votives in was actually a last minute idea lol
      So glad you stopped by
      Cheers!

      Delete
  15. This is so clever. I had an Alice party for my oldest daughter's 5th birthday several years ago, and I wish I had thought of that idea for a cake! Brilliant!

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    1. Oh Thanks so much! I bet that was such a fun birthday! I'm terrible at frosting cakes so I tried to come up with a fun way out lol
      So glad you stopped by :)

      Delete
  16. LOL - I LOVED your comment about the prize and the cat. Personally, I would MUCH rather have it your way. I have the hardest time with those contest things and rarely bother with them :)

    Your party was a fun delight and I loved the way you told how you did it. I'm sharing this on Facebook for others who might like to host an Alice party for birthdays or fun days. Happy Mad Tea Party 2015 :)

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    1. Thanks so much! and thanks for sharing it :)
      Yes I volunteered the cats - has to be easier than those gadgets!
      So glad you stopped by and delighted you enjoyed the projects
      Cheers!

      Delete
  17. What a creative idea for a cake! And I am enamored of the teacups holding flameless candles.

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    1. Thanks so much! This was such a fun theme to play with! :)

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  18. Wow! So many great ideas, especially the Alice down the Rabbit Hole cake! Love it! Thanks for all the great inspiration. Cheers, Sarah

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    1. Thanks so much! This has just been so much fun-
      So glad you stopped by for tea!

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  19. What an excellent idea for a cake! I absolutely love it! Yes, of course, I'd love to be entered into the drawing. Your artwork is delightful! sarah@hopeineveryseason.com
    Have a great weekend!
    Blessings,
    Sarah

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    1. Thanks so much!
      So glad you enjoyed the cake - it's really so easy to put together :)

      Delete
  20. I am so glad I joined up with the Mad Tea this year for so many reasons, one being that I discovered your wonder-filled blog! That rabbit hole cake is my favorite!! Amazing creativity here. In fact, after this party of yours I am all geared up with fresh ideas for another party to unleash on my friends!

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    1. Thanks so much for your kind words! So glad you enjoyed the post-
      It's been such fun visiting all the parties- I'm still only part way through and have gotten so many new ideas! :)

      Delete
  21. Wow, so many creative ideas for your Mad Tea. Do you allow your images to be pinned? I'd like to add some of your ideas to my Alice board. The cake is adorable! I'm already looking ahead to next year.
    Thanks for the chance to win a piece of your original art. It's adorable! I'm having a give away at Hyacinths. Hope you will join in. No techy entry here either. ;-)
    Thanks for the tea!

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    1. Thanks so much-
      and yes please pin away- an Alice board- how fun!
      I will definitely pop over for visit :)
      Cheers!

      Delete
  22. Those amanita cupcakes... so clever & cute! LOVE it all... -xo

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  23. Love the hanging teacups, great idea to use the battery lights! Delicious Tea, thank you, hope you will visit me at Plumfield, http://plumfieldhousegardens.blogspot.com/

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    1. Thanks so much!
      I'd be delighted to visit! This blog party has been such fun :)

      Delete
  24. I am wearing the widest smile after seeing your tumble down Alice cake.
    Thank you for so many do-able ideas!
    I am not a fan of rats or mice but for some reason I want to hug your dormouse! Please do it for me.
    The cat winner choosing method is always the best. I may use it myself for my giveaway.

    http://dogsmomvisits.blogspot.com/2015/07/a-fanciful-twists-8th-annual-virtual.html

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    1. Thanks so much!
      So glad you enjoyed the projects- and I will send the dormouse your love lol
      Hoping the cats cooperate with their responsibilities! :)

      Delete
  25. Thanks so much!
    So glad you enjoyed the projects- and I will send the dormouse your love lol
    Hoping the cats cooperate with their responsibilities! :)

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  26. You have hosted a Frabulous Mad Tea Party! Lots of fun and inspiring ideas here! Thanks so very much! An yes! Please put my name into the draw for your Wonderland shadow box giveaway.
    You may contact me at: tscat@sbcglobal.net
    Thanks ever so much!
    Teresa in California
    http://amagicalwhimsy.blogspot.com/

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    1. Thanks so much for stopping by and entering the contest!-
      I'm so glad you enjoyed the post!
      Cheers!

      Delete
  27. Oh my goodness Christina, what a magnificent Mad Tea party! Love it all! Your table looks wonderful and that cake is a hoot! The toadstools are way too cute and look oh so easy, I will have to remember those!
    Please enter me in your unbirthday giveaway, how fun to offer that to us.
    Take care and thanks for sharing such a cute post with us.
    Gina

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    1. Thanks so for your kind words much Gina!
      Yes, toad stools took mere minutes to put together- just make sure to pick the sturdiest marshmallows from the bag -some got tilty lol
      Thanks also for entering the contest
      Cheers!

      Delete
  28. I love your beautiful blog <3 And what a stunning setting, truly! Love it, cake and all and more. Tea cups hanging magically, it's just all gorgeous! Happiest mad tea party wishes <3, Vanessa

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    1. Thanks so much for your sweet comment Vanessa!
      And a great big thanks for hosting this Fabulous blog party-
      This is just my second year- and it's a ball! wish I had stumbled on it sooner (sigh)
      Cheers!

      Delete
  29. What a fantastic tea party!! I love all of the details, the DIYs, and the cake is absolutely perfect!! As an elementary teacher, I may have to borrow your idea! Thank you for stopping in for tea at my party, too.
    God bless and Happy Birthday to you,
    Sherry - Sherry's Cabin
    PS I would love to be entered for the give away!

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    1. Thanks so much visiting Sherry!
      So glad you enjoyed the projects-
      Your students might get a kick out of it :)

      Delete
  30. Oh I am so amused! That cake! That cake! How did you ever think of it? I am still shaking my head with delight! All of the tea party is lovely, but that is the one that surprised me most. Thank you for having me to this lovely party!

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    1. Thanks Lynda- How sweet of you!
      I love sweets but am a terrible cake froster(a word?) so I tried to think of something fun where I could avoid an icing disaster lol- I'm so glad you enjoyed it - it was beyond easy to make lol

      Delete
  31. Fabulous!! I thoroughly enjoyed my visit, your party was delightful!
    Thank you for being a most gracious hostess, my Dear!
    Hugs,
    Anne

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  32. Fabulous!! I thoroughly enjoyed my visit, your party was delightful!
    Thank you for being a most gracious hostess, my Dear!
    Hugs,
    Anne

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    1. Thanks so much Anne
      I'm delighted you stopped by for a visit! :)

      Delete
  33. What an understated and classy idea! I'm going to swipe the idea for the flamingos because it's just that simple and adorable. I'm such a fan of all things Alice in Wonderland, so this is totally up my alley. Thank you for sharing! - Jerusha, TheDisneyChef.com

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    1. Oh Thanks so much!
      I'm such an Alice fan too -feel free to swipe the flamingoes - so glad you enjoyed the projects
      Cheers!

      Delete
  34. I love anything Alice In Wonderland. We did a flower show in that theme one year, so fun. The hanging tea cups are a great idea!

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    1. Thanks so much Nell! So glad you enjoyed the post-
      An Alice flower show! How Fun!

      Delete
  35. Just adored your beautiful party! Those velvet bunnies stole my heart. I remember having a piggy bank just like those when I was a little girl. So sweet. And that cake!!! Oh wow! Fabulous! I really enjoyed my visit.
    Hugs,
    Susan
    http://flutterbeforeyou.blogspot.com/2015/07/mad-hatters-tea-party-2015-blog-hop.html

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  36. Just adored your beautiful party! Those velvet bunnies stole my heart. I remember having a piggy bank just like those when I was a little girl. So sweet. And that cake!!! Oh wow! Fabulous! I really enjoyed my visit.
    Hugs,
    Susan
    http://flutterbeforeyou.blogspot.com/2015/07/mad-hatters-tea-party-2015-blog-hop.html

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    1. Thanks so much for stopping by for tea and for your kind words!
      I found those bunnies at my craft store and have used them so many times in my tablescapes - they're regulars on the blog lol
      Cheers!

      Delete
  37. Such a great party!! Me and my daughter were amazed and loved the cake!! What a great idea. Thanks for sharing how to do one. Please enter me in the giveaway. take care, Darlene

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    1. Thanks so much! This was such a fun event to be a part of-
      delighted you liked the cake- it's super easy to put together :)

      Delete
  38. Fabulous! I love your arrangements, and the suspended teacups are a wonderful touch. I love the cake! I used to do a buche de Noel log cake with meringue mushrooms at Christmas when the kids were still home, but this looks easier! Love it! Thanks for linking to Tuesday Cuppa Tea!
    Ruth

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    1. Thanks so much Ruth!
      I love meringue mushrooms!- I tried a few times but need still a little practice-
      So glad you enjoyed the post and Thanks for hosting your delightful parties!

      Delete
  39. Christine, this is fabulous! Love the hanging teacups and the rabbit hole cake! Your tea party is whimsical, clever, and so very creative; love it! Thanks so much for sharing it with us at Tea Time and have an extraordinary day.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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    1. Thanks Sandi!
      This was lot's of fun to put together -
      I always love being part of your Tea Time parties :)

      Delete
  40. Oh. My. Goodness! Wow! I LOVE your party and all the pretties Thank you for explaining how to make so many of the items. My daughter and I love to have tea parties and I know that she would love to make that cake! Thank you again!

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  41. Oh. My. Goodness! Wow! I LOVE your party and all the pretties Thank you for explaining how to make so many of the items. My daughter and I love to have tea parties and I know that she would love to make that cake! Thank you again!

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    1. Thanks so much Karen!
      So glad you enjoyed the ideas
      The cake was so easy but you could add frosting and flowers too :)

      Delete
  42. This party is adorable! Lovin that cake!! Thank you so much for linking up to Merry Monday this week! I am sharing your post tomorrow on my FB page! We hope to see you next week for another great party! Have a great week!
    Best,
    Kim

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    1. Thanks so much!
      and Thanks for sharing it- so glad you enjoyed the projects and happy to be part of Merry Monday! :)

      Delete
  43. Sorry I'm late! I love your blog. Very clean. I love your goodies as well. I'm having a giveaway also! www.thetragicqueen.com. Stop by.
    thetragicqueen@yahoo.com

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    1. Thanks so much!
      No worries about being late- I'm still working my way through all the parties!
      I'll certainly stop by- So much to see :)

      Delete
  44. I love everything about this enchanting post but I'm especially enchanted by the rabbit hole cake and your creative Alice. Very clever! And the drawing is a wonderful and fun touch! Also, thanks much for visiting my tea party at The Marmelade Gypsy. It's fun, the tea party!

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    1. Thanks so much!
      Delighted you enjoyed the post- This had been such fun visiting all the parties
      Loved yours- I used to have a beloved cat named Marmalade :)

      Delete
  45. Your cake is AHmazing, so creative! Lovely tea party! Would love for you to share this at #OhMyHeartsieGirlsWW! Hope you can join us! Thank you for the cup of tea! The kettle is still on over at my blog, if you'd like a cuppa tea! =) Have a beautiful day!
    http://cherishingasweetlife.blogspot.com/2015/07/chapter-1-down-rabbit-hole.html

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    1. Thanks so much!
      I'd be delighted to share it - I'll pop over for a cup :)

      Delete
  46. I'm either late or very confused, but it's so difficult to tell once one has had so many cups of tea. All I really want is to find a bathroom, but no one seems to have one in Wonderland. Anyhoo, I love your cake with Alice falling in. What stupendously awesome idea! Thanks for letting me in!

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    1. LOL! yes wonderland seems to have limited facilities haha-
      I'm still working my way through all the parties-so much tea so little time
      Cheers and thanks for visiting!

      Delete
  47. The most creative ideas, especially the cake! A few years ago we gave my sister and "un-birthday" party. How I wish I had been more creative!
    snow_lightt at yahoo.com

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    1. Thanks so much!
      So glad you enjoyed the post- this is such a fun theme to work with :)
      I bet your sister loved the unbirthday party! At my age I think I will only have "unbirthdays" from now on :)

      Delete
  48. Such a cute party! I love the toad stools. Last year for my daughter's birthday, we took her to the Md Hatter's Tea Shop, and I thought it would've had more of an Alice in Wonderland theme, but it really didn't I was a little disappointed, but the food was good. It's about time that I start planning something for her birthday this year. Yikes! Anyhoo... Thanks for stopping by the Submarine Sunday Link Party!!

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    1. Thanks so much!
      A Mad Hatter's Tea shop sounds like so much fun- i would have thought it would have a lot of Alice too from the name - Good luck with the party - have you ever seen the site "Catch My Party" ? lots of ideas - just type in a theme
      Thanks again for visiting and hosting your fun blog parties!

      Delete
  49. So much "mad' creativity here I don't know where to start ! I love that your party has lights in the teacups so the madness can go on late into the evening ! Alice diving into the cake , the dormouse, all of it ! If I'm not too late i'd love to be included in the give-away.

    I know I'll be back to look this party over again, thank-you !

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    1. Thanks so much Kathy-
      this was such a fun theme - love that it could be a little wacky-
      So glad you enjoyed it and of course you can be entered in the giveaway :)
      please pop back again
      Cheers!

      Delete
  50. Christina:
    Just posting of the Madhatter group is one of the most unique I have seen. This is wonderful and deserves a prize. I see lots of work and effort here - well "fun" work! Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Thanks so much visiting and for your sweet words :)
      and you're so right- this kind of work is really such fun!
      It's definitely an occasion to go a little "mad" with decor
      Thanks also for hosting your lovely blog tea parties!
      Cheers

      Delete
  51. LOL- better late than never-
    So glad you enjoyed the party and as I'm late with the giveaway we'll throw your name in the hat - no worries
    Thanks for visiting!
    Cheers!

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  52. Christina, this is all just fabulous mad fun! I knew it would be from the moment I spied it in the link up. I joined Vanessa's party for the first time this year and loved every minute of it. I am still trying to get around to visiting everyone. The cake is darling and oh my, the toad stools!! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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    1. Thanks so much Jann!
      Vanessa's party is just so much fun- this is my second year- there's so many parties still to see!
      Thanks for visiting and for hosting your fabulous weekly parties! :)
      Cheers

      Delete
  53. Thanks for visiting my blog party. Congrats on getting over 100 comments. wow!

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    1. Thanks so much Katherine!
      For some reason my blog counts my replies as comments too- so it's really more like 50 -
      although 100 would be nice lol
      This annual blog party is so much fun- so many nice bloggers :)

      Delete
  54. This comment has been removed by the author.

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