Party Decorations: Mother’s Day Tea

Women, especially mothers, hold a time-consuming and often underappreciated role in our lives. As we approach Mother's Day consider doing something more formal and host a Mother's Day tea. You can have either a small party or a big event. Before shopping for decorations, check out your own supplies. Create simple decorations and party favors for your event by using your scrapbook materials.

Invitation

Let others know about your party by sending them handmade invitations. Decorate the card on the outside. For the wording on the outside consider phrases such as "you are invited" and "celebrate." Include the important party details inside.

Instructions:

Cut cardstock to 8" x 6". Cut patterned paper to 7 ¾" x 5 ¾". Mount the patterned paper on the cardstock. Adhere a small piece of ribbon to the upper left corner. Add a flower embellishment. For flower embellishment, I placed a small flower over a larger flower then added a rhinestone to the smaller flower. To finish the card stamp the word "celebrate" on it.

Place Cards

Create a small, personalized place card for each guest. Set these at the table so each guest knows where to sit. Place cards create a formal atmosphere to the event.

Instructions:

Cut cardstock to 3 ½" x 3". Cut patterned paper slightly smaller and mount on the cardstock. Fold lengthwise. Add a flower with a brad through the flower's center. Stamp the guest's name on the card.

Napkin Ring

A tea party calls for nice napkins held in place by a napkin ring. No need to get expensive napkin rings. Simply make one from your supplies.

Instructions:

Cut cardstock to 1 ½" x 5". Cut pattern papered slightly smaller and mount on the cardstock. Fold the long end inside, making a circle. Decorate with a flower with a brad inserted into the center. When inserting the brad, make it go through the beginning and end sections of the paper so it stays in place. Glue to hold better if necessary.

A "Mom" Mini-book

Give each mom a special gift of a small handmade book. What should you put in the book? Here are a few suggestions:

• quotes about motherhood
• pictures of the guest and her family
• handwritten note by the guest's child or children

Instructions:

Cut cardstock to 4" x 8". Cut patterned paper to 3" x 7". Mount patterned paper on cardstock. Fold lengthwise. Stamp "mom" or other saying on the cover. Add flower embellishments. Tie a ribbon around the middle of the book, tying it together.

I created invitations, place cards, napkin rings and mini-books. Notice that I used the same papers and embellishments over and over again. The repetition creates a pleasing effect and unifies the items. Additionally, it makes the task of creating easier since I didn't need to rethink what papers and items to use for each decoration.

Show some special women how much you appreciate them by holding a Mother's Day tea. With a little creative flair, your decorations will bring a personal touch to the event.