Ever since I was a little girl I’ve loved the whimsical land of Alice in Wonderland. I grew up reading the books and like everyone else, loved the Disney movie adaptation including the rides at Disneyland. When I saw the Garden of Wonders party decorations, I knew I wanted to create a Garden of Wonders of my own to share. This party was so much fun to create, it’s hard to pick my favorite element. With a few fun party props, clocks and top hats I was able to create my own wonderland tea party in my own backyard!
The Sweets Table
Starting with my backdrop, I hung a clover and White Tulle backdrop. I added some flowers, a large key cut out and white tulle to a black frame I had on hand from the Maleficient Party I styled a few years ago. Next, I set out the Garden of Wonders Mad Hatter Stand-Up and Garden of Wonders Teacup Stand-Up on the sides of my tables. I covered the back table with a purple tablecloth and added a Black & White Striped Table Runner to the front table. Next I set out my oversized clock, flowers, moss mushrooms and butterflies. I also added a few Flamingo Yard Decorations in the front of the table.
I partially painted a few Faux Flowers red and spray painted a door knob gold to tie in elements from the famous story line. Since you don’t want to be late for a very important date, I made sure there were plenty of clocks in various styles and colors throughout the party.
I ordered a custom-made Mad Hatter cake as a centerpiece for the dessert table. Pictures don’t capture how amazing this cake really is!
I set out the second tier of the Mad Hatter cake on its own cake plate. I felt it needed to be displayed proudly on its own, tea cup topper and all!
I also set out bite-sized desserts, cupcakes and a few Mad Tea Party Sandwiches. To add more garden elements, I displayed Boxwood Décor Balls with Feather Butterflies on top of candle holders.
The Party Tablescape
You can’t have a Mad Hatter style Tea Party without lots of whimsy and a dash of chaos! I had so much fun setting the party table. This table is all about layers and stacking decor. I covered the table with a black tablecloth and topped it with a black and white checkered linen. For the table runner, I layered a silky purple runner on top of a length of artificial grass that I had cut at the local hardware store. For the table settings, I stacked a black plate on top of a Gold Charger and then placed one of my DIY Topsy Turvey Tea Cup Centerpieces on top of the plate. The tea cups and tea pots not only make the perfect wonderland inspired party decor, but they are also great party favors. Be sure to check out my tutorial for the Topsy Turvy Tea Cup Centerpieces to see how you can make them too.
My DIY Mad Hatter’s Hat Centerpiece took center stage on top of a red cake plate surrounded by clocks. You can see how you can make your own Mad Hatter inspired centerpiece HERE.
I also set out a Black Patterned Plastic Wine Glass at each setting. I added a couple Flamingo Decorations and decorative mushrooms to the table as well.
Another favorite element was the set of Playing Card Soldiers I made to hang in the background using Playing Card Cutouts and scrapbook paper. Don’t they look like they are guarding the tea party?
Are you looking for more Garden of Wonders party inspiration? Check out my tutorials for the Topsy Turvy Tea Cup Centerpieces and Mad Hatter’s Hat Centerpiece plus my recipe for Mad Tea Party Sandwiches.
