Thursday, February 12, 2009

A Valentines Tea

When I was a little girl, the dearest possession in my world was my American Girl Doll Felicity. Oh how I loved Felicity so much- her hair, her lovely Colonial clothes, her canopy bed (which to this day still looks most dreamy and wonderful to me).

Felicity and I did everything together. Half of my real wardrobe matched hers- nightgowns, dresses and such, courtesy of my very talented grandma. There are even studio photos of us hanging at my parents house.

American Girl was the pinnacle of cool in my childhood world. No barbies for me. I was way too immersed in American girland playing out Felicity's or Samantha's or Molly's stories with friends or pretending Felicity and I were orphans together (why on earth was that so fun as a child??), or having tea.

For as long as I can remember my mom and her friends held Valentines Tea Parties. These parties were HUGE events, very well-orchestrated and fanciful and at the post-toddler age of four, daughters were allowed to attend. It was a defining moment- becoming one of the "older girls" and attending the Valentines Tea!

The best part: this tea was not just for women and girls. It was also for their dolls. And the dolls loved it. They all got to sit together and eat mini tea crumpets and cucumber sandwiches and when it was gift time they too, participated.

All the daughters are grown now, and over the years Valentines Tea has scaled back much. But still as lovely as ever, I give you A Valentines Tea:






My sweet little Felicity was not there (however, she is waiting for me to come pick her up from her grandmother's house). But I couldn't help but smile as I looked to the table next to me and saw the next generation of little girls and their dolls, giddy to be at this most wonderful occasion.

4 comments:

Becca said...

What a fun tradition! And how cool that you (and your mom, et al) still keep it up! :) What a great way to celebrate Valentine's Day.

Natalie | Make Today Great said...

Oh my goodness, I'm so jealous!! I loved Kirsten! And I somehow bought the New Mexican doll too!

MEvans said...

I'm thinking of starting a little tea party group myself. The girls love tea parties and now I'm inspired to include mini's for thier dolls on the menu! Avery has Nellie (Samantha's best friend) and Parker has Ruthie (Kit's best friend). I'm sure they'd love to meet Felicity some time!

Dallas said...

that sounds cute. I hope I learn to make crumpets.