Themed play dates have been trending in the Valley amongst moms and kids alike. Why not add a special twist to ordinary playtime with friends? Whether weekend fun, seasonal breaks from school, or for our tiniest tots who don’t yet make the grade, a little party with friends can be fun for all.

As a newer mom, I thought my daughter, Mia Valentina, should have a themed play date for the first official play date we hosted at home. A Tea Party sounded perfect for some of our favorite one year old girls. Of course, I immediately turned to Oriental Trading for ideas. Around since the 1930’s, Oriental Trading is the nation's largest direct merchant of value-priced party supplies, arts and crafts, toys and novelties. A family tradition since I was a little girl, they have made generations of events memorable … and manageable. Since my key audience members were so young, I wanted a simple yet unforgettable play date for the scrapbooks.

A focal point of our Tea Party was, of course, the tea and treats. I already had a collection of tea cups and saucers as well as serving trays that fit our theme. We also ordered Sweet Treat Centerpieces, Mini Hot Pink Cupcake Pedestals and DIY centerpieces (made from Cylinder Tea Light Holders and Tea Party Fans) to add some flair.

When I think of a proper Tea Party, I envision wide-brimmed hats, white gloves and pearls. For the little girls attending, Iwanted to find something age-appropriate yet fitting. Oriental Trading had the perfect Tea Party Hats that I bedazzled with Jeweled Daisy Stickers. They also had Tea Party Filled Treat Bags that included an assortment of Tea Party accessories; mini boa’s, faux pearls, bracelets, stickers, whistles – all perfectly crafted for toddlers.

With all of this out of the way, my guests and I were able to enjoy the Tea Party and each other’s company.

*I am an Oriental Trading blogger and I received free products to facilitate this post. All ideas and opinions are my own!