Ella's Samantha Tea Party: Part 1

We hosted a successful party yesterday with the help of our parents.  Ella-girl had such a fun time, and I think the other girls did, too.  Here's a look at the details of the day.

Looking at the pictures I realize there weren't too many things we had to buy; most of our decor just came together organically with things we all had.  I think this wreath was originally used at Katie's wedding, and the "E" is from Ella's room.

 The Table

I was so proud of my cake.  Here was my inspiration picture I found on Pinterest.  I thought it worked out well that I used edible pearls instead of trying to decorate the sides of mine, and I loved the idea of the teacup with rosebuds as a cake-topper.

A sweet friend let us borrow her butler's tray, and my mom borrowed the silver service from my grandmother.  I thought it looked so beautiful sitting there.  I also spy Samantha.  As for Ella's attire, I was thrilled when my mother-in-law found this old dress of Katie's that looked just like the dress Samantha wears on the cover of Happy Birthday, Samantha.  T also had Samantha's locket that came with the movie she'd bought years ago.  All I had to buy were pretty lace socks and some shoes, which she can wear all fall and winter.  She was adorable, and something about the long skirt made her look younger, which I was somehow a fan of.

T saved Katie's American Girl dolls, and she had Samantha and all her accessories set out to enjoy.  My mom brought her collection of teacups for the table, and our butler, he was amazing.  KJ was fully in character, speaking in subdued, dignified tones, one arm behind his back while serving at table.  He is amazing.  And lastly, you'll see the embroidery hoops set out in the parlor.  I bought plain white bandannas from Hobby Lobby and a collection of monograms on ink transferable paper that I ironed on the bandannas.  We taught the girls how to do a back-stitch.

We set the food up in the kitchen so our butler could carry it in and serve the girls at table.  My mom found my old tea set from when I was a girl and brought it.  It was so fun to see it again, and I set it up outside in the garden for a few pictures.  But before that, we also had a sweet friend bring Ella this antique sugar bowl with sugar spoons.  Ella loved it; isn't it beautiful?

I think it will be tomorrow before I post pictures from all the girls at the party, but here are a few of my little Samantha.

 My sweet 7-year-old.