Marvelous Mad Hatter Mawwiage Tea Party

Apologies to my loyal readers (<waves> "hi Mom!") for the long lapse in updates. My camera is broken so I'm not sure how many shots of our summer in Providence will appear on this blog, but at least I can post some older material. In this case, pictures from the lovely tea party (Alice in Wonderland-themed, of course) thrown by my FABULOUS bridesmaids (Naomi, Kelly, Leora, Aviva, Katie, and - in absentia - Naomita!) at the Hastings Center in Beacon, NY. The center is housed in grand, old house tucked away in the woods, with a huge veranda in the back. The weather was perfect; the view of the rolling hills, lake, and mountains spectacular; but much of the charm was in the thoughtful details these ladies put into the party. They were also the photographers.

The maid- and matron-of-honor, Naomi and Kelly:

The straws remind guests to "drink me":

My cousin, Naomi, follows instructions well:

Check out the view!

Tasty finger goodies:

And they wondered whether the guests would actually paint the roses red...

A few of these roses found their way into the bridesmaids' bouquets at the wedding!

Katie knows it isn't a proper tea party without croquet!

Toothpicks in the cucumber sandwiches helpfully suggest: "eat me"

A chessboard cake:

 My assigned costume for the day was a mad hat. Note, too, the fine china:

The guests presented me with a book of recipes (have already tried several!):

And some general party pics:

Other fun details:

- Signs directing guests to "follow the white rabbit" down the driveway

- Playing card and chess themed decorations

- A party game in which I was to compete with other guests over "who knows Mordu best". Note: I beat his Ima! But the game was rigged... Grand prize: an Alice-themed deck of cards

- The guests created envelopes of advice for me, to be opened at key moments over the next few years

Little jam jars labelled "jam tomorrow, jam yesterday, but never jam today" served as party favors: