Tea party in a box

My oldest friend, Alexis always sends me the most thoughtful gifts for Christmas and my birthday.  She also always mails me fantastic books after she is done reading them.  I have made some cute gifts on my blog, but I always thought that the gifts I gave Alexis were not as thoughtful as the ones she has sent me.

Since I had a cute idea, and some extra time.  I made her a " Tea Party in a box for her birthday!  I know its not a competition between us for who sends the most creative presents.  But her friendship is a gift, and I wanted to show her that.

This " Tea Party in a box" was being sent from my home in Ottumwa, Iowa to Washington DC, where Alexis currently calls her home.

Alexis gave me a copy of "Jane Eyre" for Christmas this past year.  I enjoyed "Jane Eyre" I also love most Jane Austen novels.  I am pretty sure that everyone who loves English literature needs to have a proper tea cup and saucer.  I found this "old school" tea cup and saucer at a local second hand shop.

Any " Tea party in a box" should always include an " old school" tea cup.

Alexis is a huge fan of herbal tea.  This is not exactly the tea that Queen Victoria drank back in the 1800's when she started the English tradition of " High tea".  But of course I included the type of tea that Alexis would enjoy.

I cut open each tea bag,  took out the tea string, and taped on " Tea quotes".  I then taped up the tea bag again so the aroma's from the different kinds of tea wouldn't mix.

I arranged a few other items in the " Tea party in a box".  These items included reusable cotton tea bags, assorted teas, and some cookies for Alexis to dip into her tea.  The reason why Queen Victoria started the tradition of " High tea" is because she needed a snack between lunch and dinner.  

Cookies or some type of biscuit should always be included in a " Tea party in a box"

Alexis's birthday took place during mid May, and I believe she liked her gift.  I have many family members who consider themselves " Austenites". So, I feel like this won't be the last time that I will make a " Tea Party in a box"

Just a few notes as this blog post comes to a close.

1) I wrapped up the tea cup in newspaper before sending it through the mail.  I did not want it to break.

2) Alexis really is my oldest friend.  We are both 29 years old, and we started playing together at the age of two.

Candy Stache

I have noticed that both of Evan's grandpa's enjoy candy now and then.  I have also noticed that both of Evan's grandma's don't like it when Evan's grandpa's have candy in their houses!  

I thought Evan could give his grandpa's a " Candy stache" for Fathers day. 

This is the first time I have done a " Mustache" craft.  honestly, I don't really get why mustaches are so trendy.  Last weekend when my father in law was visiting, Evan wouldn't stop playing with his mustache, so I thought that a mustache gift would be cute ! My dad doesn't have a mustache, but I will just have to explain to him that things with " mustache's are extremely trendy right now.

How to make a Candy " Stache" 
1) Purchase some candy jars.  I found these glass jars in the home good department at Target.

2) Fill the jars with the favorite candy of the recipient.  ( I have noticed that both of Evan's grandpa's like peanut M&M's.

3) Make a gift card that states " Grandpa's stache"  and draw a mustache on it as well.  I used puff paint.  A Sharpie mark we would work well too.

4) With a hole puncher, and ribbon, attach the card to the candy jar.

I think this is a cute little gift.  Dad's are difficult to buy for.  Candy is always a fun gift!