Saturday 28 July 2012

Mad Hatter Tea Party...2012





















In previous years the Hatter has visited various members of the household. However Mr Lemon Drizzle remains un-hattered. Could this be his year? And if so how will he react to a wonderland of whimsy? (With his normal good humour?), we can only hope.


There was a faint drone of the children running and shouting in the garden, and the 'Mama' hiding in their bedroom, stealing a few minutes to play Bejewled on his iPod. "Ha" he thought "she will never beat my score!" So, he took a few minutes to stretch out on the couch with the weekend papers. He skimmed the guide and then opened the Review section but his eyes were closing and he couldn't keep them open, and to be honest, he didn't want to try. Soon he had assumed his customary Saturday position, and tried to catch forty winks.






















But no sooner had he nodded off again than he heard a whisper in hie ear, 'Carpe diem...carpe diem'. He flicked his ear but it wouldn't stop.











"Do you mind, I am trying to get some sleep!"
"Come, it's party time!"
He opened his eyes and saw a strange man in front of him.
"Garr" he jumped!
"Come with me...now!"
He wasn't the kind of man to take orders, and he didn't like strange men in the house and he certainly didn't like parties. So he just closed his eyes and attempted to ignore it all. But try and resist as he might, his eyes strained to open, and, when he gave in, he found himself in a strange room, filled with flowers.
"Welcome" said the Hatter, "to our florabunda party."
"Florabunda! Seriously? In case it has slipped your notice, I'm a man, I'm a manly man, I don't do flowers. I eat salt and vinegar chip sticks and drink beer!"
Quick as a flash the little man jumped forward and started tickling him. "I think we have to cheer the grumbly bear up"
"Get off me," he slapped the Hatter's hand away, " I don't need cheering up, I just want to be left alone...to sleep"
"Have some cake" was the only reply and a flower shaped cookie was thrust into his hand. 


"It's OK, but what are the bits in it?"
"Lavender!"
"In a cake, that's not right? And this?" he asked pointing to a stack of unrecognizable goodies.


"Macaroons"


"They aren't macaroons. Even I know they should be shiny and crisp on the outside with a 'foot'. These are flat, dull, and holey."

















"Yes, well, our chef blames the oven, she says it is impossible to make a macaroon in it...anyway moving swiftly on, what about a meringue, with cream and raspberry?"
"The devil's fruit!"




Chocolate cake?"
"With edible flowers? I don't think so"


"Parma violets, fondant roses?"
"I'm picking up a theme!"
















"I know, a cake pop"
"Don't get me started...it's a cake...on a stick...it doesn't make it more fun. You can guarantee that after one bite it will crack and I will lose most of the cake on to the floor! It really is the most ridiculous cake-based idea, barring cake-in-a-jar, or even worse, a cake push pop. They are all just designed to make it harder to eat cake!"

















The Hatter sighed, but continued to parade an seemingly endless supply of cakes, biscuits, ice cream and even jellies in front of the angry man. This was a most unusual teas party, normally his guests succumbed quickly, and willingly, to his mixture of whimsy and charm. Had he lost his touch?










On and on they went, until the Daddy could take it no more.
"Stop! Enough! I will eat something. Do you have any lemon drizzle cake?"
"Aha, yes, we have an excellent lemon drizzle cupcake."
"Well I would much prefer a good hearty slab of cake, but I suppose this will have to do."
He took a bit of the tiny dainty..it tasted absolutely delicious but then his teeth crunched down on to something hard and unyielding.
"What on earth is this? How irritating! A cherry, a cherry hiding in a lemon drizzle cake with the stone left in, have you no thought for tradition or the health of my teeth?"

The Hatter snapped his fingers. "Right, that's it! You have no appreciation of  whimsy or exceedingly good cake.!
"You're absolutely right, but I never claimed to, I just wanted a lie down. I think you may possibly have the wrong man, I don't care at all for whimsy."
"Right then, only one thing for it. Help me out Dormouse."
A small mouse crept up behind the man and knocked him on the head with a teapot.
He woke with a start, still on the couch, but now a small, insistent child was jumping up and down on him.
"Daddy, daddy wake up, wake up!"
"No, leave me alone, I was having a lovely dream, about the best cake ever!"
His wife passed by the door and rolled her eyes (she had been reading a certain book!). "I hope it was one of mine" She said jealously.
"Yes dear." He replied, and closed his eyes while a small child pummeled his chest, and in the distance a funny wee man laughed and laughed.


 Thankyou to Vanessa from A Fanciful Twist for hosting the Mad Hatters Tea Party. You can see hers here.
You can also see previous years parties (with less grumpy participants) here and here. And you can make your own toasted oatmeal ice cream with this recipe.


Thankyou for visiting Amelie's House. We look forward to visiting your parties
xxx

57 comments:

  1. Aaaah! Your pastels are divine! This is the yummyest mad tea party I've visited so far :)

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  2. Unbelievably gorgeous! You treats are top flight, and the entire setting is like it fell out of a magazine. Hope you can stop by my parties today!
    XO,
    Lisa

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  3. Oh my goodness. Am I your first guest? I think I am...I had a wonderful time at your party. The tea was amazing and your sweet treats were so very yummy. Thank you for sharing it all.
    You can visit me:
    momentsinaneye.blogspot.com

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  4. Lol, I loved your party, so funny! I certainly wouldn't say no to such yummy florabunda treats! :-)

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  5. Oh my, oh my, oh my! The tempting treats you have assembled! I will hardly be able to waddle out the door! Thank you for inviting me! Have a magical weekend! Twyla

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  6. Wow that is one divine tea party! And looks so delicious as well as so very beautiful!
    Happy Mad Tea Party :)

    Please come have a cuppa with me at my party, link here: http://idlebakes.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/a-mad-tea-party-in-idle-wonderland.html

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  7. Wow what a party! I enjoyed all the sweets! It's a wonderful feast for the eyes! Happy Mad Tea Party!

    http://theweekendartist.blogspot.com/2012/07/mad-tea-party-2012.html

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  8. Oh my goodness, I think I've gained five pounds just LOOKING, hehe!!!

    Wonderful party!

    ♥ Carolee
    http://www.kingofmicestudios.blogspot.com/2012/07/a-mad-tea-party-and-giveaway.html

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  9. This was quite a delicious Mad Tea Party, for sure! The cakes and decorations were just amazing! Thanks for the invitation!

    Hope you will come and visit with me, too...

    http://faeriemooncreations.blogspot.com/2012/07/mad-tea-party-post-and-giveaway.html

    Theresa :)

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  10. I am Blown Away! Enchanting and beautifully crafted- you must have spent a bajillion years planning and executing this party. Your Tea Party is so gorgeous! Gorgeous chocolate cake and baked yummies and I don't care what your Hatter thinks. Its all lovely ^_^ (And I love love love your oversized paper flowers)You

    I'm Kat from Kat can Paint! You can visit my party here: http://katcanpaint.wordpress.com/2012/07/27/mad-tea-party-2012

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  11. What a wonderful Mad Tea Party! And you pictures are so bright and vibrant! Visit me too?

    http://awoodlandfantasy.blogspot.com/2012/07/welcome-to-5th-annual-mad-tea-party.html

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  12. Yummy! Yummy! Yummy! Carpe diem? I carpe-d one of everything! Thank you for having me!

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  13. What an amazing party!! Those flowers are so beautiful and all of the treats look amazing (I especially have my eye on that chocolate cake)! Thank you so much for inviting me :) ~Lauren

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  14. HMMMM it looks so gooood...i will taste it...i think you have a very wonderful Tea Party...have a magical day
    Kerstin

    http://cobblestone-prims.blogspot.de/2012/07/mad-tea-party-2012.html

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  15. Everything was so good!! Loved the ice cream - my favorite!! If you get a chance, hop on the Mad Hatter's hat and visit me too!!

    http://everyoneismadhere.wordpress.com/2012/07/28/mad-tea-party-♥-2012/

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  16. Oh my goodness what a delicious tea party! I had one of everything! : ) Thank you for having me! I hope you will stop in to my tea party.
    http://anaboocreationsbysylvia.blogspot.com/2012/07/welcome-one-and-all-o-fanciful-madd-tea.html

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  17. SO many yummy treats, and such a beautiful table-scape!

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  18. What a delightful Party!!! You can really tantalize ones taste buds with the magnificent spread you so cleverly have placed before us!
    All of your flowers take my breath away!
    Cheers, Kelly

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  19. I had a most delightful time at your party. I hope the grumpy man learns to love whimsy, even the tiniest bit of whimsy, for it is whimsy that makes a life worth living. Your treats look delicious! I literally said "Yummmm" at one point ;)

    http://butterflydream27.blogspot.com/2012/07/2012-mad-tea-party.html

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  20. So sweet! In a good way ~

    Give me a visit some time
    thriftshopcommando.blogspot.com

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  21. Glorious!!! The Chocolate cake looks especially delish!!!!
    Please stop by and visit me here:
    http://theenchantingworldofmiladyleela.blogspot.com/2012/07/time-for-tea.html
    ~~Hugs,
    Dena

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  22. Oh! Perfect! All sweets looks so yummy. Fortunately I'll begin my diet on Monday (as every week...)
    Congratulations! And thanks for visiting!
    Besos from Argentina, Silvina

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  23. Magical party! Please stop by mine if you can! :)

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  24. What a lovely party! I especially love those little cakes with the pansy flowers on top! Magnificent!!!
    Wont you join me too?
    http://flutterbeforeyou.blogspot.com/2012/07/a-mad-hatters-tea-party-blog-hop.html

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  25. I am in complete treat ecstasy over your spread... everything looks not only delicious, but beautiful to boot!

    I hope you'll pop by my wee blog for a spot of tea:
    http://thewhimsicalcottage.blogspot.com/2012/07/moonlit-tea-with-king-of-hearts.html

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  26. Hello there !
    My my what wonderful, creative & delishious
    looking treats you have!!!!
    I so enjoyed your tea party!
    Please pop over to mine when you can!
    Mary
    Limelightartworks@blogspot.com

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  27. WOW SO many sweets! Wjat a great party

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  28. Oh my!!! That was breathtakingly beautiful!!! Goodness me, every little detail and morsel was scrumptious!!!

    Happy Mad Tea Partying!!

    ♥ Vanessa {a fanciful twist}

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  29. I really did not think there were so many versions of cake, and dare I say, if you had time, you could dream up more?
    So, the ol' grump was converted in the end. Be sure he takes part again soon.
    Thank you for your story.

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  30. I want to eat everything! Even the flowers, yes, the real ones. Yum!

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  31. Your chocolate-berry cake is "to-die-for!" YUM!!!! Thank you for the spectacular, gourmet treats!

    Carmen
    http://www.moonlyf.com/2012/07/moonlyfs-mad-moonlit-tea-party.html

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  32. I don't think I have ever seen such beautiful and delicious treats! Thank you for having me!!!!!

    happy mad tea party
    lisa

    http://lisabythebay.blogspot.com/2012/07/mad-tea-party-2012.html

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  33. Dearest Natasha,
    Thank you for inviting me in to your delightful party. Everything was absolutely Devine. Scrumptious and Delightful, and that Grumpy ole bear just kept me in stitches, because I have one exactly the same on my couch, and when he sleeps to long, my four hatters will definitely cause him to growl.
    Thank you again
    Please stop by for a Mad spoonful of tea... a little late of course, but we have opened the door now

    Wishes and Whimsy
    Wendy from Wonderland

    http://candydelane.typepad.com/curiosities/

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  34. What a delightfully mad tea party! All the food looks so scrumptious-- especially that chocolate cake with the berries. I love those large paper flowers. Thanks for sharing! ~Michelle

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  35. An amazing party, and truly chuckled out loud at your eye rolling!

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  36. Heehee Mr grumpy lemon drizzle should have enjoyed the dream while he had the chance :)
    Thank you so much for inviting me,
    I hope to see you soon at my party too, everyone is invited :)
    Mad Madam Mel x

    http://www.madmadammel.com/2012/07/a-mad-tea-party-2012.html

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  37. Dear Natasha,
    I think your blog is very dangerous for a greedy person like me!
    You are extraordinary! How do you make all these???
    Beautiful pics!
    Bravo!

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  38. What a delightful table and a wonderful story, Natasha! I hope the Daddy did try some of those wonderful treats. : ) Thanks for inviting me to your party and for visiting mine!

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  39. Oh what a fun story. And I'm so glad Daddy finally found something he enjoyed. I know that gave the sweet children a big smile when he wasn't looking. I loved your cute floral tea set as well. Thank you for a delightful visit for the Mad Tea Party 2012.

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  40. What a lovely table and those treats were amazing! Thank you so much for inviting me to your tea party!

    http://www.scrapvamp.blogspot.com

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  41. Such a very pretty party! I can't imagine anyone being grumpy through that, but oh well! It has cheered me up on this rainy day! Thank you for your very pretty Mad Tea Party! I'd like to invite you to visit mine at The Gossamer Tearoom when you have the chance!

    http://gossamertearoom.blogspot.com/2012/07/the-mad-tea-party-2012.html

    Wishing you a lovely rest of your Mad Tea Party Weekend!

    Betty

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  42. What a beautiful party and fun commentary. The treats look totally delectable and the backdrop including the large whimsical paper flowers is just perfect.

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  43. Oh my gosh. OH MY GOSH! I went back again to drool at all the lovely, wonderful, tasty pictures. How gorgeous. Parma violets? It's been so long! And all those lovely pansies and violas on cakes and pastries. just so very beautiful. Thank you for your kind invitation and yes, please, I'd LOVE a cup of tea and some cake.

    Also, thank you for your visit and your sweet comments. You're welcome any time.

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  44. Goodness you are a genius! This was lovely! Thanks! blessings.

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  45. What a beautifully delicious tea party!! I'm so glad to have discovered your blog :-) Mine is brand new so I'll have to wait until next time to get in on the fun, lol. I look forward to seeing more of your lovely creations!

    Cheers!
    Angela
    http://www.whimsyways.blogspot.com

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  46. My man doesn't like whimsy either, LOL! What a table you set, WOW!!!
    I want to know what everything is, and how you did it? Such loveliness, it is almost a shame to eat them! But I had my fill, just the same :) Thanks so much for inviting me!
    I am also grateful that you visited my mom, daughters and I.
    Blessings,
    Susan

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  47. incredible treats, what a great party!

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  48. Oh what incredibly gorgeous treats! Such a lovely table setting! I can't stop looking! :) Thank you so much for visiting my blog earlier and for inviting me here today. I have had such a lovely visit!

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  49. I love your wonderful Tea Party!I am sorry I am late for such an important date! Everything looks so scrumptious!

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  50. What a lovely spread of delicious treats! Each one is actually a little "spectacle" in its own right. But together...truly Mad Hatter worthy!

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  51. Your party is the most delicious one so far! I could eat up everything on that table quite promptly. Simply lovely!

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  52. Beautiful! Beautiful! I sooo loved your party - sorry I am late! I hope there is a bit of lemon-drizzle cake left...I DO so love lemons. And I hope your man learns to enjoy a little bit of whimsy - or at least come cake with flowers! =)

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  53. Oh my oh my! I am bowled over with how beautiful this looks! ... now the food looks delish, but totally unattainable with my mere cooking skills, so I move on to the gorgie papers you have used ... would you mind divulging where you acquired these beauties from?!
    Thank you xx

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  54. Thankyou everyone for your lovely comments. I'm pleased you enjoyed the party.
    eskimo'rose I got the papers from Liberty's of London. xxx

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