Japanese Tea Party

[vicki]

Elsethread, I mentioned that I might post a few pictures from the Japanese tea party celebrating DD's birthday a few years ago. We had it at a local Japanese restaurant/sushi bar, and DD and I wore real kimono and obi, with some real (if modernized and simplified) undergarments for them.

As the girls arrived, a Japanese dress expert helped me put on my ensemble over my running clothes, so the girls could see the process. My kimono is actually a young single woman's kimono, as it has long, draping sleeves--married women wear more tailored sleeves. And we had to fold it up under my obi, as it was too long, so it was a tad bulky once we got the obi and underscarf over it. But it all stayed put, thanks to the obi-tying skills of our kimono man.

After everyone arrived, we reviewed some Japanese language and table manners, had a sushi demonstration/sampling and enjoyed some teriyaki chicken and rice. We also did a Japanese tea ceremony, made origami lanterns and ended the party with Hello Kitty cake (HK is, after all, Japanese!). The owner of the restaurant also told us all about the scary Hello Kitty department store in Tokyo, where you can acutally order a Hello Kitty edition automobile. Eeek!

Anyway, here are a few photos--

[Smurrey]

That is the coolest birthday party ever! I'm something of an authority on themed birthdays-- mine being on Halloween, but this one definitely tops the list. Well done :D

[vicki]

Thankee! It was a lot of work, but it came out pretty well, and the kids all seemed to enjoy themselves.

Halloween is a great time for a birthday! That's one of my favorite times of year. The worst of the heat here in Alabama has lifted by that point, but it's still very warm during the middle of the day. In fact, my red geraniums keep going through much of October. They overlap with the pumpkins for a week or so, during which time they all sit on the porch, clashing horribly. Hehehehe!

[VictoriaMisselthwaite]

That is the coolest birthday party ever! I'm something of an authority on themed birthdays-- mine being on Halloween, but this one definitely tops the list. Well done :D

Awesome! Halloween is my birthday too! And this was a great theme to celebrate a birthday with!

[jtb1951]

Thanks for sharing your photos from the party; what a clever idea for a themed party. The outfits take me back to our younger years spent in the S. F. Bay Area when we would visit the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park for tea and cookies/crackers; the traditionally-garbed hostesses would have loved your dress! Thanks, again!

John.

[vicki]

The outfits take me back to our younger years spent in the S. F. Bay Area when we would visit the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park for tea and cookies/crackers


Thats' really cool! I'd love to have something like that for the kids here where I live.

BTW--if anyone is ever interested in doing a party like this, I can outline our plan and email it to you. :)

[Piper]

I remember you posting about this at R'ville. What a cool party!

John, I used to love going to the Japanese Tea Garden as well. When she's old enough, I definitely want to take my daughter there.

[vicki]

Piper!! Long time, no see! I hope you, Mr. Piper and the lovely tot are doing well. If you ever want to do a Japanese tea party for your teeny-Piper, I saved most of my materials (including a booklet with cultural info and Japanese-language-learning songs) and would be happy to send them to you. It really does make for a fun and educational party--the kids had a ball and learned a lot along the way.