party ideas by a pro logo

Alice in Wonderland Party Ideas

By an Award-Winning Professional Party Planner

Get ideas for birthday party invitations, party food, decorations, games, and party supplies

About this Site

If this is the first page you've landed on, let me give you a quick introduction. I'm Matt James, a professional party planner, and the purpose of this site is to show you the most creative way you can use regular, shop-bought party supplies that can be found in most stores. Not everyone has the craft skills of Martha Stewart or the time to spend several days with a glue gun making things from scratch. It's fine to use shop-bought decorations and supplies—as long as you choose them carefully and know the best way to put them all together. So I'll share a few simple tips and trade secrets that anyone can use to add some creative touches to your party—whatever your budget.

Note: This site contains affiliate links to products. We may recieve a small commission on any sales (at no extra cost to you).


matt james


Alice in Wonderland Party Ideas

First, decide which style you want to apply to these Alice in Wonderland party ideas.

You could take inspiration from the original Lewis Carroll book, which has some wonderful illustrations by John Tenniel, the classic Walt Disney cartoon, which uses lots of bright colors, or the recent Tim Burton film, which has a more fantastical and surreal style with slightly more muted pastel tones.

Whichever you choose, there are lots of Alice in Wonderland party ideas and decorations below to compliment your theme.

Personally, I think a combination of the Tim Burton film and the original book illustrations work really well. Kids will love the magical Tim Burton styling, but a few references to the original book will stop your tea party looking too commercial. And you really want to encourage kids to read the book anyway.

alice in wonderland party ideas


Alice in Wonderland Party Invitations

Below are some suggestions for invitations to go with these Alice in Wonderland party ideas:

Matt's Tip

I think it’s important to create a big first impression, so I always try to incorporate some sort of object with the invitations—rather than just relying on a traditional printed card (see examples here). This is a little trick that’s often used by professional party planners to make invitations stand out. People just love to receive unusual invitations. It really captures their imagination and gets them excited about the party.


matt james


Key Invitations

For an Alice in Wonderland party, which is already a surreal theme, I think it's entirely appropriate to be less traditional with the invitations. So you might want to reference the key that Alice finds when she falls down the rabbit hole that lets her into Wonderland.

Below is a key invitation which I used for a Secret Garden theme party. You can easily create something similar for these Alice in Wonderland party ideas and send them out in these cute box mailers (below right).

key invitation
box mailers

To make these, pick up some ornate keys (below left, USA only, UK visitors try here) and attach a small tag with all the party details on (see examples at Using Tags on the Create Invitations page).

Hand write the details onto a decorative shipping tag, or you could have these personalized Alice in Wonderland tag-style invitations printed from supplier 4 then tie them onto the keys yourself.

Alternatively, you can use these ready made keys and tags from supplier 3 although the tags are quite small so you'd have to keep the text concise. Or tie your own keys onto these cute tea party themed tags (below right).

antique ornate keys
alice in wonderland tag invitation
alice in wonderland keys
tea party tags






Drink Me Invitations

Another great 3D invitation to use with these Alice in Wonderland party ideas is to send out small bottles of the famous 'Drink Me' potion. Simply use a small glass bottle with a cork stopper from supplier 3 and fill with some colored water (alternatively use glitter glue for a more 'set' finish if you're worried about it spilling in the mail). Finish by attaching a small tag tied with ribbon with 'Drink Me' on and all the party details on the reverse.

Alternatively, you could buy these ready made 'Drink Me' favors from supplier 3 (below center)—but bear in mind they are very small so you might not have much space to include party information. Or there are these, below right (select supplier 4).

alice in wonderland drink me
alice in wonderland drink me
alice in wonderland drink me


Pocket Watch Invitations

Another variation on the 3D invitation, is to use one of these toy pocket watches from supplier 5 as your Alice in Wonderland invitations. Note that these are oversized (8" diameter) so they'll fit in nicely with the Wonderland theme while making a big first impression. Literally.

Just hand write the party details onto a decorative shipping tag and tie on with ribbon. Alternatively, just print the tea party details onto cardstock using your home printer then stick onto the reverse of the watch.

Mail these out in these small boxes (USA only) to ensure they aren't damaged in transit.

If you're hand writing the party information, a nice detail would be to draw a paw print on the corner of your invitations —the pocket watch belonged to the white rabbit.

oversized pocket watch


Book Invitations

If the Alice in Wonderland party is for an older child, another option is to actually send out a copy of the book as the invitation. You can pick up a paperback versions for a couple of dollars each from supplier 3. Plus, if you're buying several they can qualify for free shipping.

You could print a simple text invitation with your home printer and mount this on the first page inside the book.

If you wanted to embellish it even further you could also attach the key (see above) by looping some ribbon down the spine of the book.

Mail them out in these small gift boxes (USA only) for a really nice finish.

alice in wonderland book


Traditional Invitations

If you prefer something quick and easy for your Alice in Wonderland invitations, there are lots of traditional printed invitations available from supplier's 7 and 4, which can be personalized online, such as the ones below.

Alice in Wonderland party Invitation
Alice in Wonderland party Invitation
Alice in Wonderland party Invitation
Alice in Wonderland party Invitation


Invitation Wording

Whichever option you choose, don't forget to incorporate familiar phrases from the book into your invitation wording such as:

  • Don't be late for very important date'
  • 'By order of the Queen of Hearts....'
  • 'A very merry unbirthday'

Also, consider whether you want to ask the guests to come to your Mad Hatter's tea party dressed in a weird and wonderful hat. You could even offer a prize for whoever comes in the most wacky hat.



Alice in Wonderland Stamps

If you want to add some extra embellishment to your Alice in Wonderland invitations to make them even more special, use themed postage stamps such as the ones below (more designs available).

Note: These are only available in the USA

alice in wonderland postage stamps
alice in wonderland postage stamps
alice in wonderland postage stamps
alice in wonderland postage stamps
personalized postage stamps
personalized postage stamps

Just upload a photo of the birthday boy or girl dressed in an Alice in Wonderland costume (select supplier 1 or 8 for cheapest costumes) and the personalized stamps will be shipped to you (USA only).

alice in wonderland costumes
kids mad hatter costume
kids queen of hearts costume
kid cheshire cat costume




Party Drinks

The most famous scene in the book and film is of course the Mad Hatter's Tea Party—so take this as inspiration when designing the food and drink to go with these Alice in Wonderland party ideas.

Matt's Tip

Always create a signature drink for your party—it’s one of the easiest things you can do to make your party unique. If your party has a theme, think about what flavors you can use in your signature drink that will convey it. Don’t forget about styling and presentation too. You could serve drinks in individual bottles or jars, add your own labels, use themed ice cubes, straws, drinks picks, or add a simple garnish. A sprig of berries or a single flower head on the rim of a glass can make a simple cocktail look really stylish.


matt james


Fruit Tea

Kids may not want to actually drink traditional tea, although you could try serving them fruit flavoured ice teas like Snapple, which make flavors such as raspberry or peach tea. Just bear in mind, most of these contain caffeine, although they do make a pomegranate raspberry red tea, which is caffeine-free.

Alternatively, serve things like pink lemonade or other juice drinks but serve them in little teacups with saucers so that it feels like a tea party. Ideally you want to use old fashioned granny style teacups with saucers, like these below left, or these cute glass ones, below center, which you can pick up from supplier 3 really cheaply. Alternatively, use plastic kid's tea sets, or for younger kids there are these plastic tea cup sippers from supplier 1. You can always take the screw top and big bendy straw off and replace with a regular straw to make them look more delicate if you wish.

tea cup and saucer
tea cup and saucer
tea cup sippers


'drink me' potions

Another option is to serve some of the drinks at your Alice in Wonderland party in little glass potion bottles with 'Drink Me' labels on.

Pick up a pack of 12 assorted glass bottles such as these (below right, or here for UK) then fill them using this recipe for Blue Bubblegum Soda. The blue color is perfect to look like a potion and bubblegum soda is suitably surreal to fit in with the Wonderland theme.

Finally, write 'Drink Me' onto a decorative shipping tag and hang around the neck of the bottle, or buy these ready made ones from supplier 4.

glass bottles
eat me drink me tags


Pink flamingo punch

Serve pink drinks, such as this recipe for Pink Lemonade (below left, from Vegetarian Living). Add these pink flamingo straws from supplier 3 and call it Pink Flamingo Punch in reference to the croquet game in Alice in Wonderland.

Alternatively, serve them in these cute Alice in Wonderland plastic cups—which can also be personalized with each guest's name (available from supplier 4).

pink lemonade
flamingo straws
alice in wonderland party cups


Water

Give water bottles a Mad Hatter's Tea Party makeover with these labels from supplier 4. There are lots of different designs available.

alice in wonderland bottle labels
alice in wonderland printable labels
alice in wonderland water labels




Alice in Wonderland Party Food

Of course, no Alice in Wonderland party would be complete without a Mad Hatter's Tea Party—so check out some tea party inspired recipes below.

Disclaimer

As a professional party planner, I’m lucky enough to be able to collaborate with some amazing chefs to create menus for my events. As I’m no chef myself and cannot create dishesfrom scratch, I’ve searched the web for recipes that I think would work well for this party theme. All credit goes to the talented people that have created these recipes - so please click through to their site for full details, methods, and in some cases step-by-step tutorials.

matt james


English Afternoon Tea

For food to go with these Alice in Wonderland party ideas, think 'English Afternoon Tea'—girls in particular will love this as everything is so delicate and lady-like.

Traditionally, afternoon tea is brewed in tea pots and served in teacups on saucers—with the option of milk and sugar in from a separate jug and bowls. It's served with dainty sandwiches cut into small bite-sized triangles (you should be able to get eight triangles from each sandwich) with the crusts cut off. Customary fillings are cucumber (you could add cream cheese to make them more appealing to kids), egg and cress (swap for egg mayo if you prefer), ham, or smoked salmon.

These are accompanied by a selection of tiny cakes or little scones with Devonshire (clotted) cream and jam, then everything is presented on a tiered cake stand.

afternoon tea
afternoon tea
afternoon tea


Prêt-à-Portea

In recent years, traditional English Afternoon Tea has become very fashionable again and a lot of the top London hotels and restaurants offer it. The Berkeley Hotel in London has gone one step further and created Prêt-à-Portea, which is a modern afternoon tea with cakes and biscuits inspired by dresses, handbags and shoes from the current season's catwalk collections. It's then all served on china designed by British designer Paul Smith. So you don't have to just think of traditional afternoon tea to go with these Alice in Wonderland party ideas. Check out supplier 4 for lots of unusual cookies and treats you could serve to replicate this idea.

pret a port tea
pret a port tea


Chequerboard Sandwiches

You could also create a chequerboard effect with brown and white bread squares to represent the famous game of chess. For inspiration, have a look at this image I came across from Miss Destination Bride's on It's a Bride's Life. I particularly liked the way she finished the squares off with alternating cherry tomatoes and black olives and playing card suit party picks from supplier 3.

chequerboard sandwhiches
play card suit food picks


Alice in Wonderland Cookie Cutters

Alternatively, there are a number of Alice in Wonderland cookie cutters or playing card suit cookie cutters to shape sandwiches, pizzas, cheese, or fruit slices. See supplier 3 for all cookie cutter designs.

alice in wonderland cookie cutter
alice in wonderland cookie cutter
alice in wonderland cookie cutter


Alice in Wonderland Cookies

If you're not the baking type, you can always buy various Alice in Wonderland cookies from supplier 4 instead.

alice in wonderland cookies
alice in wonderland cookies
alice in wonderland cookies


Alice in Wonderland Cake Pops

There are also Alice themed cake pops you can buy here from supplier 7.

alice in wonderland cake pops
alice in wonderland cake pops
alice in wonderland cake pops

Or these more elaboratately designed ones here see supplier 4.

alice in wonderland cake pops
alice in wonderland cake pops


The Queen of Heart's Jam Tarts

Don't forget to include Jam Tarts (below right, by Zoe Makes Cakes), a quintessentially English tea time treat favoured by the Queen of Hearts. Or use a cookie cutter to make these Heart-Shaped Raspberry White Chocolate Shortbread (below left, by Joy of Baking).

jam tarts
jam tarts


Edible Tea Cups

These Edible Teacups (below left, from Disney Family) are perfect for the Mad Hatter's Tea Party, or try these Tea Cup Biscuits (below right, from Planning with Kids) which children can make themselves.

edible tea cups
tea cup biscuits
tea cup biscuits


Cheshire Cat / White Rabbit Cakes

Use a selection of cookie cutters to create cakes and cookies in the shape of top hats (for the Mad Hatter), pocket watches, the Cheshire cat, or playing card suits. Or see this recipe for cute Cheshire Cat Cupcakes (below, from Disney Family). Another option is to serve squares of (White Rabbit) Carrot Cake (below right, by Betty Crocker).

cheshire cat cupcake
carrot cake


The White Rabbit's Carrots

Alternatively, for a savory reference to the White Rabbit, serve these Carrot Crescents filled with Egg Salad (below, from Hungry Happenings).

carrot crescents


Caterpillar Snacks

There are lots of recipes around for caterpillar cakes, but there are already so many sweet recipes here so instead trying making these Caterpillar Sandwiches (below left, by Funky Lunch). Or this fruit plate arranged in the shape of a caterpillar (below right, by Vanessa at I Never Grew Up)

caterpillar sandwhiches
fruit caterpillar


Fairy Tale Mushrooms / Faux Escargot

These Alice in Wonderland party ideas wouldn't be complete without some surreal themed items too—such as these Fairy-Tale Mushrooms (below left, by Sue Cravatta on Taste of Home) and Faux Escargot (below right, by Sharon 123 on food.com),

edible fairy tale mushrooms
faux escargot


Sugar Mice

For visitors from the UK, Sugar Mice (below right) will bring back memories of childhood where they were a traditional Christmas treat for kids. Include some white sugar mice in these Alice in Wonderland party ideas to represent the doormouse—but remember they are basically just sugar, so one per person maximum! For US visitors who might not be familiar with these, try this cute recipe for Meringue Mice (below left, from Better Homes and Gardens).

meringue mice
sugar mice


Alice in Wonderland Cupcake Toppers

Decorate cupcakes with these beautiful rice paper cupcake toppers using the original illustrations from the book. From supplier 4.

Alice in Wonderland cupcake toppers
Alice in Wonderland cupcake toppers
Alice in Wonderland cupcake toppers

There are plenty of non-edible toppers available from supplier 4, such as these ones below.

Alice in Wonderland cupcake toppers
Alice in Wonderland cupcake toppers


Tea Cup Cupcakes

Alternatively, use these cute tea cup molds to bake and serve your cupcakes in. Perfect for a Mad Hatter's tea party.

tea cup molds
tea cup molds
tea cup molds


Cheshire Cat Tails

I stumbled accross this photo of 'Cheshire Cat Tails' (below left, via Cutestfood.com). I don't know where they are from or what they're made of but I think you could easily make something similar by treading alternating pink and purple marshmallows onto sticks.

Update: You can now buy the ones pictured below right from this supplier.

edible cheshire cat tails
cheshire cat tail marshmallows


Flower Pot Desserts

I love these Flower Pot Desserts (below, by Ree from Pioneer Woman). Just add some eyes and a mouth to the flowers to make them perfect for a surreal themed Mad Hatter's Tea Party.

flower pot desserts
flower pot desserts


Edible Topiary

Alternatively, try these Edible Topiary's (below, by Lisa at The Enchanted Oven).

edible topiary
edible topiary




Birthday Cake

Whether you're making a birthday cake from scratch or just decorating it, below are some suggestions to go with these Alice in Wonderland party ideas:



Edible Cake Images

These edible cake images (below left, USA only) are a really easy way to create a themed cake to compliment your Alice in Wonderland party ideas - plus they can be personalized to add the birthday boy or girl's name and/or age. More designs available.

alice in wonderland edible cake image
alice in wonderland edible cake image


Cake Toppers

Alternatively, use these vintage style Alice in Wonderland cake toppers from supplier 4.

Alice in Wonderland cake topper
Alice in Wonderland cake topper

or use these Alice in Wonderland cake decorating kit from supplier 3.

Alice in Wonderland cake topper




Dessert Table Styling

Below are styling and decoration tips to create a themed buffet / dessert table to go with these Alice in Wonderland party ideas.

Matt's Tip

I always think it’s a good idea to concentrate the majority of your decorations around a buffet/dessert table. This will create a focal point in the room. Decorations often have to compete with existing room decor so they can get a bit lost if spread too thinly. I think you’re far better off creating one really well themed feature wall that everyone’s eye will be drawn to. You can then use a few general decorations around the rest of the room to tie everything together.


matt james


Alice in Wonderland Dessert Table

Below are step by step instructions for how to create a themed buffet / dessert table like the one below:

alice in wonderland dessert table


Background

Start by using a blue sky scene setter with cloud add-ons and combine this with a meadow scene setter with tree and nature add ons (both from supplier 2) to create a Wonderland themed backdrop.

sky scene setter
clouds scene setter
meadow scene setter
trees scene setter


Alternatively, you could use this 'summer horizon' backdrop paper from supplier 2. It comes as a 50ft long roll, the printed scene is 4ft high, and it's only $20.

field backdrop


Hanging Decorations

To give these Alice in Wonderland party ideas a surreal feel, hang a number of these over-sized (8 inch diameter) pocket watches from supplier 5 down from the ceiling in a cluster at varying heights. Alternatively, use these cut out ones instead (below center, from supplier 4). Then hang strips of giant playing cards from supplier 3 down from the ceiling either side of the table.

giant pocket watch
pocket watch decorations
giant playing cards


Table Styling

Use a brown tablecover then cover the tabletop with these tissue grass mats (both from supplier 2). Alternatively you could just use this grass print tablecover also from supplier 2, although you dont get the nice texture as with the tissue grass. Then use a mixture of square and rectangular clear plates and bowls to present food on (clear plates will allow the 'grass' to show through). I recommend these disposable Premium Plastic Plates from supplier 1, they're great value and look so much nicer than regular paper party plates.

These tissue paper rose bush pom poms from supplier 4 are really inexpensive and would look lovely raised up in vases framing the dessert table at each end.

tissue grass
grass table cover
clear plastic plates
rose bush pom poms


Centerpiece

For a dramatic centerpiece, use a life size Alice in Wonderland stand up such as this one of the Mad Hatter from supplier 2 and position it on top of the table (or just behind if you don't have enough height). If you're budget doesn't stretch to include a stand up, you could use the Mad Hatter's top hat from supplier 5 raised up on a box as the centerpiece or a Cheshire Cat plush toy from supplier 3.

mad hatter cut out
mad hatters top hat
cheshire cat plush


Alice in wonderland cut outs

If you don't want to use a life-size cut out of Johnny Depp's Mad Hatter, there are different sized cut outs of the traditional Disney characters too (see supplier 4).

alice in wonderland cut outs

These foamboard cut outs of the playing card men from supplier 4 can also be used as croquet hoops for your party games (see games ideas at bottom of page).

playing card men stand up
playing card stand up
queen of hearts stand up
doorknob stand up


Alice in Wonderland Wall Decals

An alternative way to create a backdrop for a dessert table is to use these Alice in Wonderland wall decals. Position them on the wall behind the dessert table to create a focal point. You can then dress around these with balloons and hanging decorations. There are lots of different ones available, including individual characters and ones that can be personalized with your child's name.

alice in wonderland wall decals
alice in wonderland wall decals

You can even get wall decals of the original Disney characters.

white rabbit wall decals
cheshire cat wall decals
alice in wonderland wall decals


Alice in Wonderland Photo Backdrops

Alternatively, there are a number of Alice in Wonderland printed backdrops available from supplier 3, such as the ones below, which would make for a really dramatic background to the dessert table. Just hide the hard edges when the print ends by hanging oversized playing cards down from the ceiling. You can also use it later as a backdrop for photos.

alice in wonderland photo backdrop
alice in wonderland photo backdrop

You can probably just pin the backdrop in place, but it might also be worth investing in a cheap photography backdrop support frame from supplier 3. The great thing about the support frame is that you can use it again and again to create different backgrounds for dessert tables by hanging fabric,tissue pom poms, or streamers (as shown below using a backdrop support frame).

photographic backdrop frame
photographic backdrop frame
frozen party backdrop




Food Styling & Presentation

Below are some food styling and presentation tips to go with these Alice in Wonderland party ideas.



Food labels

Use these Alice in Wonderland themed food labels to identify everything on the buffet / dessert table (see supplier 4). More designs available.

alice in wonderland party food tent labels
alice in wonderland party food tent labels

Alternatively, you could just use these Eat Me and Drink Me tags, which can be personalized with the name of the event printed on them (see supplier 4). These Alice in Wonderland food picks (see supplier 3) are also really cute and add a nice literary touch with the original book illustrations.

eat me drink me tags
alice in wonderland food picks


Treat Stands

Use Mad Hatter top hats as trays and present food on them to give some height to the display, or turn the hats upside down to use them as serving bowls for snacks. You can just buy cheap top hats from supplier 5 and spruce them up by adding a bit of ribbon and the 10/6 card.

Present cakes, sandwiches, and scones on tiered cardboard stands, in true Afternoon Tea style. This Alice in Wonderland themed cupcake stand from supplier 3 is particularly cool. Alternatively, use these Alice in Wonderland cupcake stands (also from supplier 3).

mad hatters top hat
alice in wonderland cake stand
alice in wonderland cupcake stands


Fruit Bouquet

A fruit bouquet is suitably surreal too and would make a great centrepiece for an Alice in Wonderland party dessert table (include some chocolate dips too). Watch the video below for a demonstation of how to make one.

Alternatively, try these simplified Fruit Flower Pops (below right by Lindsay Ann at Dollhouse Bake Shoppe). Again, you could add some eyes and a mouth to make a face out of fruit strips and candy to make them even more surreal and in keeping with these Alice in Wonderland party ideas.

fruit bouquet




Table Styling

Below are some suggestions for how to style and decorate the dining table in keeping with these Alice in Wonderland party ideas:

Matt's Tip

If it’s a kid’s party, don’t feel as if you have to shy away from using character-branded tableware. I see a lot of kid’s parties that are so immaculately styled they look more like adult parties. It’s obvious the parents have designed it for themselves, rather than the child. If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a professional party planner it’s to design the party for your audience, not yourself. The reality is kids want their favorite characters to have a strong presence at their party; they don’t see this as too commercial, for them it’s just fun. Obviously, it’s important to get the balance right, so don’t go overboard. Character plates and cups work well if combined with a solid color table cover and napkins.


matt james


The Mad Hatter's Tea Party

I love this picture of the Mad Hatter's tea party scene from the Tim Burton movie and it should be quite easy to recreate something like this at home. The fact that it's a series of tables joined together with different styles of chairs and stools, and mismatched plates and tea cups works to your advantage so you can pretty much use anything. The more eccentric and random the better. Just choose a selection of different colored party plates and disposable tablecovers from supplier 1 and mix them all up in a haphazard fashion .

mad hatter's tea party


Alice in Wonderland Tableware

Alterntively, use this range of Alice in Wonderland tableware from supplier 3. The plates also come with matching napkins, cups, and serving platters.

alice in wonderland party plates
alice in wonderland party tableware
alice in wonderland party tableware


Alice in Wonderland Party Plates

Alternatively, there's a range of different Alice in Wonderland paper plates available from supplier 7 - some of which can even be personalized to include the birthday boy or girl's name on the plates.

alice in wonderland party plates
alice in wonderland party plates
alice in wonderland party plates


Tea Cups

Set the table with little teacups with saucers so that it feels like a real tea party. Depending on the age of the children you might to use a kid's tea set like the one below left (be carefull to check the size of these as often they are very small and intended more for playing at tea parties, rather than the real thing). Alternatively, for a few dollars more you can pick up a set of old fashioned granny style teacups or glass ones with saucers. See supplier 3 for all of these

kids teacup and saucer set
teacup and saucer set
teacup and saucer set


Place Settings

Place one of these 'Drink Me' mini bottles or 'Eat Me' treat holders from supplier 3 on each place setting to identify where each person should sit. Note that these are quite small and meant for decorative purposes only so they won't hold a lot of liquid or accomodate a whole cupcake.

eat me treat holder
drink me bottles


Alice in Wonderland Centerpieces

There are lots of different options for centerpieces, depending on your budget. This Alice in Wonderland themed teapot vase from supplier 3 or these Wonderland themed cut outs from supplier 4 are a good cheap option.

alice in wonderland centerpiece
alice in wonderland centerpiece
alice in wonderland centerpiece


Special Centerpieces

If it's more of a special occaision, you might want to consider this preserved moss covered Mad Hatter's top hat, these stacking Alice in Wonderland Tea Cup centerpieces, or this whimsical one. All from supplier 4.

alice in wonderland centerpiece
alice in wonderland centerpiece
alice in wonderland centerpiece


Tissue Paper Flowers

You could also scatter some of these tissue paper flowers from supplier 3 down the middle of the table too. They come in lots of different colors.

tissue paper flowers
tissue paper flower decorations
tissue paper flowers


Table Decorations

Make sure the table top has a certain randomness to it by including a few piles of books stacked up on the table, scatter some over-sized pocket watches (from supplier 5), giant playing cards and butterlies (from supplier 3) around the table. Don't forget to include a little door mouse—perhaps poking out of one of the teapots.

giant pocket watch
giant playing cards
paper butterflies


Place settings

You can also make these playing card men (left from Disney Family Fun) and scatter them around the table top or these teapot shaped fans from supplier 3 are a cute little accessory / favor to put out on the table.

playing card men
tea pot fans


Paper Lanterns & Tissue Poms

I always think it's important to hang something above the table too, it really helps to define and enclose the space. So use a cluster of paper lanterns from supplier 2 or 9 (below left, from Martha Strewart). The same suppliers also have cheap battery LED bulbs to make the lanterns glow without having to worry about power cords. Alternatively, for a more feminine look use tissue pom-poms also from supplier 2 or 9 (below right, Martha Stewart). If you want to get really creative, try hanging the lanterns in a single curvy line to make the body of the caterpillar - then add some eyes and legs out of cardstock.

paper lantern decorations
paper lantern decorations
paper lantern decorations
tissue pom pom decorations


Alternative Tableware

As an alternative to the vintage style tea party, these Alice in Wonderland tableware products, below left, are available. Or use these, below right, for more of a Queen of Heart's palace theme from supplier 2:

alice in wonderland tableware
alice in wonderland party plates
playing card suit party plates
playing card suit table cover


Cheshire Cat Tableware

I particularly like these cute Cheshire cat themed party plates and cups (available from supplier 7).

cheshire cat party plates
cheshire cat party plates
cheshire at party cups


Don't Forget

You can keep up with my latest ideas if you ‘Like’ me on Facebook or follow me on Pinterest. This is where I post discount coupons, special offers, new trends, inspirational ideas, recipes, and other fantastic finds.

Click here to check out my Facebook page or follow my boards on Pinterest.


matt james




Alice in Wonderland Party Decorations

Below are tips and recommendations for general decorations to go with these Alice in Wonderland party ideas:



Entrance Decorations

I always think its a good idea to start with a some sort of decorations outside, to set the tone as guests arrive. It could just be as simple as chalking the pavement or lining the path with balloons. For an Alice in Wonderland party, you could line the path with bunny paw prints from supplier 3 to represent the White Rabbit, using a personalized yard or door sign from supplier 4, or using these Wonderland themed cut outs, also from supplier 4.

rabbit bunny paw prints
alice in wonderland door sign
alice in wonderland this way that way sign


Personalized Banners

Alternatively, you could use a personalized banner such as this one, below left, from supplier 3, or this Queen of Heart's palace one from supplier 2.

alice in wonderland personalized banner
alice in wonderland personalized banner


Alice in Wonderland Standee / Cut outs

You can also get some really cool life-size Alice in Wonderland stand ups from supplier 2, like these below, which can really help to bring a party theme to life.

alice in wonderland standee cutouts
alice in wonderland standee cutouts
alice in wonderland standee cutouts

Alternatively, supplier 4 has some great Disney-style foamboard props, such as the ones below (more characters available).

alice in wonderland standee cutouts
alice in wonderland standee cutouts
alice in wonderland standee cutouts
alice in wonderland standee cutouts


Custom Life Size Standee

Alternatively, you can have a life-size cut out of your child dressed as their favorite Alice in Wonderland character to put at the end of your drive or outside your front door. These particulary fun when paired with a motion-activated voice recorder for under $10. Simply pre-record your own 10 second welcome message and it automatically plays as guests walk past the cut out of your child. Select supplier 2 for more info on both these items.

custom life size standee
custom life size standee
mad hatter kids costumes
motion activated voice recorder


Down the Rabbit Hole

For a wow factor entrance, you can pick up a kids' play tunnel really cheaply from supplier 3 to create a rabbit hole for them to crawl through to get to Wonderland. Dress around the entrance to the tunnel with some plants, branches and leaves and use this Down the Rabbit Hole sign from supplier 4 to point the way. Have an older sibling dressed in a white rabbit costume from supplier 1 to greet guests at the entrance to the rabbit hole, then give everyone a small 'Drink Me' potion or bite-size 'Eat Me' cake when they emerge at the other end of the tunnel.

down the rabbit hole sign
kids play tunnell
potted fern
kids white rabbit costume


The tiny door

If you’re prepared to do a bit of DIY you could really go to town and create the miniature door that Alice had to go through. First, take all furniture and pictures out of the hallway immediately inside your front door to create an empty space (it’s really important to remove everything that’s normal size).

Hang a simple curtain or piece of fabric at the back of your hallway to create a false wall. Then pick up a small self-assembly cupboard or storage unit with a door (no more than 18in / 2ft tall) from somewhere cheap like Ikea but make sure it’s one that you can leave the back off (so you’re just left with a hollow frame with a door hinged on the front).

Position the door frame against the curtain 'back wall', flush with the fabric, and arrange the curtain around the frame so that when viewed from the front it just looks like a tiny door in the middle of the (curtain) wall. Then decorate the empty hallway with some miniature kids sized furniture (including a three legged table if you want to be really accurate) and some tiny pictures on the wall.

When guest enter into the hallway from the front door it will create the illusion that they have grown really tall—just like Alice did—because everything else will be in miniature. Don’t forget to give them a ‘Drink Me’ potion or ‘Eat Me’ cake before they enter the front door so they make the connection.

 

alice in wonderland door


Alice in Wonderland Balloons

Inside, decorate with playing card and pink flamingo balloons. All of these are available from supplier 2 & 3.

alice in wonderland balloons
alice in wonderland balloons
alice in wonderland balloons


Props and Signs

If you're going with the vintage tea party style, there are some Wonderland themed props and signs available from supplier 3:

alice in wonderland props
alice in wonderland props


Garlands and Banners

Supplier 3 has a couple of Tea Party and Alice in Wonderland party banners and garlands that would work well with a vintage style.

alice in wonderland garland banner
tea party banner

Alternatively, Supplier 4 has some personalized ones.

alice in wonderland garland banners
alice in wonderland garland banners


Garden Decorations

If your party is in the garden make homemade fairy mushrooms by staking cheap red umbrellas into the ground and applying various sized dot stickers to them (see supplier 3 for both).

Print images of the Cheshire Cat onto cardstock and position in unexpected places, such as in trees / bushes or peeking out from under chairs.

Scatter some of these pink flamingo yard ornaments from supplier 5 around your garden.

fairytale mushroom umbrella
dot stickers
flamingo lawn ornament


Alice in Wonderland Standees

There are some great standees available from supplier 2 that would look great with these Alice in Wonderland party ideas. Some of these are surprisingly inexpensive, such as the 5ft tall Drink Me bottle which is only $25. Given their size, these can make a big impression as a centerpiece, decoration or photo opportunity.

playing card men standee
fairytale mushroom standee
queen of hearts castle standee
drink me potion standee




Alice in Wonderland Party Favors

There are lots of tea party themed favors which you can pick up from suppiers 1 and 5, and check out supplier 4 for lots of great Alice in Wonderland party favor bags and boxes, such as the ones below.

alice in wonderland party favor bags
tea cup party favors
alice in wonderland party favor bags

I particularly like these favor bags that represent each of the characters, also from supplier 4.

alice in wonderland party favor bags
alice in wonderland party favor bags
alice in wonderland party favor bags




Alice in Wonderland Party Costumes

Getting dressed up is a great way to add 'human theming' to your tea party. There are lots of great Alice in Wonderland party costumes available from supplier 8 and 1, for both children and adults, that will eally help to bring your tea party to life. So, get dad to dress up as the Mad Hatter and sit at the head of the table, a sibling can be the White Rabbit to great people as they arrive, and mum can be the Queen of Hearts. The birthday girl gets to be Alice of course.

Supplier 3 also has some cute Wonderland themed dog costumes too, incase you can't persaude anyone else to dress up!

cheshire cat costume
playing card man costume
mad hatter costume
blue caterpilla costume




Alice in Wonderland Party Games

Below are some games and activities for all ages to go with these Alice in Wonderland party ideas.



Decorate A Teacup

Buy a set of these 'design your own tea cup planters' from supplier 5 and let the party guests decorate their own. You could also send them home with these as party favors.

decorate a teacup
paint set


Create Your Own Mad Hat

Alternatively, pick up some cheap top hats from supplier 5 or colored accordian hats from supplier 3 and provide lots of ribbon, beads, feathers and other embellishments so they can decorate their own Mad Hatter’s top hat.

cheap top hats
accordian hats


Cheshire Cat Hunt

Print this free image of the Cheshire Cat onto cardstock and hide lots of them around the garden and see who can find the most.

cheshire cat


The Queen of Hearts Says....

Play a variation of 'Simon Says...' called 'The Queen of Hearts Says...". You can make this more distinctive by having the person playing the queen wear the wig from the film (see supplier 8 or 3), or a Queen of Hearts tiara and royal scepter from supplier 5.

queen of hearts wig
queen of hearts tiara
queen of hearts septre


Musical Mad Hats

Play musical chairs, but replace the chairs with a selection of cheap mad hats from supplier 5. Every time the music stops they have to race to put on a hat. The one without a hat is out.

crazy hats
crazy hats
crazy hats


White Rabbit Ring Toss

This cheap rabbit ring toss game from supplier 3 is a nice fit for these Alice in Wonderland party ideas.

bunny ears ring toss game
rabbit ears ring toss game


Flamingo Crocquet

These Alice in Wonderland party ideas wouldn't be complete without a surreal game of croquet. Drill through cheap plastic flamingo lawn ornaments from supplier 5 to accomodate a traditional mallet (below left, see here for step by step instructions). Then pick up some hedgehog dog toy balls from supplier 3 to use as balls.

flamingo croquet
hedgehod toys


Alice in Wonderland Photo Booth

These mad hatter themed photobooth props from supplier 4 are a great way to send everyone home with a fun memory of the day.

alice in wonderland photo booth props


Painting Roses

Pick up some of these foam board white roses from supplier 4 and have guests paint them red, just like in the book.

painting roses
painting red roses


Storytime

At the end of the party, calm the kids down by reading them the Mad Hatter's tea party scene from the Lewis Carroll book. You can pick up paperback versions for a couple of dollars each from supplier 3. Plus, if you're buying several they can qualify for free shipping so you could also send each guest home with one as a party favor.

Alternatively, you can get a special personalized version of Alice in Wonderland from this supplier, where they'll re-name most of the major characters so your child, friends, and family can find themselves having their own adventure in Wonderland.

alice in wonderland book
personalized alice in wonderland book




Like It?

If you've enjoyed these Alice in Wonderland party ideas, please help me to promote my website by sharing this page. Just click on the Facebook or Twitter buttons below to post a link back to this page, or share this collage image.

Alternatively follow the "Enjoy this page?" link under the logos below to get the address for this page of Alice in Wonderland party ideas so you can paste directly into your own blog, website, or any forum that you contribute to.

Many thanks

Matt



alice in wonderland party ideas


About Matt James

Matt James is a professional event planner and owner of event agency Left Field Productions, which has produced events for Elton John, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kevin Spacey, Stella McCartney, David LaChapelle, John Waters, and Elvis Costello & Diana Krall. Since 2004, Left Field Productions has won 30 industry awards for excellence including Production Company of the Year.


matt james


Comments

  • Alice in Wonderland Party Ideas

    by an award-winning professional party planner