“It’s always tea-time!” – Lewis Carroll, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
If you love bringing your favorite books to life through themed literary parties, you’re going to fall head-over-heels for this Mad Hatter Tea Party inspired by Alice in Wonderland.
Whether you’re planning a gathering for fellow book lovers (always a great idea!), a birthday celebration, or a literary club event, this over-the-top tea party is sure to delight guests of all ages.
In this post, you’ll find:
- Decor ideas that scream Wonderland
- DIY crafts for your guests
- Party games filled with whimsy
- And, of course, links to my Wonderland-themed cupcakes and cookies over on Out of the Box Baking!
Let’s tumble down the rabbit hole, shall we?
Set the Scene: Mad Hatter Tea Party Decor Ideas
Bold. Quirky. Mismatched. That’s the name of the game when designing a Mad Hatter–themed party. Here are some easy decor ideas to transport your guests into Wonderland:
- Mismatched Teacups & Saucers: Borrow, thrift, or mix and match your prettiest (or silliest) tea sets.
- Stacked Teacup Centerpieces: Use hot glue or museum putty to stack teacups, saucers, and teapots. Fill them with flowers or feathers!
- Clock Motifs: Hang clock faces on walls or scatter mini clocks on tables.
- Signs & Sayings: Add chalkboard arrows that say “This Way,” “That Way,” or “Wrong Way.” Bonus points for a “We’re All Mad Here” sign!
TIP: You can create a magical photo booth backdrop using old book pages, teacup cutouts, and a string of fairy lights!
Make It Crafty: DIY Mini Top Hats
Want a fun activity and a take-home favor? Let your guests design their own Mad Hatter mini top hats!
Supplies:
- Cardstock or cardboard (like cereal boxes)
- Hot glue gun or tacky glue
- Scissors and ribbon
- Buttons, feathers, glitter, and faux flowers
Provide a printed template or simple instructions (I can help you create one!). Turn this into a contest with categories like:
- Most Creative
- Silliest Hat
- Most Likely to Be Worn at Buckingham Palace
Play the Part: Wonderland-Inspired Party Games
No Wonderland gathering is complete without a bit of nonsense and mischief. Here are three games your guests will adore:
1. Tea Tray Memory Game
Place 12–15 themed objects (a spoon, a teacup, a fake rose, etc.) on a tray. Let guests look for 30 seconds, then cover the tray and have them list what they remember.
2. Mad Hatter Hat Toss
Decorate a large top hat (or create one from cardboard) and toss mini bean bags or ping pong balls into it for points.
3. “Who Said It?” Literary Quote Game
Mix famous Alice in Wonderland quotes with lines from other classic novels. Can your guests guess who said what?
Optional: Provide mini prizes like teacup bookmarks, tiny jars labeled “Drink Me,” or chocolate roses.
Eat Me! Wonderland-Themed Treats
Even the Queen of Hearts would swoon over these tea party desserts!
I featured these on my baking blog, Out of the Box Baking, but they’re perfect for this party, too:
Adorable Alice-Themed Cupcakes – topped with fondant tags or piped lettering
Hand-Painted Sugar Cookies – sugar cookies with royal icing Roman numerals
Find all of my Alice in Wonderland cupcake and cookies ideas right here!
You can also label your food with fun themed signs: “Drink Me” tags for beverages, “Tweedle Dee Delights” for finger sandwiches, and “Queen’s Tarts” for fruit pastries.
Create a Whimsical Photo Booth
Design a photo corner where guests can pose with props like:
- Cardboard teacups
- Faux mustaches on sticks
- Top hats and bunny ears
- “Off with their heads!” speech bubbles
Use a thrifted armchair or hanging floral curtain for a magical backdrop.
Free Printable: Mad Hatter Tea Party Checklist
Want to make setup easy? I’ve created a printable party checklist that includes:
- Supplies list (decor, craft items, game pieces)
- Suggested menu
- To-do list (timeline)
- Blank space for guest list and RSVP notes
[Download your printable party checklist here.]
Final Thoughts from the Author
As a longtime lover of both baking and storytelling, I find such joy in combining the two through themed parties like this one. A Mad Hatter tea party is the perfect opportunity to let your imagination run wild while celebrating literature and laughter.
Looking for more literary party ideas? Be sure to explore the other parties on my blog—and don’t forget to visit Out of the Box Baking for even more bookish bakes.
Until next time, “Don’t be late for tea!”
