An Arabella Cinderella Farewell Teaparty

We've had a nice, long visit with our tiniest fairy girl.

But now, she is headed East to be with her momma. We've squeezed in lots of snuggles and hugs before it was time for her to leave.

Sugarwings thought it would be a good idea to throw her a going away party, so we planned a tea to send her off with a toast.

Usually, Sugarwings helps set the table with me, but this was scheduled for right after school to combine after school snacktime with the festivities. I had the table set and waiting when they got home, to save time.  If we delay after school treats too long, they interfere with dinner appetites.

But of course, this girl had to do some rearranging to improve my set up.

Dewdrop had been admiring some vintage dresses that I had hanging in the studio, and I kept promising her that she could wear them, but we never seemed to get around to it.  

It dawned on me, that if I didn't pull those dresses down and let her try them on, they might not fit her when she came back again in a few weeks, those little ones do not stay little forever.  

A vintage gown was chosen for Sugarwings too, but she preferred one of her own princess dresses.  Both girls wanted to wear some of the jewelry I had out in the studio and chose some sparkling necklaces to try on.  Dewdrop went with a floral hat from the studio too. 

When the bigger girls got off the school bus from Jr. and Sr. high schools, they were good sports and joined in to toast our little sweetie.  Can you tell by the look on her face that she appreciated our efforts and loved her party?  That is one happy, kiddo.

We have recently discovered how delicious basil flowers are. I have always picked them off to make the basil plants last longer, and sometimes fill a vase with the blooming stems.  Dewdrop likes to pick them out of the vase on the dining room table to eat during dinner, so I sprinkled some over our heart shaped watermelon slices for the party (made with a cookie cutter).

We also served blackberries and cupcakes along with the tea. All the dishes are mismatched and mostly from garage sales, and when set out on a floral table cloth, they feel special.  Not so special that I get upset when one breaks. We had a creamer casualty, but it had only cost a quarter, so that didn't matter much.  I want the grand fairies to enjoy nice things, had be used to handling them, not be afraid to use the pretty pieces.  

We are all going to miss our silly, funny, little goofball and will be looking forward to planning a return party for her when it is time for her to come back.