A Fanciful Twist–who, from the number of exclamation points on her blog, probably takes amphetamines to calm down–recently threw a “Mad Tea Party” costume extravaganza. She made all manner of paper and scrap fabric decorations, and the resulting carnival atmosphere is simply amazing.

This would be a fun party theme, whether or not you choose to do something as elaborate. eHow has a list of suggestions for planning a Mad Tea Party, and this shop offers a selection of Alice-themed party supplies (some are rather cutesy; beware). Obviously, you can always look to the books for additional inspiration.

I like tea parties because you can serve lots of little nibbly foods, many of which can be made in advance or purchased. You don’t have to worry about keeping dishes hot, and guests can select whatever bits suit them.

You can extend the drink theme beyond mere tea, of course. Years ago when I worked for Disney, I gave some of my more favored co-workers bottles of homemade cranberry cordial with fancy “Drink Me” tags. Any sort of unusual tipple–orange wine, apricot ratafia, and so on–would be a good choice for a similar presentation.

Dress up in a top hat or pinafore (or, um, both, I guess) and enjoy yourself!

Most of the people who run around like chickens with their heads cut off fail to consider the blood.
—tinylittledivision

Check out Defective Yeti’s Microwave. I wonder if mine has a similar feature.

Sweet Christ, I’m glad there’s no such thing as 1-Click Strangling.
— Remiel

Stitch Bitch notes an omission.

Create Your Own Blog Award – Award the blog of your choice an Irritable Panda Bear or a Flesh-Eating Rash.

The Surrealist Compliment Generator – You are more beautiful than a bouquet of fossils.

The Dysfunctional Family Circus: Read about it here and see the current archive here.

When I’m frustrated I do Kegels. I may look calm but know this, if it comes to blows I’ll have a really interesting way to break your hands.
— AinsleyofAttack

A stranger is just a friend you haven’t met yet. Or a psycho who hasn’t killed you yet. It’s hard to tell with strangers.
—tinylittledivision

(Hat tip to Herding Kittens)

Despite sounding like a Romanian sneeze, Blavod is actually a deep-black vodka from the UK. It’s colored with the extract of a Burmese tree called Black Catechu, which the company says does not affect the flavor. I’ve run across several reviews which say that the vodka actually has an “herby-medicinal aftertaste,” however, so you might take that into consideration when choosing a mixer.

Doesn’t matter. It’s pure black vodka. How can we not love it?

Obviously, the best way to show this off when serving as a mixed drink is to float the vodka so that it forms a separate layer.

1. Figure out the density of each ingredient; the denser liquids go on the bottom (The Webtender has a specific gravity chart, if you need some help.)
2. Pour the heaviest ingredient in the bottom of the glass.
3. If you’re going to add ice, do it now. Putting it in later will destroy your layers.
4. Place a teaspoon upside down close to the surface of the drink, with the edge of the spoon against the edge of the glass.
5. Very slowly pour the next-heaviest ingredient over the back of the spoon, just letting it trickle in. Raise the spoon slowly if necessary.
6. Repeat with each ingredient, ending with the least dense.

Incidentally, this is a lot easier to do if you use a plastic syringe instead of a teaspoon: Just suck up the necessary amount, place the tip of the syringe on the inside of the glass, and slowly push the plunger. You’ll want a needle with a fairly large bore; the syringes used for injecting marinades into meat work pretty well.

Here are a few easy recipes to get you started:

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