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Being sick stinks because then I end up getting behind on sharing post I need to compose. Like sharing a fun #Holiday on October 6 National Mad Hatter Day that I wanted to celebrate more than anything in the world with you.
Even though I’m late to the party Happy (belated) National Mad Hatter Day! to you and yours. I’ve composed a lot of information for you including a Lesson Plan on the Mad Hatter and if you will excuse me, I’m off to watch Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
National mad Hatter Day is celebrated every October 6th, this whimsical holiday tips its hat to the delightfully eccentric Mad Hatter from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Did you know the date for the #Holidays was chosen because of the “10/6” label on his hat—meant to indicate the price: 10 shillings and 6 pence.
How to celebrate:
- Wear your wackiest hat and embrace your inner nonsense.
- Host a topsy-turvy tea party with mismatched cups and curious treats.
- Share your favorite quotes from Lewis Carroll’s Wonderland.
- Post your antics with #NationalMadHatterDay to spread the silliness.
As the Hatter himself might say: “We’re all mad here.” So why not lean into the madness for a day?
If you want ideas for a Mad Hatter-inspired outfit or tea party theme? I’ve got plenty! Just leave me a comment with what you’re looking for and I will get to work.
National Mad Hatter Day Lesson Plan October 6 is a whimsical celebration inspired by the Mad Hatter from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. The perfect opportunity to embrace creativity, curiosity, and a touch of silliness in the classroom. I’ve created a fun and engaging lesson plan idea for #NationalMadHatterDay to use with your students.
Grade Level: Adaptable for grades 3–8
Objectives:
- Explore literary characters and themes from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
- Encourage creative thinking and storytelling
- Practice expressive arts and design
Warm-Up Activity: “Mad Hatter’s Riddle Hour”
- Share quirky riddles or logic puzzles with the class
- Example: “Why is a raven like a writing desk?” (Discuss how nonsense can spark imagination)
Literature Connection
- Read excerpts from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, focusing on the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party
- Discuss the characters, setting, and tone
- Ask: What makes the Mad Hatter so memorable?
Creative Hat Design Challenge
- Students design and decorate their own “mad” hats using paper, fabric, recycled materials, etc.
- Encourage wild colors, odd shapes, and imaginative themes
- Host a mini “Mad Hat Parade” to showcase their creations
Writing Prompt: “Tea with the Mad Hatter”
Describe what kind of Tea was served.
What people talk about.
Who was at the Tea party?
Describe the Food.
Optional STEM Twist: “Teatime Chemistry”
Explore how tea is made and the science behind steeping
Conduct a simple experiment comparing steeping times or temperatures
Wrap-Up: Mad Hatter Day Celebration
- Share stories, hats, and riddles
- Take silly group photos with hats
- Reflect on how creativity and nonsense can be powerful tools for learning
Hosting a Mad Hatter Tea Party
Is a, over-the-top way to celebrate with friends, family, or even coworkers National mad Hatter Day. Here’s how to throw a delightfully mad bash that Lewis Carroll himself would applaud
Planning the Party
Theme & Invitations
- Theme: Embrace chaos and charm. Think mismatched teacups, bold colors, and eccentric characters.
- Invitations: Send out quirky invites with phrases like “Don’t be late for this very important date!” or “Wear your maddest hat!”
Decor & Atmosphere
Color & Style
- Color palette: Bright and clashing—purples, teals, reds, and yellows.
- Table setup: Use mismatched chairs, layered tablecloths, and stacked teacups.
- Centerpieces: Teapots filled with flowers, clocks, playing cards, and tiny “Drink Me” bottles.
Lighting & Music
- Lighting: String fairy lights, lanterns, and candles in teacups.
- Music: Play whimsical classical tunes or a soundtrack inspired by Alice in Wonderland.
Food & Drink
Teatime Treats
- Teas: Offer a variety—Earl Grey, chamomile, mint, fruity blends.
- Savories: Cucumber sandwiches, mini quiches, deviled eggs.
- Sweets: Macarons, cupcakes with “Eat Me” toppers, scones with jam and clotted cream.
Mad Mixers
- Serve colorful mocktails or cocktails in teacups. Try a lavender lemonade or a “Cheshire Cat Cosmo.”
Activities & Entertainment
Games
- Hat Contest: Award prizes for the most outrageous hat.
- Croquet: Set up a lawn game with flamingo mallets (or pool noodles!).
- Riddle Time: Channel the Mad Hatter with silly riddles and nonsense trivia.
Photo Booth
- Create a backdrop with oversized playing cards, clocks, and a giant teacup. Provide props like rabbit ears, hats, and pocket watches.
Dress Code
Encourage guests to dress as their favorite Alice in Wonderland characters or simply wear their most eccentric outfits. Bonus points for top hats, bow ties, and striped tights!
If you’d like help designing invitations, crafting a menu, or creating a playlist, I’d be thrilled to help. Or we could brainstorm a Wonderland-inspired costume for you! Just leave me a comment and let me know what you need.
A Mad Hatter Tea Party
Is the perfect excuse to go delightfully over-the-top with whimsical, mismatched, and eccentric decorations! 🎩☕ Here are some creative ideas to transform your space into Wonderland:
Table Decor
- Mismatched Teacups & Saucers: Stack them into towers or use them as planters for flowers.
- Vintage Tablecloths: Layer different patterns and textures for a quirky look.
- Playing Cards: Scatter them across the table or string them into garlands.
- Mini Clocks & Pocket Watches: Use as centerpieces or place settings to echo the White Rabbit’s obsession with time.
Color & Lighting
Bright, Clashing Colors: Think fuchsia, turquoise, lime green, and purple. Fairy Lights: Drape them around the room or inside teapots for a magical glow. Paper Lanterns & Pom-Poms: Hang them at different heights to create a topsy-turvy vibe.
Whimsical Touches
- Signs with Nonsense Directions: “This Way,” “That Way,” “Wrong Way,” “Tea Party Ahead.”
- Oversized Props: Giant mushrooms, hats, keys, and teapots add drama.
- Top Hats & Bunny Ears: Scatter them around or offer them as costume accessories.
Garden Vibes
- Artificial Flowers in Teapots: Use roses, daisies, or even “talking flowers” with faces.
- Grass Table Runners: Create a garden feel right on the table.
- Butterfly Cutouts: Attach to walls, chairs, or floating from the ceiling.
Food Display
- Tiered Cake Stands: Load up with colorful macarons, cupcakes, and finger sandwiches.
- “Eat Me” & “Drink Me” Tags: Label treats and drinks with iconic Alice phrases.
If you want help designing a custom invitation or crafting a themed menu to match? I’d love to help you go even curiouser and curiouser… Just leave me a comment and let me know what you’re looking for.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
