By Ginny Raue
POMPTON LAKES — She has all the credentials to be the perfect hostess for a dress up tea party. Born and raised in Derbyshire, England, Heather Todd-Schlieper has turned her love of culture and good manners into a thriving business. And what little girl wouldn’t want to go to such a fancy party?
Todd-Schlieper has been a resident of West Milford since 1989. The mother of two boys, Matthew and Jeremy, she finds her “girlie” time on the job. “Her Royal Highness,” (HRH) located in Pompton Lakes, offers themed, hosted, dress up tea parties for girls ages 3-13.
Prior to coming to the United States Todd-Schlieper was a high school dance and drama teacher. In England, she explained, every child gets an hour of drama each week, often in conjunction with other studies.
“You can learn a lot through drama,” she said.
At an HRH tea party the first order of business is doing hair and nails. Various activities are going on while the little ones get glamorous , then it’s time to get everyone together , make proper introductions, play old fashion games and learn some dance movements.
“We talk about how dressing up makes you feel better, makes you stand taller,” Todd-Schlieper said. Whether you are dressing as a princess, a fairy or a rock and roll diva, feeling special is the point.
When it’s time to have tea, the table setting is a “feast for the eyes.” Starting with a lesson in tea table etiquette, the children are served apple juice in miniature size china tea cups, poured from china pots. There are little sandwiches and instructions on where the napkin, cup and saucer should be placed on the table and how to properly sip your tea.
After tea it’s time for some fun and games; a treasure hunt, musical chairs, some crafts. If it’s a super model party, the children learn how to walk like a runway model, in heels. If there are little boy guests they dress in theme, too; for a princess party the little boys may be knights, learning to salute with swords. Older boys may play the part of security agents. It’s all fantasy and fun in addition to some lessons in elegance and poise.
Todd-Schlieper also offers tea parties and garden parties at a client’s home. She holds corporate and fundraising events and she has a Dress Up and Gift Boutique on the premises. Once a month she holds a Tea Social, open to the public. Reservations are required.
“Come in and enjoy a tea party with your daughter, your granddaughter, your son,” she said.
Her next venture will be etiquette classes for youngsters. She has her English experience to draw on, having taught etiquette to high school students in Devonshire and London and she has studied here with the National League Junior Cotillion.
“Through my curriculum, relevant to today, I want to slowly introduce etiquette to northern New Jersey girls and boys,” she said.
Starting in September she plans on running an eight week course for fifth graders and up which will culminate in a ball. She hopes to gain the attention of coaches, especially of traveling teams.
“Look at professional athletes, they dress smartly, they know how to talk to the press. I want them to be able to command a room. You can put yourself a notch above others at college interviews,” she said.
Todd-Schlieper takes her tea seriously, drinking about eight cups a day. But truthfully, doesn’t she ever crave a good old cup of coffee? Nope.
“Coffee gives me a headache,” she said.
Just as well, a coffee klatch just doesn’t have the same distinctive air as an English tea party.