I’m so excited to share our Free Blue Sunday Tea Party downloads!
Hosting a Blue Sunday tea party could be the perfect way to raise awareness and funds for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), a chronic illness that affects millions worldwide. But planning an event can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with a chronic illness. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Our free downloads will help save your spoons and make your event a success. In this article, we will guide you through the process of planning, decorating, and serving up fun and fundraising opportunities for your Blue Sunday tea party. By the end, you’ll have all the tools you need to spread the message and help find a cure for this debilitating illness. So, let’s get started!
Spread Awareness with a Blue Sunday Tea Party
I first heard about Blue Sunday just last year and was instantly a huge fan. The idea was started by Anna Redshaw, who is ill with ME/CFS. She started by inviting a few friends over for tea to mark ME/CFS awareness day and requesting they donate the price they would have paid to eat at a cafe. That was back in 2013, and the tradition has grown each year since. (You can read Anna’s story in her own words here.)
What I love so much about this idea is the flexibility to plan an event that works within your energy envelope. I’ve tried to do things for ME/CFS awareness day, but the truth is, most years I’m just too tired. That’s the terrible thing about ME/CFS, the people who understand how awful it is are typically not in a place to be able to organize a huge awareness campaign. I love how this can be as simple as sharing a slice of cake with a friend. It doesn’t have to be a huge event.
I also really like the idea of a yearly event that I can plan for. Finding the energy to create a huge event from scratch is not my strength, but I’m really good at adding a little something each year. I don’t have the energy for a big event this year, so I’m focusing on creating items that I can make from bed and pull out again and again each time awareness month rolls around. I’ll put them up this year when I do a little mini tea from bed with a friend. And then they’ll be all ready to pull out next year, when maybe I’ll be up for hosting 10 people instead of one.
Planning Your Party
Planning a Blue Sunday Tea Party doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be as simple as enjoying a cup of tea on Blue Sunday (May 14 this year- it is held the Sunday closest to ME/CFS Awareness Day which is ay 12) and sharing a photo on your favorite social media. (Follow Anna on Instagram to see updates on the worldwide celebrates @teapartyform.e )
If you are up to it, inviting some friends over can be a lovely way to mark the day.
Decorating Made Easy with Free Downloads
Whether you plan to celebrate on your own or with friends, it does feel a bit more like a party when there are decorations, doesn’t it? I’ve put together a collection of free downloads that you can use for your Blue Sunday celebrations. Keep things simple with just one or two little details, or go all out and plan a whole party. The best part of printable decor is that you can print as many as you need!
Free Blue Sunday Tea Party Downloads
Click on the list below to download whatever item you’d like. If you’re not crafty, you can check out our photo instructions to create each item.
- Invitation (click here for instructions)
- Bunting– Triangle(click here for instructions)
- Bunting– Half Circle (click here for instructions)
- Cake Picks (click here for instructions)
- Cupcake Picks (click here for instructions)
- Favor Tags (click here for instructions)
- Paper Goods (These aren’t a free printable because it’s hard to print your own plates and cups! But this will guide you to the links to find coordinating items if you’d like them)
Spreading the Message and Finding a Cure
Hosting a Blue Sunday tea party is a fantastic way to spread awareness and raise funds for ME/CFS research. However, the planning and preparation can be overwhelming, particularly when dealing with a chronic illness. I hope that with our free downloads, you can conserve energy while still delivering a successful event. Be brave, be creative, and rally your friends to join you on this important mission. Our combined efforts can make a significant difference in the lives of those with ME/CFS. As we sip our tea and enjoy each other’s company, let us remember the words of Margaret Mead, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” So, let’s get started and make a change today!