This post is made in partnership with Walmart Home

We’ve been having a lot of tea parties lately. I’m usually the only one drinking tea though… my girls tend to be more interested in the cookies. What makes these afternoons special is that it’s focused family time and we’ll read something together, like a poem or special passage. For this tea party we read our favorite Día de los Muertos children’s book “I remember Abuelito.” It’s about a girl learning about the holiday and remembering her grandfather.

This is an ancient holiday which frames remembering our ancestors not through sadness, but joy. I play a lot of Cuban music, watch the World Series, and I plan an arroz con pollo dinner when I remember my father. I buy good chocolate and brew strong coffee when I remember my grandfather. I put on a dress (even though I’m just home) and a send a handwritten note to a loved one in the spirit of my grandmother.

I got all our beautiful Día de los Muertos decor at Walmart. So many choices are available via 2-day shipping! This holiday usually has a bright color palette so I offset that with these lace plates in the color linen—so pretty and they remind me of my grandmother too. This autumnal tablecloth will get lots of use this fall. These sugar skull figures (even confetti!) are all super cute additions that the girls loved. The papel picado banner is made from thick paper and can be used again next year if stored carefully. A nice candle, some flowers, pan dulce and some adorable cookies. It’s a tea party!