Lily White’s Party…
Our daughter, Jill was telling me how recently she used a saying with her children that she remembered her dad saying to her as a child as she and her sisters prepared for bedtime. She knew he learned it from his mom and wondered where it came from. John would tell the girls, “Time for Kitty White’s Party”.
Origins of Poem
I was telling our youngest daughter, Abbey our quandary concerning the origin of Kitty White’s party. Abbey searched and found that it was “LILY” White’s Party (some said Lily White’s Ball). Somehow, Lily became Kitty, at least in John’s memory.
We found several comments that people remember it from their childhood. Some said it was popular in the 40’s and 50’s. Most thought it annoying as children but now think of it fondly.
FREE Printable to Frame.
I added some sweet graphics to the words of the poem to create a printable. I think it looks cute in a white frame to decorate a young child’s room. It would also make a lovely birthday or baby shower gift. The DOWNLOAD link is below.
Do you remember this poem from your childhood?
Lily’s White’s Party
author unknown
Hush, my child, and turn out the light
it’s a Lily White’s party night tonight
Brush your teeth, wash your face;
tonight, you’ll wear a dress of lace.
It might be pink, it might be poppy red;
hurry, my little girl, it’s time for bed.
Pull those covers snug and tight,
sleep, then it will be time for Lily White.
Daddy, I don’t have a dress to wear
and I don’t have ribbons for my hair.
I don’t have a present ready to give;
I don’t know where Lily White lives.
Will you wake me when it is time to go?
Daddy, will there be kids that I know?
Will you drive me there in the car?
I wonder if Lily White lives very far.
Hush, my child, and turn out the light
It’s a Lily White’s party night tonight.
You‘ll play games and have lots of fun;
the party will last until night is done.
At Lily White’s you’ll eat candy and cake.
You will wear a crown of gold that you make.
Sleep, little girl, and get some rest;
soon you’ll dress up in your party best.
Daddy, the sun is coming up into the sky.
You didn’t wake me up. Why, Daddy, why?
I slept all night and missed the party fun.
Now it is too late and the party’s done.
I slept all night and didn’t get ice cream or cake.
Daddy, you forgot and made a terrible mistake.
You said I would get to go see Lily White
and, instead, you let me sleep all night.
Hush, my child, you had a wonderful night,
in your party dress you were fairy delight.
You danced and played with all your friends;
your laughter rang out until party’s end.
You just don’t remember all the fun you had.
Lily White loved you, now don’t be so sad.
You can go play again when the sun goes down
and the moon smiles on you, big and round.
Lily White will want you back for party play
when you close your eyes after a long day.
So go get breakfast after you hug me tight –
tonight might be a Lily White’s party night.
We’ll know later when the day has come to end
and Lily White sends an invitation with the wind.
Watch for party stars twinkling in dusk of twilight,
then you will see the decorations of Lily White.
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My wonderful, much beloved aunt used to tuck me into bed and tell me it was time to go to Fannie White’s party. This would have been in the late 1950’s, early 1960’s. She was much older than my mother, so she would have been about 65 when I was 7 or 8. I’m guessing it’s something she heard during the Depression. She was a school teacher in Upper Michigan. I cherish my memories of her.
Hi, oh my, those are just gorgeous. Have a lovely night at Lily White’s. I’m going there now. See you there!
Nola, age 6
My grandmother used to say this to me every night before bed when I was young. I cherish these memories more than anyone can imagine. When I say this to my daughters they chuckle and say “Oh mom, that’s so silly.” Thank you for some history behind the saying, I had no idea.
Hi Lisa,
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your comment and the memories of your grandmother. So sweet!
Kindly, Lorraine
My father always said to us kids,(in the 60’s) “time for daddy whites’ party”.
Yes! I was gooing today looking for the origin of this–my mom always said it at bedtime. I wonder how Lily got corrupted to Kitty? All I learned was that Hello Kitty is really named Kitty White! Thanks for providing an answer!
How is it that you can even make a child's nighttime poem, look so pretty? I never heard of this and think it is so much fun that you were able to find it. The photos are so precious!
I had never heard of this poem, but its lovely.
Your photos are precious!
I've never heard that before but it's lovely
I never heard it before, Lorraine. What a beautiful old poem- xo Diana
I've never heard this before…it's such a sweet poem. But not nearly as sweet as those precious photos!
I thought of your grandchildren (and you) earlier today when I saw this:
https://www.bhg.com/crafts/knitting/crocheting-projects/adorable-puppet-scarf/
It looks like something you might make for them.
Have a wonderful day Lorraine!
Good morning! I have never heard the poem or the saying before, but I loved it! The pics of your grands is just precious! Nothing like sleeping sweeties. Enjoy your day!
I don't remember this poem nor have I heard the expression. We were always told "Sleep tight …" and you know the rest of that and the history I'm sure.
But you have presented this post so beautifully with the rose frames, and the pics of your grandchildren asleep are pure sweetness!
I have never heard of this poem. I guess it is a way of encouraging "pleasant dreams". I think I would have woken up missing the cake and ice cream! xo
I had not heard this before. A sweet memory and such beautiful blessings your grands are.
Its is interesting how these memories come about…I have never heard this saying or poem but maybe it isn't recognised in the UK. But I do remember songs and rhymes that my father sang to me and now I sing them to my grandchildren 🙂
What a lovely poem! I was able to click to enlarge it and read. Thank you for sharing and of course, lovely photos!
Blessings and love,
Debbie