Ladies Tea 2010

Teatime, for me, is so relaxing and refreshing. I love getting dressed up and driving somewhere to an actual tea parlor. I have always been a tea-drinker and so finding myself drinking tea with cream and eating tea sandwiches is no surprise. When I was first voted in as Ladies Director this year, I handed out a sheet asking for suggestions for fun activities and things my ladies would like to see or do this year. Several asked for a ladies tea. As it so happens, my aunt Kim collects teapots, teacups, and anything related to tea! She also knows most of the recipes for the sandwiches, savories, scones, and desserts. I knew there was no way I could plan a ladies tea by myself so I ran to her and she became the official caterer with my mom and I as her helpers with all the cooking, decorating, and waitressing. It was A LOT of work, but the end result was satisfactory. Of course, going to an actual tea parlor is still better, but we learned a lot and I think with time and more tea parties, we will be just as good! :)

Now normally, tea can be very formal, but as this was a first tea party for many of my ladies, they could dress as they pleased. Several had asked me about wearing hats, so I came up with the idea of creating a hat to wear. As you will see below, some of the hats were wild!

I was aware some of our ladies didn't like tea, but were still coming for the experience, so we served water and punch as additional drinks for them!

Aunt Kim and I feverishly putting the last touches together.

We sat down for tea, too, as soon as everybody was served.

For some reason, nobody chose the very first table up front (which I thought was one of the prettiest), so we sat there with my pastor's wife.

My pastor's wife, Heather...not only is she sweet, caring, and accomplished, she is beautiful, too!

The red table...disregard the date (pic taken by one of my ladies)

Sue and Shawnna

Yes, even though it was a Ladies Tea, the little girls were invited. It is my opinion you can never begin too early with giving your children fun experiences that also teach them about manners and plus, what little girl doesn't enjoy being with the ladies and being treated as a young lady?? Little Faith was adorable in her hat and so very sweet...here she is posing with her grandmother.

Kirsten (in the middle)...she is a joy to be around and you never lack for entertainment when you are with her....

KJ in her hat she created especially for our tea and her sidekicks, Sammi and Michelle

Yes, by no means a "traditional" tea, but I am finding it doesn't matter if everything is just so-so...all that matters is the unconditional friendships you have, the fellowship you enjoy with your sistas, fun memories, and the love you carry in your heart. All the rest is just the cream and sugar in the tea!

Have a great Monday!