An afternoon tea party with friends
June Peacock loves a good party. She and her husband, Russell host a houseful of guests every Christmas and in mid-summer, the two are likely to be found in their garden hosting a barbecue.
“I’ve always wanted to host a tea party,” June stated one day while we were out shopping together. “I want to spend time with friends and make memories,” she added. “Life is just too short.”
A few weeks later when the post arrived one fall morning, I and others found an invitation complete with a Peacock feather on the cover inviting us all to an afternoon tea. The event took place on Friday, September 20 starting at 1:00 p.m. We were encouraged to wear a hat or a fascinator but this was not mandatory.
The social gathering found seventeen women in attendance arriving in a variety of colors sporting hats and fascinators made of feathers, netting, lace and bows. I opted for a teacup and saucer fascinator surrounded by flowers and ribbon…très chic!
An “afternoon” tea has become quite an elegant affair, apparently, and June had prepared sandwiches (no crusts), cut in a variety of unique shapes placed on trays in a multitude of levels. Miniature brightly frosted cupcakes and squares as well as freshly baked scones added to the fare. Homemade jams and two different types of tea steeped to perfection wrapped in a tea cozy and served in bone china teacups as well as trays of sugar cubes, lemon slices, butter and cutlery adorned the two large tables.
A constant chatter erupted from the two adjacent rooms and the occasional burst of laughter danced through the air. There were faces both familiar and new as friendships were sweetened while others were freshly made promising the opportunity to meet again and blossom further.
I was the last to leave and as June and I sat to enjoy our fifth cup of tea, I could not help but watch her as she puttered around her kitchen, happy with the afternoon.
“I do believe it was a success,” she chirped. “I think this will become another of my annual gatherings,” she stated.
If you haven’t held or attended a tea party recently, I highly recommend it. It is less stress than a dinner party and it allows one the opportunity to be creative, delicate and innovative in selecting, preparing and displaying an afternoon treat conveniently timed after lunch and before dinner. It is such a rare event that guests are quite thrilled with the invite. The guests attending the Peacock Tea were a real mixed group that found themselves in the best of company and being hosted by a wonderful friend. What do you say June, same time next year?