Mad Hatters and (not so) English tea parties
WHAT BETTER (AND MOST FUN) gift to give your mother this Mother’s Day, than a ticket to a tea party?
Tray cloths and lace doilies conjure that most democratic of British pursuits; tea time. Or tea times, because actually, one breaks for tea several times a day in the British Isles (and Commonwealth.)
But it’s “Afternoon tea,” with its tiny, crustless triangles of white bread filled with cucumbers and watercress, dainty fingers of anchovy toast, cakes, cream puffs and tea biscuits, of course; shortbread and divine chocolate-coated flour bombs bound to give you a major tummy ache is the inspiration for this slightly off-kilter, decidedly punk-rock take on the ritual forged during the height of English Colonialism when India became part of “the Empire.”
Good friends, Delta Bayer, owner of hip hair Salon X, and artist Tera Muskrat have been in quiet collaboration for some time, with Muskrat’s work hanging in Bayer’s salon — prime wall space in town, considering Bayer’s lifelong links to artists and the local art and music scene. In fact, Bayer, an artist herself, once worked as a milliner making rather mad hats before becoming a stylist.
Now, the two are collaborating on a series of tea party pop-ups they are holding at Revolt Gallery, conveniently located next door to Salon X.
“Steve is actually my landlord,” Bayer laughed, referring to Steven McFarland, owner of Revolt Gallery, D.J., artist, and entrepreneur himself, who has been stealthily adding to his property by acquiring those behind and beside the gallery. Rumors of art spaces floating aside, music events are currently underway. If Taos has an alternative indie scene, that’s where you’ll find it. Either you know or you don’t.
Revolt Gallery is situated across from the Fechin Museum in a charming historical hacienda, the perfect locale for a hip garden party.
There are different levels of decadence available, including cocktails if you are not a teetotaler, and the two women are baking and making it all. Except for the tea leaves.
“The idea and inspiration came about from our love of afternoon tea, baking and friends,” Bayer said. “We thought it would be a fun excuse for women to dress up and hang out with their friends.”
In fact, a prerequisite of attending these events is that you dress for the occasion. Can’t think of a better idea myself, post-pandemic, post-prohibition. Mad dogs (and the Empire) be damned, it’s time for mad hats and tea.
The first Besteas Tea Party happens on May 14, at Revolt Gallery. There are two seatings and space is limited.