Monday, June 05, 2006

Bright Lights Mother & Daughter Tea Party

"In China, serving tea is a symbol of togetherness and a customary way of showing respect for visitors. In Ireland and England, tea is taken with milk and sugar, and in Russia, it is served with a slice of lemon, along with a dollop of raspberry jam or a lump of sugar to hold between the teeth. In Tibet, tea is customarily served with churned yak butter and crushed walnuts, peanuts, salt, or sugar to make a thick beverage called tsampa. Moroccan shopkeepers greet prospective customers with a glass of mint-flavored green tea, and in Egypt, guests are served strong and heavily sweetened black tea prepared by the male head of the family. In Japan, the serene tea ceremony has been described by Yasunari Kawabata as 'a communion of feeling, when good friends come together at the right moment, under the best conditions'. "
(Excerpt from Afternoon Tea Serenade by Sharon O' Connor)
There were twenty-four ladies seated around lace-covered rectangular tables, sipping tea and enjoying the pleasantly nostalgic ritual of "high" tea. A charming tea book perfectly stated our sentiments, "Charmed by the smallness of the cups and saucers, delighted with tiny sandwiches and other treats, we were thrilled to step away from our everyday selves and enter a world of beautiful politeness." What a enchanting time we had on Saturday afternoon. Everyone looked so nice in their "Sunday best", tea cups in hand. Plus manners mirrored their fine attire -- such a great group of girls I've been blessed to get to know through Bright Lights! :o)
We savored scones, cookies, tarts and sandwiches, while relishing cups of English Breakfast, Earl Grey and peach teas. Nothing like a dollop of Devonshire cream and strawberry jam spread on a "simply sweet scone". Yummm! *licking my lips*
About midway through our polite murmuring, tea sipping and managed excitement we had the pleasure of being serenaded by a talented violinist, guitarist and pianist. After Jessica, Tara and Stefani (thanks again for playing!) entertained us with such favorites like "As the Deer" and "Amazing Grace" we all couldn't contain our delicate voices any longer and joined in with the remaining verses. By the time we tired of such delights, we had sung four or five songs through.
It was such fun to put this social engagement together. I'm afraid I would've been thoroughly stressed if it hadn't been for Mom, Patty G. And Delaney lending their hands and suggestions. We turned the drab church kitchen into a lovely tea parlor (you should've seen how many silk plants Mrs. G stuffed into her car -- it was amazing!). I even got to drag out my box of chipped china to use! What memories! :o)
Now, since we all acted like proper ladies this week, how about next week we have a regular rowdy time together at a park or something?? :oD

4 Comments:

At Tuesday, June 06, 2006 4:45:00 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks for the pictures! It looks like you all had a wonderful time! By the way, you looked so professional in that picture behind the booth at the homeschool conference! :-) Talk to you soon!

Jocelyn

 
At Friday, June 09, 2006 8:17:00 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

The tea sounds like it was marvelous! You and your family sure have a nack for making things glorious.

 
At Saturday, June 10, 2006 6:49:00 PM, Blogger Owen Family said...

Thanks Elyn Elise -- that's really sweet to say! :o) We just try and enjoy every moment...

By the way, when I tried to visit your blog I was "forbidden" to. I don't have to get on or anything --but just wanted to let you know.

Smiles,
Chelsea

 
At Sunday, June 11, 2006 1:02:00 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Chelsea!!
I love the pictures from the tea and Jessica, Stefani, and I were happy to play for it!! :o) You did a great job!!
See you Friday!!
Love in Christ,
Tara

 

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