Happy Valentine's Day!

Yesterday I was invited to tea in the City of Grosse Pointe Farms, MI.  The monthly teas are sponsored by SOC [Services for Older Citizens].  There was a wide variance in ages, and a few males were brave enough to be among the female dominated gathering.  Grosse Pointe Farms residency isn't required for attending, and the price is only $5 per person.  For that amount it isn't extravagant, but it is a pleasurable time of socializing, and enjoying tea and refreshments.
  

On my way I stopped at my favorite antique store, LaBelle's.  I don't collect tea-themed Valentines, but I spotted one in a basket of vintage Valentines, and since it was only $1.50, I bought it.  The inside of the Valentine asks, "So why not be my Valentine?" Signed, From Tillie.

~ Flier for the Valentine Tea ~

Gorgeous fresh roses decorated each table, and were given away at the end of the tea by a drawing.

Each attendee got to choose their own teacup.

My tea of choice was Constant Comment, which went perfectly with Cheese and Crackers, Fresh Fruit, a Mini-Chocolate Éclair, and a slice of Blueberry Strudel.

I set up a little Valentine vignette at my house when I got home.  The garden flag in the background came from Michael's, thanks to Linda at Friendship Tea for blogging about it, and giving everyone the heads-up!

A dear girlfriend not only gives me her friendship, but also a Precious Moments Valentine bag filled with cute gifts - a Post-it notepad holder with matching ink pen [a craft show find], and comfy teapot socks [from Dress Barn].   

I wish I could say I made the delicious sweets that are pictured below, but I didn't.  In the upper left corner is a Junior's mini chocolate swirl cheesecake.  Junior's Restaurant in Brooklyn, New York is famous for their cheesecake recipe.  A dear lady at our church made them to sell for Valentine's Day and contributed her profits of $400 to the building fund. What a labor of love, and they're absolutely delicious.  

My hubby was gifted with the other sweets made by high school culinary students.  School Board members all received a tray of the goodies for School Board Appreciation Week [which was delayed in Michigan because of winter school closings]. The treats were definitely worth waiting for.

Wishing you a Happy Valentine's Day!