Ladies' Homecoming Tea 2022

Last Saturday [September 24] was the first ladies' tea in our new church. It was titled 'Homecoming.'   

Since the church kitchen isn't equipped with all the necessities yet, I contacted tea caterer, Vicky O'Neil of Victoria's Tea Salon, who supplied everything from linens, to all the tableware [dishes, teacups, teapots, silverware, water goblets, and tiered servers] and a wonderful array of delicious tea foods.  I can't praise Vicky enough.  If you are a local reader contemplating a tea party and are in need of a caterer, give Vicky a call [734-968-7338] or visit her website victoriasteasalon.com. 

The wonderful set-up [and tear-down] crew set up all the tables and chairs on Friday afternoon, and my hubby and I arrived at the church at 9:30 a.m. Saturday morning to put the wheels in motion for the 12:30 arrival of guests.  My girlfriend, Lori, came to help, along with Vicky and her two helpers.  50 guests were on the reservation list, but the actual attendance was 46.  

Vicky made it so easy for me.  I only had to provide the placemats, favors and centerpieces [potted mums] which we gave away to the lady at each table with the birthday closest to the date of the tea. Vicky even printed the menus.

Vicky and her helpers in the kichen plating the food.  The tea meal was served at 1:00 p.m.

Vicky explaining the difference between Cream Tea, Afternoon Tea [Low Tea] and High Tea

~ Sharon [Sr. Pastor's wife] asking the blessing ~

Vicky provides a large selection of menu items to choose from.  I chose:  Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts on Wheat Bread; Turkey w/Cranberry Chutney on Cinnamon Raisin [my favorite]; Egg Salad w/Green Olives on Light Rye; and Cucumber w/Dilly Cream Cheese on Italian Bread. The Cream Scones were Chocolate Chip w/mock Clotted Cream and Lemon Curd. Desserts were: Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes w/Ganache & Cherry; Lemon Curd Tarts; and Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Squares.  Tea was Lady Grey Black Tea and Lemon Meringue Rooibos [herbal].  Everything was delicious. 

My friend and helper, Lori [L] and my neighbor, Lorraine [R]

Instead of a program about a person [we've done Queen Elizabeth II, and Julia Child] a place [we've done Paris and Detroit's iconic J.L. Hudson Department Store] or objects [we've done hats and aprons] I decided to do a devotional using the word TEA as an acrostic.  The letter E was about missional hospitality - eating and breaking bread together as Jesus and the early church often did.

A good time was had by all and we will schedule another one in the spring close to Mother's Day.