Afternoon Tea in Northville, MI

Last Saturday [2/18] I drove to Northville, MI to attend a Clara Ford [wife of automobile magnate Henry Ford] tea at Mill Race Historical Village.  It was a beautiful day for a tea party.

The tea was held inside the village's historic Cady Inn at 1:00 p.m.

It was a sell-out tea, and once everyone arrived both rooms of the inn were filled with ladies and one brave gentleman.

My place setting is pictured below.  Every lady received a long stemmed rose, in honor of Clara Ford's love of roses, and the beautiful rose garden she developed at Fair Lane - the estate where she and Henry lived until their deaths.

The gift box was from a blog follower and friend, Laura, who works with the caterer who provided the meal.  I'll show you what's inside the box in my next post. 

~ My ticket ~

Vicky O'Neil, the caterer, going over the menu items with the guests.

The desserts and scones were placed on the three tiered server, waiting for the sandwiches.

And here they are!

This was the beautiful teacup with violets that I used for the tea.  It was filled with a delicious Cady House black tea, blended exclusively for Northville Historical Society.

Mike and Sue sat directly across from me and allowed me to take their picture.  They drove all the way from Kalamazoo [western side of the state] to attend the tea.  If there would have been a prize for the best dressed, it would have gone to them.

My sandwiches [clockwise]:  Chicken Salad with Cherries on Cinnamon Raisin Bread; Roast Beef with Horseradish on Light Rye; Cheddar Mango Chutney on Italian in the shape of a teacup; and Ham Salad on Wheat garnished with Gerkins.

~ Pineapple Pecan Scone with Lemon Curd ~

As hard as it was, I saved all three of my desserts to bring home to my hubby.  Banana Mini Cupcake with Cream Cheese Frosting, Rose Petal Shortbread Cookie, and Chocolate Tart.

Following Afternoon Tea, we walked a short distance to the church for the program presented by Ruth Gatza from the Henry Ford Heritage Association.

[Power Point picture of young Clara Ford]

I forgot to turn off my cell phone [a terrible thing for someone who does public speaking to forget!], and Mrs. Gatza's presentation had barely begun when my cell phone rang. Embarrassed, I hurriedly left the church [rather than fumbling in my purse attempting to shut if off] and took the call outside. I didn't have the nerve to go back in after disturbing her presentation once, so I missed the remainder of the presentation.

I wandered over to J.M. Mead's General Store [which they always open for events], and made a wonderful purchase... next post.  It was a very lovely afternoon, and I'm glad I had the opportunity to attend.