18th Century Colonial Tea: The Party

Arrive on time, never early or late

Do not discuss politics or religion or start an argument

If you take sugar, use the spoon in the bowl and then your own spoon to stir

Do not stick your pinky out

Use only three fingers to eat finger foods, never all five!

(It's considered uncivilized)

These are only a few rules of proper tea etiquette that we learned last Saturday afternoon while munching on cucumber sandwiches, blueberry scones, and lemon verbena mini cakes. It was truly a treat at the Colonial Tea Party, hosted by Sassafras Creek Originals on St. Mary's Road. . .The rain had stopped. . .and the sun was peeking in and out. . .That alone made everyone smile. . .then. . .as we entered the "tea room," the smiles got even bigger. . .But, I'm getting ahead of myself. . .

I arrived a little early (which broke the first rule of etiquette). . .for some behind the scenes photos. . .Dale, Kandye's hubby, was being transformed into an 18th century French voyageur, just in from transporting his furs to market and in time to help his wife in her opportunity to serve some of Ste. Genevieve's finest ladies afternoon tea. . .

As Kandye bustled around the store with her final preparations, Dale and I watched in anticipation as when she brought out the tea goodies. . .and instructed Dale on what teas he was to brew. . .

There was Bohea for the cucumber sandwiches. . .Oolong for the blueberry scones from Audubon's restaurant (famous for their baked goods). . .and Earl Gray for the lemon verbena mini cakes, with lavender infused glaze and lavender buds piped on top. . .

The table was beautifully set. . .

and soon all was ready . . .
as Dale watched for their guests. . .

Kandye and Dale are such a warm and welcoming couple. . . From the time the guests arrived, it was smiles and laughter for everyone. . .Kandye made the history of an 18th century tea come alive. . . amid her instructions for the proper etiquette during an colonial afternoon tea. . .

Everyone was delighted when she presented them with a special bag of the goodies, the cup and saucer, and a tea ball. . . In fact, it was such a rewarding afternoon that the guests lingered for quite a while as they shared their own tea experiences. . .

In today's world of social media and tech gadgets, it was so nice to turn them off and enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea. . .interacting face to face with some delightful people. . .I hope Kandye will continue with her teas. . .and I hope you will be inspired to attend next time.  .It will be an afternoon pleasantly spent. . .

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