To me, tea time traditions are personal. Of course there is high tea that is
"traditional" in Jolly Old England, but I like traditions that bring meaning
and life to me and my family and friends. By stepping out and creating tea traditions,
I've participated in some very special gatherings.
The first tea party I ever attended was far from traditional or proper. With what
little we knew and what I had learned from Victoria
magazine, my mom and I ever had a tea party for my grandmother's 75th
birthday. Grandma was not one for much fuss, but she really enjoyed having a "tea
with the ladies" for her birthday.
Everyone thought we were joking when we requested "nice attire." Some
showed up in sweat pants - while Mom & I were all decked out in white gloves
and long dresses. We sat around and played Old Maid, "Gossip"
and had a wonderful time! The next time we had a tea party, everyone dressed up
when we requested it.
That first tea party sparked a fire in those we invited. My cousin, who was impressed
with tea parties Mom and I put on, decided to host a surprise tea for my bridal
shower. The surprise was on them when I called to say I was snowed in,
the airport was closed and wouldn't be home for another 3 days! My cousin
planned several tradition bridal shower games and gifts right along side tea and
crumpets! It was such a great time.
When Rich and I were making a major life change and out of state move in 1999, the
ladies from my Tuesday morning Bible study plotted and planned a surprise tea for
me as well - this one was in July, no snow! They gathered all the women at the church,
dressed them to the nines their best dresses and antique hats, gathered everyone's fine china, put on
a delightful program and showered us with house warming gifts. It is one of the
most gracious acts of kindness I've ever experienced.
Every year, a Titus 2 lady at our first church, gathers all the women together at
Christmas to have a "Christmas Tea." She puts together scripture,
poems, songs/hymns and short stories all surrounding the birth of Christ that weaves
a beautiful tale. Then she gives each of the ladies a piece to read and mixes it
with songs. It's such a sacred time of inspiration and focus on what we're really
trying to accomplish on December 25. After we moved away, I put on several Christmas
teas in the same manner. The ladies always leave refreshed and focused.
Although you don't have to have a special occasion to have a tea party, tea parties
can make special occasions more special. Instead of throwing a traditional party,
why not go for something more formal and lady like?
Some possible tradition making times:
- Birthdays
- Anniversaries
- Bridal or Baby Showers
- When a Friend is Moving Far Away
- Christmas, Easter or Other Special Christian Time
- New Years Eve
- A Ladies' Bible Study (where everyone brings one thing and somebody else makes the
tea)
- Just Because You Enjoy It
Making tea a tradition is as simple as hosting a tea on the second Friday morning
of the month. Even if you don't have tea for specific occasion, you can establish
the tradition of always playing a certain game or having a specific food. Great
recipes and old fashion games can be in a library near you or online in places like
this or
that one.
I love having a group of rather conservative women play Old Maid, and loose it laughing
while "trying to get rid of that 'thing!'" They enjoy themselves and you,
as the hostess, will enjoy yourself. But most of all, enjoy your time of fellowship
and make laughter a tradition.