Small Thoughts & Big Leaps

A Tea for Thee

“A cup of tea is a pause in the day.” Make that a pause in several weeks. What better way to pass the winter months than to host a Let’s Get Acquainted Tea Luncheon for the five great aunts on Chuck’s side of the family, given by our grandgirls?

I happen to have an old book on this very subject, written in 1932, that is dear to me. So much to love on these small pages, in particular, the dress code for a tea: a handsomest afternoon dress, hats, and gloves are always worn. Since this is also a luncheon, the dress would be silk, velvet, or chiffon.

Tea Luncheon plans progress.

I got busy writing a mini-course on tea etiquette. Oh, how much fun we had role-playing! From greeting at the door, posture, smiles, gentle movements, seating, tray carrying, tea pouring, and serving the food. “May I…” was the theme of the day.

I bought the six hostesses’ matching outfits. They were lined up, ready to take coats and lead their guests to their seats.

On the menu: though I didn’t get a photo of it, the sweetest thing (forgive the pun) was the little sugar cubes in a small china bowl. Girls had never seen a sugar cube!

After the dessert was served with the last cup of tea, we made our way back to our Hideaway. With mics in hand, the girls introduced themselves, sharing three things “you might want to know about me.”

And then it was the great aunt’s turn to answer four interview questions. What did you like to do when you were a little girl? What is a hobby you enjoy now? What was your favorite job? Lastly, what is a fun memory you have of our Papa?

It is a treasured memory. Spanning a generation, sharing stories. And of course, the aunts were gracious guests and handed out plenty of “a job well done.”

I added my own “well done” to my girls. I’ve got six young hostesses who are light-years ahead of me. My greatest joy is the hearts behind their smiles.

The theme of our hostess course was Serving Others, and in your serving, you are serving Jesus. One of my many favorite Bible verses is found in the wisdom book. “Those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:25)

I’m not sure who left that day more refreshed. The great-aunts? My six girls? Or me? It’s a tie.

Found in the introduction of my little book are these words by Ida.

“You will find the rules to be followed in entertaining are few; in fact, there is only one that is really important. Wherever you live, whatever your status in life may be, you can entertain charmingly if you will remember that success comes from the dispensing of true hospitality and that hospitality is simply consideration for others.”

Well said, Ida of velvet, silk and chiffon.

94 years have passed since that instructive book on hospitality. A lot has changed. But truly, our hearts still long to make connections. And perhaps we have even gotten better at sharing hospitality – pizza and paper plates work too.

No hats and gloves and frocks required.

Margi