Summer Apron Tea

An Apron Tea: Is there anything more homey than an apron? Ms. Arline, the hostess, had been known about town to throw some very creative tea events, and this was no exception. Upon arriving, I saw large tents covering the lawn and inside them were 24  round tables,covered in white linen tableclothes. Guests were served a garden salad, quartered watercress and turkey sandwiches, and fresh fruit. Perfect for a warm summer's day.

   A historian had been brought in to give an informative talk and show her HUGE collection of aprons and their significance throughout the decades. There were bib aprons, waist aprons, fancy pinnefore aprons, even dress aprons. Some reflected that their first apron was made their first apron in Home Ec class..a course that many schools have eliminated with budget cuts. Each guest was asked to wear an apron to the tea and to bring a wrapped gift for a game exchange. 



Pinned to the sides of the canopies, colorful aprons flapped in the breeze. As we circulated in our  aprons, memories and stories were beginning to surface: "Grandma used to carry the peaches she just picked", another remembered that her "aunt used to wipe the kids dirty faces", and my own grandmom carried things in the large pockets; like  the clothespins to hang out the wet laundry outside, cookies for the grandkids, keys to the cold celler, even another apron which was always clean and a little fancier in case company popped over. I always knew Grandma's apron pockets would have something special in them. One guest's mom left one hanging by the front door to change into when company stopped by. The apron was certainly a utilitarian garment. One gal said, "my grandma would use it to wipe the counters, dust the furniture, and then wipe our faces...it was already damp, right?.." I laughed so hard, today it better be made from an anti-fungal, anti-bacterial dye-safe, fabric!

The hostess made sure everyone was having a good time, tiny dessert plates with lemon cake and custard was served. Orange Spice tea was served in painted tea cups, which then was given to the guests to take home. It was a memorable, informative afternoon. Revisiting all the memories I have attached to aprons , I now own several.


photo courtesy of A Taste of Home

Southern Belles Tea

Summer had officially  arrived, I wanted to celebrate with the girls, with most of us having Southern roots, the theme became obvious, a Southern Belles Tea. The menu would begin with a Southern Comfort Punch, Chilled Peach Soup served in green depression glass teacups and saucers.
Next, served on alternating pink and green Cambridge Decagon glass; Field Greens with Marinated Grilled Chicken with spiced pecans paired with a mini Corn Muffin.
pots of Ginger Peach tea, and tall pitchers of Sweet Tea to hydrate on this hot summer day.
The Dessert tray included tasty pecan scones with clotted cream, and assorted homemade cookies.
The belles gathered in their cotton dresses, pressed linen handkerchiefs, and straw hats. The table was set with a mix of white china and green depression glass. Water glasses were covered with lace doilies. Hanging on the back of each chair, I place homegrown dried lavender buds in sachet bags for the girls to take home. Sitting next to each plate, I placed Fresh lavender pots wrapped in alternating purple gingham and purple polka dot fabrics for each gal to plant as a memory of our tea.



Coconut crispies





Organza bags held by satin ribbon held lavender scented candles to take home with the Lavender plants on the table.



Cinnamon scented fresh peach pie




Tiny lace caps cover the water glasses



Homemade Cream wafers



Placecard: "Miss Donna" a tiny silk pansy glued to each name



Pinking sheared edged "pot wrappers" were made from lavender polka dot and checked fabric.



The guests all wore white linens and lace, some carried parasols, all donned white hats.



Happy Easter Tea



My own Cupcake Bunnies and Puddle Ducks donned the table. I managed to sell a few for the Holidays.

The invitation I made:
Easter Tea Invitation!
Bunny tracks, ducks quack
Make yourself a Spring hat
Baked ham and sweet snacks
Don't forget to RSVP back
Baskets are waiting, no time to slack!


Put on your Easter Bonnets, bring a favorite Easter memory, and come for tea! The best part of this tea was the Egg Hunt. It was so fun to see women enjoying a childhood tradition. The guests really got into the spirit of it. The eggs were filled with candies, eye shadows, potpourri, nail polish..etc..
I kept the table simple to place Easter baskets above the settings.