Love and Friendship Tea

With hushed voices and ladylike posture each of my granddaughters arrived for our tea party.  The ambiance created by the table set with china, napkins, frilly decorations and fancy goodies seems to illicit a modest, refined behavior.

My theme for the afternoon is the value of love and friendships. As we share about tea parties celebrated in books and movies, we also enjoy remembrances of our tea parties together over the years. The reminiscence by each granddaughter is precious.  I love the peek into each of their hearts.

Some share poems and recitations that are loved. One of my delightful granddaughters, Ashley, recited the Preamble to the Constitution.  And I must say this idealistic, patriotic Grandmother beamed from ear to ear.

Blessed to have my mother/Great-Grandma and one of my daughters, Dawn, contribute their thoughts to the conversation added to the success of our tea. Great-Grandma’s carefully decorated mini-cupcakes were the favorite treat of the day.  Our smallest little misses, Tessa and Janie, are still talking about how yummy they were.

The motivation for all of the tea times I’ve had with family and friends over the years is letting each attendee know that I care and cherish their friendship. What a treasure to share the afternoon with my mother, daughter and granddaughters! I hold dear every opportunity I have to talk and laugh with each one.  The charm of their unique personalities spawns contentment in this Grandma’s heart.   

 

Great Grandma

Thank You Anne!

Many Years Ago - My Husband's Grandparents Residence

“I went looking outside myself for my ideals.  I discovered it’s not what the world holds for you, it’s what you bring to it,” Anne of Green Gables in the Sequel self-assuredly proclaims to the young man who has loved her for years.   The novels by Lucy Maud Montgomery and later movies written and produced by Kevin Sullivan are filled with thought-provoking snippets. 

When I think about my desire to create my home into a pleasing and inviting harbor for my family and guests, I began to see my mission in a beautiful way.  Anne’s discovery of the value of offering ‘herself’ to the manner of living, can be applied to providing an amicable and comfortable mood in my home.  Instead of looking outside of my four walls for approval or comparison, my focus can be on accumulated knowledge, ideas and lessons learned.  What foods have been tasted and enjoyed?  Where do my guests feel the most comfortable – talking over world matters at the table, up close and personal?  Or would conversation flow more easily while nestling into the sofa and recliner?  Are there too many breakables within a toddler’s reach?

What topics would be insensitive to discuss?  Am I listening with my heart?  I am alert to clues that my guest is tiring?  Is my sincerity evident without being gushy?  What can I bring to the atmosphere of love and acceptance within our home?  O.K. Anne, you’ve got me thinking!               

It's Fun Being A Girl

Sydney, Timmie, Great Grandma, Zoe
Haley and Ashley
Our Tea Party about Seven Years Ago 

Each dress will be carefully chosen, every hair in place, smiles and giggles revealing feminine delight as my nine granddaughters and my mother join me for our traditional tea party.  Three generations sipping tea from delicate cups while nibbling on tasty sweets.

Over the years I’ve been so tickled to see the current smallest little lady in attendance placing the cloth napkin across her tiny lap.  It slips off a few times during our chatter.  But automatically one of our more mature young ladies, without a word, will retrieve the napkin and slip it right back on the appropriate lap.  It is a real joy to watch toddlers grow into young ladies as time passes.

Magically the atmosphere in the room emits sweetness and good manners.  Sometimes we sing.  We have composed a multi-verse song mentioning each of the girls by name.  One time we colored a “tea party memory” on construction paper.  This year we will be talking about tea parties that have taken place in Anne of Green Gables, Alice in Wonderland, Jane Austen’s Emma and Laura Ingalls Wilder’s The Long Winter.  Our youngest little ladies will be singing an all-time favorite, “I’m A Little Teapot”.

Time is precious.  I cherish the memories made at the tea parties with my Mother, Sydney, Zoe, Haley, Ashley, Timmie Faith, Macy, Megan, Tessa and Janie.  I can’t wait for our upcoming afternoon of femininity.  I’ll update you with photos in the days to come.


Megan at a 2012 Tea