Life is a cup to be filled, not drained. (anonymous)

There’s something about a tea party that brings out the best in people – attitudes and behaviors. We give a little more. We think a little more. We reflect and share softly with other, drawing each other close.

Tea parties are intimate, nurturing and safe.

There is a quietness and gentleness to the flowing conversation.

New friendships are made and old friendships are renewed.

A celebration over tea is also a reflective and purposeful celebration.

My daughter Abby and I were invited to two tea parties this year. 

In a quiet and meaningful celebration we helped my Aunt Barb observe her 75th birthday.
With classical music playing, beautiful pictures of her youth framed on the wall, and gorgeous white tables with the sunrays shining into the transformed dining room, family members each shared and reflected special memories of her life. 
Two very classy ladies served us and we shared some laughter and tears (Teresa and Ashley!)
Aunt Barb has been a violinist for over 50 years, and still plays in her church orchestra. So Miss Abby was asked to play for her Great Auntie on this special day.
The next “tea” had a different spirit about it. 
We were invited to the Sisters Tea House in Fenton, MO where my Aunt Ellen hosted a very special time for her daughter, daughter in-laws, granddaughters, and Abby and me.
Children love to play dress-up, and they love to have tea! So the little girls brought their American Girl dolls, we each wore a hat, there was lively conversation, and then the girls put on a fashion show for us. 
It was an intimate time, but also a time full of energy, as the little girls relished in their special “tea time,” and fun with “Granny.”

One thing I noticed at each party was that even though the food was delicious, it wasn’t about the tea or the food. It was about the uniqueness and gift of us all being together. We were filling one another’s cups with love.



Related Posts: