An Invitation To Our Anniversary Tea

I am so glad you decided to join me for a spot of tea

Welcome to the soothing comforts of tea, sisterhood, and edifying conversation.  My cup is prepped for it all! Not only is my cup full and running over; my saucer is filled to the brim.  I won’t slurp my tea though.  However, I will spill just a little tea.  I hope you have your favorite tea ready because I am about to spill the tea on tea etiquette with a splash of the Word gently stirred in.

As I write this blog, I am enjoying a delightful cup of rooibos tea while classical music serenades in the background.  I enjoy all the “Teas or TY’s” of friendship.  When I sit with God’s women to tea; I enjoy, Sereni-TY, no Anxie-TY, plenty of Tranquili-TY, as I freely share my Difficulti-TYS.  Some of my most insightful conversations have been over tea, a lace tablecloth, a vase of lilies, with petite goodies and pristine floral teacups.  No wonder Henry James said, “There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.”  So, let’s get into the do’s and don’ts of a proper tea.

Tea Etiquette Tip # 1: There is a difference between High Tea and Afternoon Tea?

The terms “high tea” and “afternoon tea” are not interchangeable.  Afternoon Tea is generally served at a lower table, with scones, clotted cream, preserves, and other petite sweets and savories.  High tea consists of a more generous menu and is served at a higher table.  A high tea menu includes: meats, desserts, and fruit.  High tea was served to the Queen to satisfy her appetite at about 6 p.m.  The high tea was served before dinner; with dinner being served at approximately 9 p.m. 

The menu options are traditionally served on a tiered-serving dish to signify courses.  Course 1 is served on the bottom tier.  Then selections from tier 2.   Finally, selections from tier 3.  What a spread!  Well, The Lord places quite a spread before us too.  The Bible says, “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Psalms 23:5  I am easily reminded that I can sit in the midst of enemies and be a calm-cool-collected lady.  The Lord will prepare a table of delicacies for me to feast on while I sit with enemies.  I can feast on His Word, savor the sweetness of the Word, and enjoy the milk of His Word with enemies glaring at me.  Teatime is another reminder, “I Have No Reason To Fear!”

Tea Etiquette # 2: Dress appropriately.

This is the perfect time to don a happy spring dress with florals or patterns.  Classy separates are also welcome to tea.  A strand of pearls, a fascinator, a hat, and gloves are in the history of tea.  However, it is not a mandate for a modern tea in America.  Always honor the dress code noted on an invitation to tea.  Chiffon, layered dresses, silk, cotton blends, eyelet lace and smart accessories all are appropriate for teatime.  Some women, even though dressed up, do not always behave themselves in a lady-like manner.  I remember an episode of The Housewives of Potomac.  There was a scene with the housewives dressed in high-end designer ensembles.  I mean they were dressed to the nines for tea at the historic Willard InterContinental hotel in D.C.  What happened next?  Well,  let’s just say … the posh and plush chairs, ornate end tables, and pristine table settings did not stop the demeaning insults from being hurled across the table by the women at one another.  So, please do dress and behave appropriately when at tea.

As the tea box is placed before me; I think of The Last Supper.  As I peer into the tea chest at the raspberry, lemon zinger, pomegranate, orange blossom, peppermint, and earl grey tea; I think of John leaning his head on Jesus’s chest.  The Bible says, “Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, who Jesus loved.”  John 13:23 Seated around the table, Jesus prepares to identify His betrayer.  All the disciples wonder, “Who is the betrayer?”  Simon motions to John, “Ask, Jesus who it is?  Who is the betrayer?”  John, leaning on Jesus’ chest asks, “Lord, who is it?”  Right there, at the table, while they are enjoying a meal; Jesus revealed the answer to John and everyone in the room.  This reminds me if I ask Jesus a question; He is able to reveal the answer to me and all my sister-friends at tea with me. 

Drop your answer in the comments, “What do you think is a highly engaging topic for sister-friends to discuss at an intimate private tea party.”

It was fabulous having tea with you!  I hope you enjoyed your tea enough to join me one more time for this anniversary tea celebration.  I’ll be sharing more tea etiquette and tea reflections.  This is your official invitation to tea on Friday, right here in the “Fearless In High Heels” Tea Room.  Please, before you leave our teatime, enjoy a little shopping below. 

Hymnal:   Sing unto The Lord with this AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE HYMNAL: 575 HYMNS, SPIRITUALS, AND GOSPEL SONGS Hardcover – September 1, 2001   https://amzn.to/2y54NLu

Hymnal: Make the enemy leave you alone as you singe this hymns in the CELEBRATION HYMNAL Hardcover – May 1, 1997.  https://amzn.to/2UV2PGf

Bible Custom Book:  https://amzn.to/2tuYkqQ

Bible Atlas: https://amzn.to/35pjuUo

KJV Life Application Study Bible:  https://amzn.to/3b00IGx

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