Just a Tea-Lovin’ Girl

"There is no trouble so great or grave

that cannot be much diminished by a cup of tea."

Bernard Paul Heroux, a 1900's Basque philosopher

 One thing you will learn about me, if you read many of my blogs, is that I love tea, pretty much any kind of tea, but chai is my all-time favorite! I also like to be creative and decorate around my house.  Actually, I collect unique teapots and tea cups and decorate with them, too. Several years ago, my church started a fall tradition…..the “Ladies Holiday Tea” in November. The first time I attended, I fell in love!!! Teapots and tea cups everywhere! Over 60 tables are decorated by a “Hostess” in unique and different ways….some are themed (Thanksgiving or Christmas or any theme), others are whimsical/modern, and still others are very traditional/elegant.  The event is so popular that tickets are usually sold out by a few weeks before the date.  Officially, this is meant to be a two- way outreach. Church members are encouraged to invite people who are un-churched or not Christ-followers to give them the opportunity to feel the homey welcome of good food, great entertainment, and encouragement from other women who just want to fellowship and share the love of Christ. Guests are also encouraged, but not required, to bring an item for the needy (different local programs are sponsored each year and a list of needs is usually supplied with the ticket). I love it that the men in the church get involved, too, volunteering in the kitchen, preparing the tea and setting out cookies and treats (made ahead of time by other volunteers) for the hostesses to pick up and take to their tables to serve their guests.  This year’s event is this Saturday(Nov. 19)  and I volunteered to be a hostess. This is my third time doing it….every other year I like to take a break and just attend the event, so since I didn’t hostess last year, I decided to do it again. It’s a lot of work/preparation, but so much fun!! In the past, I’ve invited a few friends/family members, but this year I actually have a full table of guests already signed up to sit at my table (8 people to a table). Even though every seat at the event is filled, I get excited knowing that I know pretty much everyone who will be at my table!(One friend is bringing a friend who I currently don’t know, but look forward to meeting.)  I’m gonna be busy the next couple of days, but I plan on taking lots of pictures, so be ready to see lots of fun tea-lovin’ pretties in one of my next posts! Till then, here are a few of my favorite teapots that I’ve collected over the years! (And if you get a chance, send up a little prayer that the Holiday Tea will encourage and touch the hearts of the women who will be attending.)

Are you a collector of something you love? Write to me and share your collection, too! :)

In His Love, 

Ann