On Saturday, September 30

Jenna and I hosted a lemony tea party

With china cups, scones and fancy sandwiches

Eight gathered around the table

One of them was a birthday girl

 

What I learned . . .

  1. Be flexible.

The party date was moved twice from the original. Hurricane Irma blew in and caused a ruckus. And then guests’ schedules didn’t jive. The third try was a charm!

 

 

We finally settled on a date corresponding to my sister Jan’s birthday at the end of September.

 

  1. Don’t do everything yourself.

Grand-daughter Jenna was my wing-girl. We’ve teamed up together baking before. (Remember the rainbow cake?) This time she chose the theme, made the lemon loaf all by herself at home and then came to my kitchen 3 hours early for last-minute prep, here assembling cucumber sandwiches.

 

 3. And by all means, use the good china! 

Here’s a link to writer friend Jenn’s blog post about how the wrong teacup can ruin your tea.

Another tip: Wash your teacups the day before, so you don’t feel rushed.

 

  1. Invite guests to pick their own teacups

 

 

  1. It’s okay to take shortcuts

 The last time I had a party a tea strainer was involved. This time I used tea bags instead, much easier, less fuss.

 

6. Life is short – celebrate!

Three generations gathered to sip tea and honor my sister Jan’s birthday, her grand-daughter Emily sharing a merry moment here.

 

Her oldest grand-daughter, Tori – then and now. Drinking tea at age 11 in 2010 and now a grown-up 18.

 

We told stories, including another teacup tale.

My teacup count was down a few because of an explosion years ago in my dining room. In case you missed it or want to read it again: Moments of Extreme Emotion: Explosion in the Curio Cabinet.

 

You are invited to the story circle . . .

A memorable party with or without tea where things went right – or wrong!

Another quotation

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Coming next: Memoir Writing, Myth and Mystery