I started hosting tea parties in an older home propped as pretty as you please on the corner of a quiet street. A family of four in a two-bedroom, one-bath home made for a tight fit, and tea parties felt downright snug, but no one would change a thing. Some teas were scripture-based, and others celebrated holidays, but every time, the room filled with the scent of scones, floral tea, and laughter.
In December 2007, I paused hosting after losing my maternal grandmother, one of the most influential women in my life. The desire fizzled until we moved to the Foothills of South Carolina. Maybe it was the mountain air, the silence that comes with country living, or a whisper from the Lord saying it’s time again.
I took these Valentine’s Tea pictures at the first tea in the mountains, an intimate gathering with writerly friends. The call to write for the Lord introduced us, but honing our skills together, leaning on each other during the disappointments, and cheering on the victories cultivated relationships written for eternity.
Marcia Moston, Carol Roper, and Beth Saadati
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. I hope this is true, as I have more pictures than words today.
Initially, I plucked a neatly wrapped bunch of non-Valentine flowers from one of the grocery store floral buckets. They were pretty enough and saved a few pennies. But after spotting these tri-colored roses, I plunged the non-Valentine bunch back into their bucket and never looked back.
A favorite tea treat is a yogurt, vanilla-almond granola, and fruit in half-pint jars. My paternal grandmother passed down the vintage Apple Blossom tea cups and saucers you see above.
What better way to wish a group of writers a happy Valentine’s Day than by spelling it out? This idea works with any tea theme!
As a recovering perfectionist, I remind myself that the joy in gathering with friends, regardless of whether there are two or twenty around the table, isn’t discovered in perfectly set tables, dust-free surfaces, the most favorable food, or the perfect centerpiece but in the mingling of hearts and souls for God’s glory.
“You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.” – C.S. Lewis
Or too many reasons to celebrate with friends. – Cathy Baker
What are your plans for Valentine’s Day?
Ohh I loved this, Cathy! What a beautiful table & sweet set up! I’m sure your friends had a lovely time <3 I'm so glad you are hosting tea parties again & that you shared this with us!
We had a pancake dinner party for our Valentine's Day 🙂 I'd planned much more than I was able to accomplish, but my husband, baby & I had fun!
A pancake dinner is my love language. 🙂 Love this idea, Heather! Thank you for your sweet comments. They always mean so much to me. Hugs to you from SC!
I love tea parties. It has been a long time since I hosted one. Thanks for the nudge! Everything looks beautiful. Blessings!
Thank you for the kind words, Maureen. I’m delighted you’re feeling the nudge to host your own tea. 🙂 No doubt your guests will be blessed!
How thoughtful to do this in the midst of all the busyness of life – kudos!
Aww, thanks Cynthia. I hope to see you at Blue Ridge this year!
This is so lovely…in thought, action and delivery. What a special moment with friends!
Thank you, Debra. Wish you lived closer so we could enjoy a cup of tea together. 🙂 Blessings!
Love, love this. Yes, you are a sister from another mother 🙂 Our Valentine’s Day will be quiet tomorrow as we dig out from over a foot or snow that is still falling this afternoon. But this morning, while snow fell, we sat by the fire with hot drinks (tea for me, coffee for John) and enjoyed my oatmeal blueberry bake hot from the oven. He has whipped cream on his….go figure!!
I’m convinced we are too, Jeanne, and I couldn’t be more delighted! Your morning was dreamy. Snow, tea, an oatmeal blueberry bake…hot from the oven? Sweet mercy! I’d love that recipe. It’s everything I love. 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by. Have a blessed day.
Oh my dear sister in Christ! In the back of my mind, a lightbulb blinked on, as one of my goals is “do more hospitality” …. and a tea party is / can be such a lovely gathering. Thanks for the inspo (again!).
Wouldn’t a Creative Pauses tea party be lovely, Deb? Maybe we’ll try an online version! Thanks so much for taking the time to share. 🙂
I’m a recovering perfectionist too, Cathy. I love this post, the photos and idea is so beautiful and sweet.
Hi Karen! I’m glad you enjoyed the post. I wish we lived closer so we could enjoy a cup of tea together. Are you planning to come to Blue Ridge this year? I’ve missed you. 🙂 Thanks for taking the time to share.
Beautiful! That sounds like so much fun!
Thank you, Angie! 🙂 I appreciate you taking time to share.
My grand girlies and I have had tea parties since they could sit at the table. Two of the girls moved to nyc, and got awhile we would have zoom parties. Last summer we had a tea party while they were here, this post has reminded me that I need to restart the virtual tea parties. Thank you for this post.
What a delightful way to spend time with your granddaughters, Mary! Thanks so much for sharing. 🙂