Hearthside - The House That Love Built

Traditional Afternoon Tea April 30th

Hearthside offers the perfect setting for the elegance and tradition of a Victorian Tea Party, and so once again this year, Friends of Hearthside is sponsoring the Traditional Afternoon Tea on Sunday, April 30 th.

The Tea provides an experience of grandeur of the late 19 th century, when elaborate teas were fashionable social events. Ladies and gentlemen would often meet in the afternoon to enjoy tea and conversation among elegant settings of lace and dainty china tea cups, with wonderful creations of miniature tea sandwiches, scones, and scrumptious sweets. As with so many Victorian traditions, elaborate dress, as well as proper etiquette, was followed for the ritual of Afternoon Tea. Women would gather with big feathered hats, long full dresses and gloved slim hands. The volunteers from Friends of Hearthside, who will be dressed in their Victorian finery, cordially invite their guests to experience a memorable day by joining in the tradition of Afternoon Tea. While Victorian dress is optional, guests are encouraged to wear their favorite hats. The theme for this year’s Tea will be “The History of Hats” and will feature special guest, Margo Bik, known as the “Hat Lady”, who will discuss the evolution of hats over the past 100 years. She will also exhibit several unique hats from her historic collection. Prizes will be given for the “most beautiful” and “most unusual” hats.

“In the midst of our busy and hectic schedules, the Afternoon Tea is an opportunity to experience and relish in the luxury of slowing down and visiting with friends,” says Pat Campellone, event chairperson. In addition to enjoying the rituals of Tea and the hat presentation, there will also be tours of the 10-room house given following each seating of tea. Special gifts for mother will also be available at the Hearthside Gift Shop.

This popular event, now in its sixth year, is expected to draw 140 guests. Space is limited for the two seatings being offered at 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. Tickets, at $18.00 each, must be purchased in advance by calling Pat Campellone at 722-2925 before April 21 nd. All proceeds from the event benefit the restoration of the historic homestead.

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