Monday, December 6, 2010

Tea for Toys wrap-up

Since I wrote about our Tea for Toys event several times before it was held on Dec. 2, I thought you might enjoy hearing how the event went! I must say I was thrilled with all the ladies who attended and their response -- and by the end of the day we had a toy chest overflowing and spilling into the hallway with gifts that will go to local foster children this Christmas! Incredibly enough, several of this blog's readers from other states surprised me by mailing toys, and a few of my local friends who couldn't attend the tea sent toys as well. I was truly humbled by everyone's kindness, and my friend who organizes the local toy distribution program each year was just beaming as she collected all the toys for the children!

The tea wouldn't have happened, of course, without the wonderful efforts of my friends at Holly Cottage Tearoom, and I can't even begin to tell you how truly amazing they were! In addition to providing the delicious tea plate shown here, Chef Linda also donated a toy and some fantastic door prizes for the event. (I'm sorry I forgot to photograph the English trifle we had for dessert, but it was yummy just as I knew it would be, having enjoyed it here before.) And if you haven't tried it yet, I must say the Cranberry-Orange Scone is sooooo tender and tasty!

My friend Deberah outdid herself on the table favors. Earlier this year I wrote about the paper shoe my friend Kathy had made for me. Well, when I found I have absolutely no skills at making paper shoes, sweet Deberah made enough for every lady there all by herself! (Well, OK, I tied the bows.) Each shoe was to contain a small teabag, and I found it interesting timing that the good folks at Stash Tea sent me a gift box of teabags that arrived just in time to be included in our event. Teas were held at 11 a.m. and again at 2 p.m., and I was surprised how quickly the time slipped by. Between meeting all the ladies, giving away door prizes, collecting toys, and sharing a few baking and decorating ideas, we found it was over all too soon.

If you're a regular reader of this blog, you'll recognize ParTea Lady/Maureen at left and my tea friend Sandra, second from right, in this photo. It was so nice to get to visit with both of them! I also had so much fun seeing all the other ladies, some I already knew but plenty I did not. And after buying a ticket to the tea AND donating a toy, can you believe they thanked US for having the tea? And that they are already asking if we'll do it again next year? (And yes, I hope so!) So I'll conclude with a few photos of the ladies enjoying themselves at what I hope will become an annual tradition in Newnan!




12 comments:

  1. Angela,
    How lovely and what a great cause. Do I remember you posting the shoe pattern in an earlier blog? I am having a tea in January and would love to make some floral shoe as favors. Thank You ,
    Kathleen

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  2. Angela, what a great cause! Congratulations for coming up with this idea and I think it would make a wonderful Annual Event.
    Holiday blessings to you & yours,
    Joanie

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  3. This was such a great Christmas tea event. Good company, good food and for a good cause - I really enjoyed myself. The little recipe and craft booklet was a great idea and I know I'll make good use of it over the holidays.

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  4. Please post the date for next years Tea early and the Greenville gals will plan to be there !!

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  5. What a lovely and successful event! Congratulations to all on a job well done!

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  6. Kiffer, Here is the post about the shoe. Enjoy!

    http://teawithfriends.blogspot.com/2010/05/handmade-tea-party-favor-youll-adore.html

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  7. Thanks for sharing all about this very special tea. I think I would love the cranberry orange scones and the party favors are so fun. It is always nice to see Maureen too.

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  8. I'm glad the event was a success. It looks like everyone had a great time.

    In the second picture from the top, what's that in the orange teapot shaped dish? Thanks.

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  9. Ginger, they use those little teabag caddies to serve the lemon curd, jam and clotted cream!

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  10. Thanks Angela! What a neat idea.

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  11. Wow! Everything looks wonderful! Wish I lived close enough to attend next year! Love the favors too!
    ~Donna~

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  12. Thank-You Angela ! going for pretty paper today. These little shoes will be so great.

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