The Lakeland Senior Center (LSC) was transformed into a 1900s Edwardian country house for the Downton Abbey Christmas Tea Wednesday (12.18.19) with antique-like decorations covering the tables and trimming the tree.
Decorative pots were filled with a variety of hot teas which added to the ambience. More than 20 ladies from the Center’s crafting classes attending the tea took it to another level by dressing to the hilt for the event, according to Kim Odom, LSC manager.
As they entered, each received a warm “Welcome to Downton Abbey” greeting.
Many of the hats worn by the ladies were made or decorated with artificial flowers, lace and other embellishments during a recent hat-making class leading up to the tea.
Jamae James made her frilly hat using a paper plate and lots of flowers and mesh. Her creativity earned second-place in the Best Hat Contest. First-place went to Molly McDaniel in her elegant green hat with waving peacock feathers. Third-place winner was Ann Barnum who wore a simple straw hat covered in spring flowers and ribbon that she also dolled up during the recent crafting class. Wearing a sophisticated black hat with a matching short veil was fourth-place winner Linda Barry.
Looking like royalty, guests sipped tea and enjoyed a menu of fancy finger sandwiches and scones along with elegant desserts including cream puffs, madeleines, brownies and fresh berries. Most desserts were homemade by Penny Monroe and Karen Parsley.
Ms. Monroe and Ms. Parsley voluntarily instruct many of Center’s crafting classes. They paired up to host the Christmas Tea for their fellow crafting friends.
“It was something we wanted to do as a group,” said Ms. Monroe. “Many of us are Downton Abbey fans and gathered to see the movie when it came out. Afterwards we came up with the idea to host a tea for the crafting group.” The crafty instructors took on the role of serving their friends during the event. Ms. Monroe made the hats and aprons that they wore just for the occasion.
The cherry on top was the entertainment provided by Creative Aging. Harpist Barbara Christensen selected English music from that time period to play throughout the Tea.
“This is such a special group of ladies,” said Mrs. Odom. “They are so gifted and giving. Like other volunteers at the Center, they share their talents and hobbies with the crafting group. Our Center is blessed to have talented people willing to volunteer their time here every week. That’s why when they approached me with the idea to host a tea, I couldn’t say no. I also couldn’t help myself but to join them as a servant for the day. The whole event was such a delight for everyone.
“I think the Crawley family would be impressed,” she said with a smile.
… Photos courtesy of Kim Odom
