Tea, Anyone?
It’s been nearly 250 years since a group of rowdy colonists shoved hundreds of pounds of tea into the waters of Boston Harbor, declaring “no taxation without representation.” Now, in 2023, we’re apparently ready to allow bygones to be bygones, with High Tea events sweeping across the nation.
As you probably suspected, High Tea is not the same as hanging out on a neighbor’s porch and sipping a well-iced glass of sweet tea. Definitely. Not.
It’s hot tea in delicate china cups. It’s the perfect yard-party-type dress or flowing skirt. It’s not necessarily a hat but, instead, a headband, a scarf, or a fascinator (such as the one worn by Jill Biden to Queen Elizabeth’s funeral). Please, DO NOT ignore the dress code, and leave your cell phone tucked into the demure clutch bag clasped at your side.
The normal time for High Tea is 3 to 5 p.m. with desserts, cakes, and light tea sandwiches.
There’s no need to travel to England or audition as an “extra” in Downton Abby to experience your own High Tea. Instead, mark your calendar for February 11, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the Marriott in Fort Worth.
Your hostess is Kay Braswell and her daughter Kelsey, who are long-time fans of anything and everything pertaining to the British Royals. Kay, after numerous years of working in the insurance business, launched Kay Braswell Insurance Agency LLC in Northlake in 2017, which is her real job.
“I’ve always loved working in Insurance, and making certain my clients have the best protection possible,” she enthused. “But I also wanted to do more, especially for three groups that are always on my heart.”
The groups are First Refuge, which is the Baptist church Kay attends in Denton; along with Ranch Hand Rescue and Bob’s House of Hope. The last two are a tandem partnership, with both helping boys who escaped sex trafficking.
“Some of the boys that Bob’s takes in are shut down completely,” Kay explained. “That’s when he sends them to Ranch Hand Rescue, where they’re matched with a hurting animal.
“Our High Tea features a silent auction on new, high-end handbags, as well as an auction for Super Bowl tickets in Arizona. There will also be other prizes and a fashion show.
“I love doing this and I intend for it to become an annual affair.”
Call 817/422-0351 for more information.