The third annual Victorian Tea is fast approaching and the organizers are seeking volunteers to assist with a number of items. The tea is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Feb. 19 at St. John’s Episcopal Church. The event will benefit Backpacks for Food (BFF).
Among the volunteer opportunities, one can choose to dress a table. This means outfitting a table for four or eight guests. The table will be covered with linens and each setting with a tea cup, saucer, napkin, and utensils.
If setting the table isn’t your cup of tea, volunteer to make tea sandwiches or bite-sized desserts. Egg salad, tuna salad, chicken salad, turkey, ham, mozzarella and basil, eggplant, zucchini are just some examples of the foods that could be provided.
Volunteers are also needed to donate new items to the various raffle baskets, which will be awarded during the tea. Between 10 and 12 baskets will be awarded, each with their own theme, dependent on the items donated. Volunteers are also welcome to sign up to arrange the items in the baskets.
Anyone who wishes to lend a hand may e-mail the event coordinator, Courtnay Dittbrenner, at ced12550@gmail.com.
Those who plan to attend the tea may notice it’s being held a little later than usual. That’s because last year’s event was held on the same day as the big football game. Although a full capacity crowd of 80 guests showed up, the date did prevent some from attending. Sally Mattausch, one of the event organizers, said a few women said they wanted to attend, but had already been invited to football parties. She said changing the date may entice some guys to make an appearance, like a few did the first year. Mattausch said there’s a possibility of a group of eight filling a table.
Like in previous years, the Victorian Tea is all about ditching the electronic devices and going back to basics – having face-to-face conversations. Past conversations have included places traveled and future vacation destinations, children and grandchildren, as well as the arts. Politics are generally left off the topic list, but it’s possible the inauguration could be discussed.
Guests will once again be able to test their Victorian knowledge in a quiz. The first year focused on tea and the history of pouring and last year it was on Victorian life. There will also be an arts and crafts table set up for children.
Reservations are required as space is limited. Those interested in attending may e-mail Dittbrenner.
