An evening of elegance at second annual Ladies’ Yuletide Tea

Review

The Combermere & Area Recreation Committee planned, organized and delivered an outstanding evening of elegance for all the ladies who were fortunate enough to have a seat at one of the tables. It takes an army of volunteers to pull off such a successful community event, and clearly Combermere has a dedicated army.  Volunteers prepared platters of delicious sandwiches, trays of tasty baked goodies and they managed to decorate the Combermere Community Centre to look like something out of a Christmas movie.

Some of the stunning and elegant table settings

Here’s how it works: There are 14 tables up for grabs, each table seats eight ladies. When you book a table, you are called the “Hostess” of that table and the remaining seven seats go to ladies who will be your guests. Each guest pays $12 for her seat; the Hostess does not pay. The Hostess is responsible for decorating her table. This means pulling out your fine china, crystal, silver, vases, linen, decorations and so on. The Hostess also supplies the teapot, cream and sugar bowls. After all, this is a Tea Party! You could also use plastic forks/knives and paper plates if you choose. The Hostess does up her table in whatever fashion tickles her fancy. The Hostess must also provide a favour/gift for her seven guests. Every table is unique and no two tables look the same. Each and every table is a work of art and half the fun is gathering fresh ideas for your own tables at home.

Then, there are the men. There are plenty of handsome gentlemen dressed in their finery ready, willing and able to serve the ladies. Each table is assigned one Man-Server. Your Server will pour your tea, bring you beverages (non-alcoholic) and keep you supplied with platters of sandwiches and trays of goodies.

Server Mark Willmer pouring tea for Hostess Caroline Mallany

Decorating Christmas trees is also an important part of this event. You can bring your own tree or a tree will be provided for you. All you have to do is bring your imagination and your decorations to the Community Centre and create your own magic. Again, each of the trees is unique and each one is a sight to behold.

This community event is held simply to provide a social outlet for the people of the Madawaska Valley and surrounding areas. When you bring a group of like-minded people together you create unity, uplift each other and leave with a sense of belonging.  Job well done, Combermere & Area Recreation Committee!

All photos by Sharon Gardiner