I had the opportunity to attend a High Tea sponsored by the Soroptimist Toronto. I have attended several high teas in both the US and Canada (not England-yet) and enjoy going. It was also the perfect opportunity to have my mother in law join me, so off we went on Saturday afternoon!
This tea was absolutely remarkable. There was a professional tea sommelier to explain the teas we would be drinking, the menu, and tea etiquette in general. Everyone in attendance was dressed to the nines so I didn’t feel out of place in my outfit:
My dress and hat for afternoon tea
We are ready for tea!
The tea tables were wonderful-such care was taken to make sure everything was just perfect! I was the designated “tea hostess”, which meant I was responsible for getting the tea for the entire table-and serving it! I’d like to think I did a decent job!
My tea table!
Our professional tea sommelier, Ingrid led us through our menu! I must warn you-the following photos will make your mouth water!
Our tea menu
Lychee drink used to cleanse the palate-super refreshing!
Delectable biscuits and scones
At this point, it was getting rather difficult to respect Ingrid’s “good tea etiquette dictates you only have one of each” rule. However, I endured….well, for the most part anyway.
jam, lemon curd, and cream for our biscuits and scones
Now, at some point during the tea there was an entire tier of sandwiches but to be honest, I gobbled those down so fast I didn’t get a photo of them. Tsk, tsk, eh?
oh la la!
And a close up of the desserts:
Dessert Heaven!
Every tea hostess received a gift-it was a tea towel! How appropriate!
In addition to the ‘tea hostess gift’, there was a raffle going on for prizes donated by local businesses and by Soroptimist members.
So just who is behind this fabulous charity tea?
Soroptimist International of Toronto! Who are they? Let me tell you:
Soroptimist comes from 2 Latin words:
“Soror” sister
“optima” best
Soroptimist is the largest service club for business and professional women in the world with a mission to improve the lives of women and girls in local communities and throughout the world.
Highlights of Soroptimist’s mission:
-Help women achieve economic and political equality
-Serve as a global voice for women at the United Nations
-Provide outstanding leadership development opportunities for women
-Enhance world peace and understanding
The Toronto club is very involved in the community and has many ongoing projects. They also offer awards to women in the community every year. Women who receive these awards are those who often have challenges in their lives. The awards help recipients cultivate new skills, further their education and regain independence.
I’m glad I was able to attend this tea and discover more about Soroptimist International! If you would like more information and/or are interested in joining:
8 Comments
looks like a fabulous time…but how old was your mother in-law when she had you husband, 5? She you both look amazing.
@jillojello she takes good care of herself. It was a great time! Thanks!
Looks like you had so much fun! Great idea for a charity event.
When are you visiting London so I can take you out for proper English afternoon tea
I swear it is delicious!
@Diana gosh I would love to visit London…I think maybe for 2013 I will look into that!
Looks like so much fun. You looked beautiful in your outfit.
@Judi thank you!!!
Uhm.. your hat, just gave me such life. You look perfectly marvelous and entirely appropo for high tea. Everything looked fantastic and it sounds like it was a fantastic day from a fantastic group. :]
@Tamara thank you! You know us blonde haired blue eyed people don’t have any problems….lol. Still can’t believe she said that.
That hat was given to me by my m-i-l and I adore it.