BTS in Florida: Wonderful Mother's Day Afternoon Tea at Water's Edge

Three generations took part in Water's Edge Mother's Day Afternoon Tea

Mother's Day weekend, Barb's Tea Service presented  "Tea and Etiquette" at the beautiful senior living community, Water's Edge in Bradenton, Florida.  Invited to bring our program down to the new residence of my in-laws Bob and Barb G.,  by Water's Edge Sales Manager, Tami Erickson -  who also doubles as an amazing pastry chef -  we were excited to be part of this special event. It was not only a lovely venue with fantastic guests, but a delightful family affair as well. 

Over forty ladies came to tea, many with pretty hats or fascinators.

Over forty ladies came to tea, many attired in pretty hats or fascinators. Guests were served tea sandwiches, mini quiches, petit fours and the crème du la crème, delicious macarons in rainbow colors baked to perfection by Tami E.!

Introduction to Afternoon Tea

Beautiful macarons courtesy Tami E.

Along with afternoon tea etiquette and a brief history of tea, we also presented a mini slideshow of tea rooms we have visited in Europe, including England, Ireland, France and Scotland. This well-traveled audience had been to many and offered recommendations for other tea venues for BTS to visit. We were also given a number suggestions for tea rooms in Florida. (We'll be busy checking those out in our upcoming visits to the sunshine state).

Rachel provides technical assistance and set up.

This was an extra special time for us as we were spending Mother's Day with three generations:  the two Barb Gulley's and my daughter, Rachel.  

Afternoon Tea invites, illustrations courtesy Barbara R. Gulley

A lot of family took part in this event: we gave away two "Twelve Etiquette Essentials:  Formal Dining and Tea Time" books written by Barbara J. Gulley and illustrated by Barbara R. Gulley. My mother-in-law also created the artwork for the afternoon tea invitations. Rachel provided technical and tea assistance and my sister-in-law, Cara, sent us personalized BTS carry totes for the occasion (Honeywood Embroidery). 

Personalized tote from Honeywood Embroidery

Twelve Etiquette Essentials by the Barb Gulleys

It was a wonderful Mother's Day Afternoon Tea at Water's Edge. We hope to be back soon (and we've got a lot of Florida tea rooms to visit as well!)

View from balcony at Water's Edge,

Thanks to Tami, Nicole and the Water's Edge Community for hosting this special event!