Miss Free Goes to Tea

Editor's Note: Miss Free, always an avid tea enthusiast, was invited to her first Christmas High Tea, after the originally scheduled Hick Stearns Museum Tea was canceled.

Story by Kathy Bach

On a crisp Sunday afternoon Christmas High Tea was served for Miss Allison Free at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Louis C. Bach on Lakeview Farm at Leonard’s Corner. Miss Free is a family friend, and at six years of age, this was her first tea. The mistress of honor was accompanied by her mother, Mrs. Louis Free, and was in the company of other friends; namely, Mrs. Roger Lentocha, Miss Linda Suess, Reverend Judith Medeiros and hostess Mrs. Louis Bach who poured. 

The festive table was set with fine china and family silver with a suitable Christmas centerpiece. An assortment of tea sandwiches, biscuits, and pastries was served. The tea tray was complete with milk, sugar cubes, lemon and honey.

Spritely conversation on such topics as the Victorians, the differences between high and low tea and the need for fainting couches entertained the ladies. Miss Samantha Parkington, a Pleasant Company doll, joined the festivities. All present wore a delightful assortment of millinery and gloves as you would expect.

In lieu of calling cards, small gifts were proffered, the most noteworthy being from Miss Free. A handmade tree ornament of her own creation now adorns the Bach family Christmas tree. An exhausted Miss Parkington later retired to her chambers and Miss Free tucked her into doll bed before the party ended.  

A true social event from another era was enjoyed by all!