Table setting for the Afternoon Tea
Dorothy Hogan displays appropriate Red Hat Tea fashion.
Hostesses, left to right: Betty Gardner, Mala Bowdouris, Judy Loomis and Barbara Runner
Bernadette Fideli
Every December when time grows short and lists grow long, there is a need to stop and appreciate the beauty of the season and the blessings of family and friends. The Robson Red Hat Ranchers experienced this special joy during a Holiday Afternoon Tea at the home of Barbara Runner. According to the manual on tea: “Afternoon Tea is a leisurely tea meal served in fine fashion and in several courses. It is generally more elegant than Evening High Tea.” Elegant, indeed, was the scene that greeted 32 Red Hat Ranchers as they entered Barbara’s home. (Soaring trees clustered with burgundy, rose and gold ornaments, a massive family tree laden with homemade ornaments and tables set with fine linens, candles and gilded silk centerpieces set the scene.) As spectacular as the decorations were, the food was even more remarkable. Ladies began the afternoon with a German punch served in a cut crystal punch bowl. Riesling, Asti, and Bourbon-soaked pineapple were the main ingredients. Pleasantly satisfied, the ladies were presented with a variety of savories prepared by the hostesses. Dainty sandwiches of chicken, cranberry and pecan, along with apricot, grape and blue cheese were just some of the eight different varieties presented on trays and platters. Savories are the small offerings served with tea to balance the beautiful presentation of small sweets. Sweets there were aplenty. Tangy lemon-coconut bars, rich chocolate cherry bars and melt-in-your mouth fruit-filled butter cookies were some of the decadent choices. The happy chatter from very content, relaxed ladies signified a perfect closing to a memorable event at a much needed time. The hostesses, Barbara Runner, Mala Bowdouris, Betty Gardner and Judy Loomis, gave their red hat sisters an unforgettable cup of Christmas Tea.