Tuesday SOL 12/11/12 - An Advent Tea by Candlelight

Every year for the past six years, a group of women from our church, called The Divine Divas, host an Advent Tea by Candlelight.  It has become an event that the women of our church and many other guests look forward to - a time to sit back and put the hustle and bustle of the holiday season aside, reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, enjoy a wonderful program, be served a light dinner and enjoy the fellowship of other women.

Last Saturday we held this Tea with 145 women of varying ages participating.  Each table has two hostesses who decorate the table, serve beverages and prepare a dessert.  Some hostesses bring out their "fine" china, their Christmas dishes, or  make it simple.  The tables are decorated with  poinsettias, snowmen, greenery, angels, candy canes, and whatever you can imagine.  Each hostess also has a small gift for the ladies at their table.  And, of course, in the middle of the table is the Advent wreath with four candles.

This year, our program was presented by our former Pastor's daughter who grew up in the congregation and is now in her final year of residency in the pediatric ward of a Boston hospital.  She reflected on the story of Jesus' birth and related it to different situations in her practice.  It was a very moving and enlightening program.  As she spoke of each candle, the hostesses came forward to the main Advent wreath to light their candle and take them to their table to light their own wreath.  We sang Christmas carols.

This is an event that everyone looks forward to.  The first year we held the event, we probably only had 60-70 women attend, but once they experienced these two relaxing hours, they spread the word and invited friends and neighbors. Each of these women who attend, comment that this is such a wonderful way to begin the Christmas season.  A time to reflect and enjoy, a time to sit back and be served, a time share and be in fellowship with friends.

For those of us who plan the event and make the preparations, it can be a challenge, but the end result is well worth the effort.




Comments

  1. MichelleDecember 11, 2012 at 6:26 AM

    It sounds like quite a preparation, but worth the investment in the learning and understanding of the holiday season of Christmas. I love how each table has 2 hostesses who prepare and decorate the table - what fun and this makes everyone's experience unique!

    ReplyDelete
  2. LynnDecember 11, 2012 at 7:08 AM

    Judy, I just attended a tea such as this by my coworker. One of my favorite parts to the evening was looking at how different each table was decorated...and as you say some over the top beautiful and some simple yet beautiful as well. I also can appreciate the challenge of planning such an event...but in the end very much appreciated by all.

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  3. Deb DayDecember 11, 2012 at 10:56 AM

    Judy, this sounds absolutely wonderful. No wonder so many are now coming to the tea!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Terje December 11, 2012 at 11:58 AM

    I could feel the warmth and care. I could hear the laughter and chatter. I could see the lights and decorations. It's almost as if I had attended the Advent Tea hosted by The Divine Divas. Thank you for the slice.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Linda BDecember 11, 2012 at 6:30 PM

    Judy, this is such a loving thing to do for the women in your congregation & their friends & family too. Special evening. Although it can be a challenge to do one more activity at this time, it seems that the hostesses do enjoy it & do their best for their tables. Thank you for telling about it.

    ReplyDelete
  6. RamonaDecember 11, 2012 at 8:21 PM

    What a lovely tradition. It's a challenge this time of year to fit in all the commitments, but this is one that sounds so lovely and reflective. A special time to share with friends! Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Amy RuddDecember 12, 2012 at 2:35 AM

    What a beautiful way to take time and reflect during the advent season! Thanks for sharing the beauty of your experience!

    ReplyDelete

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