Today, I will be taking a break from sharing my Halloween decorations......
Recently, I returned as a Hostess for our church's annual Harvest Tea......
I will be showing you how I decorated my table in the theme of "Under the Sea"......
You may remember in the Summer, I decorated my Living Room in the same theme after the Patriotic Holidays of the Summer were over.......
I made ornaments.......
I then decorated the Tree in the corner of our Living Room in the same theme......
And I created a "Beach" under the Tree.....
When I was packing all of my "Under the Sea' decorations away, I decided that "Under the Sea" would also be my theme for the Harvest Tea.......
Before I go any further, let me explain how the Harvest Tea works......
I will be showing you photos of the some of the tables I did as a Hostess in the past as I explain.....
Hostesses for the Tea are recruited.........
As a Hostess, You are responsible for:
Guardian Angels, 2010, Table 1
Choosing a theme in which to decorate your table or tables....
You then invite guests to sit at your table who pay a $10.00 Fee
"My Country Tis of Thee", 2010, Table 2
Choosing a theme in which to decorate your table or tables....
You then invite guests to sit at your table who pay a $10.00 Fee
"Quote The Raven Nevermore", 2013
The church provides hot water for Tea and Coffee and the Entertainment for the evening
The $10.00 Fee paid to the church goes to a Scholarship Fund to assist selected high school students of the parish in paying for his/her Higher Education after High School.
White and Gold Christmas, 2014, 2 tables
There are also tables for the General Public that women of the Parish who do not want to host a table contribute decorations and food to......
This is a pure profit event as the expense is shouldered mostly by each hostess, who can share the cost with others such as family members or ask their guests to bring food.
At one time, I was doing 2 tables and since I did not ask for any help, it became not only quite an expensive but a labor intensive undertaking.
I bowed out as a Hostess 2 years ago because it was too much for me because at the time as I was still working full time, in charge of our church's November Craft Fair and was also a vendor at several Craft Fairs....
I decided to come back as a hostess this year but that meant doing things easier than I did before......
It did work out much easier .........
A week before the Tea......
I set up how I wanted my table to look on our Dining Room table at home first and then took photos so I could remember how I did it......
The day before the Tea, we took everything up to the Church Hall and I set up the table.....
I started with a plastic white tablecloth and then added my milk glass punch bowl which has a pedestal to give it extra height in the center of the table......
Along with door prizes donated by each hostess and also a few gift
certificates that were donated by local businesses, there was also a
special raffle held .......
In the background are the 2 rugs that were donated by a local flooring company......
I forgot to take photos of the beautiful rugs......
I forgot to take photos of the beautiful rugs......
On the table are 2 items that Joe and I donated to be raffled off.......
Joe donated tickets for 2 Hockey games.......
And I made up a basket of dishes that we bought at Wegman's last Christmas/Winter season.......
When I make up baskets to be raffled off, I always like to set up the items and then take a photo so people who buy the raffle tickets can get a better view of the items in the basket.....
The morning of the Tea, we took up the food that I would be serving my guests and put it in the large refrigerators in the Kitchen of the Hall......
My buffet table.....
I always used to decorate the buffet table before......
This year, I just placed a wreath that I made on it.......
This was my Menu:
Turkey Hoagies ( cut in 3 inch sections)
Italian Hoagies ( cut in 3 inch sections)
Chicken Salad in Slider Buns
Fudge Brownies
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Orange Raisin Scones
Maple Scones
Sliced Banana Bread
No, I did not bake or cook....
I bought everything from Wegman's, Sheil's Food Market, Malacari's Deli and an Amish Farmer!!!!
I provided bags for my guests with "Take Home" containers inside of them........
They were also able to put their favors inside of them to take home......
I also added name cards to the place settings......
The evening of the Tea.......
My buffet table.....
This year, I just placed a wreath that I made on it.......
This was my Menu:
Turkey Hoagies ( cut in 3 inch sections)
Italian Hoagies ( cut in 3 inch sections)
Chicken Salad in Slider Buns
Fudge Brownies
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Orange Raisin Scones
Maple Scones
Sliced Banana Bread
No, I did not bake or cook....
I bought everything from Wegman's, Sheil's Food Market, Malacari's Deli and an Amish Farmer!!!!
I provided bags for my guests with "Take Home" containers inside of them........
I also added name cards to the place settings......
He was there to sell raffle tickets and of course to eat!!!
The entertainment for the evening was one of our former pastors, who we all love and miss, Father Jim Paisley!!!!
He has a voice that belongs on Broadway!!! He performed 5 songs and did many jokes at our expense ( his former parishioners) and the crowd LOVED it!!!
And also that someone left that darn bag on their table!!!!!
My Guests at the table.........
My niece Lynn and my great niece Madalyn.......
She loved the Tea and wanted to know when was the next one!!!!!
My sister, Barb, Madalyn and Lynn........
Our friends from the parish.......Barb, Carol and Betty.....
Darlene, who is sitting and Patti, who is standing right next to her........
And Mary......
Me and Madalyn.......
And me and my sister, Barb......
We had a great time and I don't think I have laughed that much in quite some time.....
Yes, I will be a hostess once again at next year's Tea.......
My sister is a Mother of 5 children and her life changed forever 2 days after the Tea.....
I am not at liberty to give exact details but a member of her immediate family received a very grave diagnosis......
This has shook us to the core.......
Please keep her and her family in your prayers......
We would so appreciate it.....
Yes, I will be a hostess once again at next year's Tea.......
My sister is a Mother of 5 children and her life changed forever 2 days after the Tea.....
I am not at liberty to give exact details but a member of her immediate family received a very grave diagnosis......
This has shook us to the core.......
Please keep her and her family in your prayers......
We would so appreciate it.....
In my next post, I will be sharing a few more Fall and Halloween Decorations........
FRIDAY
Friday Features Linky Party
Foodie Friday and Everything Else
Funtastic Friday
Friday Favorites
Feathered Nest Friday
Home Matters Linky Party
What To Do Weekends
Flaunt It Fridays
Sweet Inspirations Link Party
SATURDAY
Pink Saturday-Anything Goes!!
Best of the Weekend Party
Simple Saturdays Blog Hop
Saturday Sparks
Share It One More Time Inspiration Party
SUNDAY
Snickerdoodle Sunday
Bouquet of Talent Linky Party
Sundays at Home
Silver Pennies Sunday
Happiness is Homemade Linky Party
MONDAY
Inspire Me Monday
Inspiration Mondays
Dishing It and Digging It Link Party
Busy Monday
Amaze Me Mondays
Creative Mondays
Over the Moon Linky Party
Merry Monday Linky Party
You Are The Star Blog Hop
What'd You Do This Weekend? Creative Mondays
Over the Moon Linky Party
Merry Monday Linky Party
You Are The Star Blog Hop
Cooking and Crafting with J & J
Metamorphosis Monday
Lou Lou Girl's Linky Party
Make It Pretty Monday
TUESDAY
Show and Share Party
Tuesdays At Our Home
Inspire Me Tuesdays
Ducks in a Row Wonderful Wednesdays Blog Hop
Wow Us Wednesday
Sizzle into Summer Party
Talk of the Town Party
Party in Your PJ's
Dream Create Inspire Link
Dagmar's Home Linky Party
Waste Not Wednesday
Wednesday AIM Linky Party- twice a month
Style Showcase
THURSDAY
Home and Garden Party Thursday
Share Your Cup Thursday
Share Your Style Thursday Link Up Party
Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop
Inspired Creations Linky Party
Vintage Charm
Grace at Home Party
The Homemaking Party
Create and Celebrate Blog Party
Tablescape Thursday
Please take some time to visit these terrific hosts and all those joining in on the fun!
Debbie, You are an awesome decorator. I loved all the tables. Your crafting of the seaside is beautiful. I wished I lived near by so I could attend. Blessings, xoxo, Susie
ReplyDeleteAwe Debbie, I have enjoyed everything about this post. Love, love, love looking at the different tables. I am in love and have been with your seashell decor. I am sorry to hear your sister got bad news. Asking God now to take the wheel. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteDear Debbie,
ReplyDeleteI LOVE your tree. I guess I missed that post when I was gone but when I see aqua, I absolutely swoon! You are such a creative lady and I love your table at the Tea too. Very pretty! Your buffet sounds just wonderful. Knowing how you suffer with so many health issues I am amazed at your spunk! You are amazing!! I'm sorry to hear about Joe's bad back. Hope he feels better soon. My hubby is retiring at the end of the year and I can't wait. Like your hubby, he will work at something part time because he likes to keep busy and he's a BIG people person. You have been a good friend for many years; one of my first blogger friends, and I will most definitely pray for your sister and her family. God bless you all! Take care!
Hugs,
Sandi
PS~ I forgot to tell you, I love your shell decorations! Again, I admire your creativity! xo
DeleteThe table turned out beautifully, Debbie! I am so sorry to hear that you have an illness in your family. . .prayers for everyone to get through.
ReplyDeleteYour tablescapes are all fantastic! I especially love the last one. Beautiful ladies!
ReplyDeleteHugs Alessandra
OH my - what a glorious table. So many beautiful items - I had to go through it several times as there was just so much to look at. What a treat the ladies at your table have to enjoy. Our thoughts are with your sister's family.
ReplyDeleteAll the best to you and your sister. Your table is beautiful and I really like this concept of hosting a table as a fund raiser for the church. Beautiful idea.
ReplyDeleteYour table is just gorgeous this year....as in all the previous years! I'm looking forward to seeing the other tables too! Prayers for your sister and family.....hugs...
ReplyDeletenot only was this years table fabulous but you did an awesome job in years past too! Glad you had such a fantastic time with everyone.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear of the bad news your family has received, may God bring peace and healing in this situation
Wow that aqua blue color is just popping. I love it! You did a beautiful job setting it all up and even making it a lot easier on yourself.
ReplyDeleteSending prayers to you and your family. Hope all is well Deb.
Your color scheme uses my favorite colors. I'm so impressed with your organizational skills - so much to do. It is all so beautiful. God bless your family. You're all in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteDebbie, your Under Sea table for the Harvest Tea was amazing. So much work and so clever! I'm sure everyone had a lovely, fun time. Prayers to your family.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post Debbie, this all looks stunning :) Thanks for sharing at Creative Mondays :)
ReplyDeleteWOW this under the sea table is a gorgeous! I love the aqua sea color and white. I think it's my favorite tablescape out of all of your lovely tables. I would definitely pay to sit there:)
ReplyDeleteAdorable theme!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely GORGEOUS!!!
ReplyDeleteDebbie, your table is just gorgeous. You left out no details right down to making those pretty ornaments as gifts for your guest. I have attended one of these events at my church and the table decor is amazing! You sister and family are in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteYour Under the Sea Tea Table is lovely. You have such a great eye for detail. Thank you for sharing at Snickerdoodle. Pinning.
ReplyDeleteYou have put so much work into this! I love the beach theme and the colour is my favourite
ReplyDeleteYou nailed your theme perfectly Debbie! I love the shade of blue you used. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
ReplyDeletehugs,
Jann
Debbie, you did a beautiful job on your table! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm!
ReplyDelete