Scones, lemon curd, clotted cream. Shortbread cookies. Savory tea sandwiches (cucumber sandwiches are absolutely de rigeur). Champagne. Chocolate-covered strawberries (with long stems).
These are the makings of high tea, and they were very much in evidence at the Minerva Club’s fifth annual Formal English Tea and Fashion Show.
Held at the historically significant Minerva Clubhouse on Boone Street, The Tea was a visual and gastronomic delight. Always prone to sell out, the event attracted about 100, which is the club’s capacity for tabled affairs.
Can you imagine Dottie Lyons sporting a big black chapeau? Outgoing president Kathy Brown was a vision in purple. Attorney Kristine Mollenkopf looked very English in a big black number with big red flowers. Mary Nanning wore a small brown number. Debbie Gorbell was spring-like in red straw.
Lois Martin played background music as the models traipsed across the stage, suitably decorated for the theme.
Miss Arial Gerber, the 7-year-old great-granddaughter of model and club member Margaret Paden, enchanted us with a short ballet program.
One member brought her mother’s sterling silver forks and spoons. Joey Wilson’s Flintridge wedding china made an appearance. Karen Ransome brought her Waterford white bone china. There was Noritaki, Danube’s Blue Onion, and Williams Sonoma bunny ware. These ladies are oh-so-serious about doing things right at their fundraisers.
You may be asking: What does the Minerva Club need to raise money for? Well, for one thing, they give out about $15,000 in scholarships each year. For another, they need to have a building maintenance fund to preserve their clubhouse, which is an architectural treasure.
To hobnob with Helen, contact her at helenthom232@yahoo.com.
This article appears in Apr 30 – May 7, 2015.
