The Perfect Setting

These days, many of us are being drawn into the historical TV series, Downton Abbey.  Luckily, to get a real sense of this regality, your imagination doesn’t need to venture very far.  A local serving of propriety and manners was on the menu Sunday at Wadsworth Mansion’s annual fundraiser, the Friends of Long Hill Tea. Nearly thirty tables were dressed with impeccable distinction, each adorned with its own theme. There would be no Chinet on these tables. Each one had an elaborate flower centerpiece and fine tableware that undoubtedly would have the ladies from Downtown Abbey seething with envy.

Girls from Mercy High School impeccably played in roles as servers delivering a three-course tea menu provided by Durham's Kim’s Cottage Confections. Owner of the bakery, Kim Terrill, had a few thoughts on the event. "I love to be involved with the tea because it is such a special blend of lovely ladies, elegant china and delectable, simple bites of goodies! It brings you back to having childhood tea parties with your friends. One of my favorite days, I feel lucky the tea committee selects me to participate!" The lavish tea would mimic similar parties by Clarence and Katherine Wadsworth, original dwellers of the estate. The annual fundraiser would bring many guests out to help support the many programs the mansion offers.

Leaving the tea, it left this photographer thinking about her own dinner table. Perhaps it’s time to try just a bit harder in setting the table for Sunday evening’s supper.  See the gallery to get inspired.

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