Widows’ Purse holds formal tea party for Mother’s Day

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It is rare that Americans indulge in things prim and proper. And we rarely take time for something like tea. On May 10, however, an excited group of ladies dressed in their Sunday best of the first Widows' Purse Mother's Day Tea Party on May 10.

It was an event to celebrate the English tradition of high tea while recognizing and lifting up those who have lost a spouse. A little finery. A little music. A little history. And a lot of fun.

The tea party was held at Cross America, and more than three dozen ladies and their children took a couple hours to learn about and appreciate the beverage, served with scones on fine China.

Roberta Mayes, a Widows' Purse board member and high tea aficionado, provided the fine dinnerware and the lore that established high tea as a tradition.

"The English tea party started in about 1840 with the Duchess of Bedford," said Mayes. "At the time, the English didn't eat dinner until about 8 o'clock at night. They were busy hunting and socializing.

"One day, the duchess was sitting in her parlor, and she said, 'I'm having a sinking feeling. It is so long until I eat.' And to her servant she said, 'Would you not bring me a cup of tea? With two lumps of sugar? And, please, do you have sandwiches in the kitchen?'

"So, the server was left to get some sandwiches. But as she went out the door, the duchess asked, 'Oh, do you have any cake in the kitchen?' So, this is how we came to have finger sandwiches and little pieces of cake at High Tea."

Delighted by the story those in attendance marveled at the China place settings and chatted as they were served tea -- either Lady Grey or Yorkshire Gold -- complete with sugar cubes, scones and clotted cream, and finger sandwiches of ham and gouda.

Mayes went on to demonstrate proper etiquette observed at formal social affairs and a little history of the tea itself. For instance, she explained the Yorkshire Gold tea plant is grown and cultivated in the hills of Kenya, with each leaf plucked by hand.

That part of the tea's history struck a chord with Mayes.

"It reminds me of motherhood, because when you have a child, it is very important to prepare the 'soil' in your home," said Mayes. "You don't want chaos in your home where your children are growing. You don't want the TV on all the time with people arguing. That's not good soil.

"It's very important to nurture a child with the right 'fertilizer,' such as Christian music or devotions in the evening. We must nurture them."

The tea party also featured music led by Charissa Lawson and a variety of vendor booths with merchandise associated with the theme of the event.

During teatime, Widows' Purse Corp. founder Sunah Flores-Guillaume addressed the attendees with a welcome and advice for enjoying the party. She also took time to explain the purpose of the organization

"We help widows wherever we meet them," said Flores-Guillaume. "Some need help or assistance or support from a friend. We meet them where they might need us on their journey. Some widows are already on the path, and they are living their lives and thriving. Some may be trying but are missing that new purpose in their lives.

"We come alongside them wherever they are in their journey to offer support and enrichment. Our mission is to support and empower those experiencing widowhood to navigate the journey of healing and thriving, to live with purpose. If you are a widow, or if you know of a widow, please connect with us."

More information on Widows' Purse can be found at www.widowspurse.com. Or contact Widows' Purse by calling 765-271-4911.

See additional photos from this event on the Lantern’s Facebook page or group.