Kitchen Tea

In July, Joshua's fiancee came to
Tampa for a few days.  Jessica and I took the opportunity to throw Courtney a Kitchen Tea.  A Kitchen Tea is similar to a Bridal shower.  Traditionally the bride-to-be is given items to start off her kitchen.  It is usually given by the bride's or the groom's mother.  My mother gave me Kitchen Tea before I came over to the USA and invited all my female relatives.......it was a wonderful time and I have spent a bit of time reminiscing over it the past few weeks.  Afternoon tea is usually served, but, we don't drink tea, so we had lemonade instead.  Lemonade with cute ice cubes.........a raspberry and mint leaf had been frozen in the cubes to look like a rose.

We had the tea at a place here in Seffner called Lenna Hall.  It was perfect.

Here is the room all set-up.  Some of the shots are a little dark, but I had a fickle camera.......or maybe the operator was fickle.........but regardless, some of the photos came out dark.

Bottom layer:  chicken salad croissants

Middle layer:  Scones with Devonshire Cream and Jam

Top layer:  petite fours, mini eclairs and mini cream puffs

SOMEONE who will remain nameless, went around and stole the petite fours......not all of them......just a particular flavor......the most popular  flavor......

I tried to invite ladies who have had a influence on Joshua's life and/or our family's life.

I had everyone stand up and introduce themselves to Courtney and to tell her how they knew Joshua.

Ruth Dodd

Lisa Griswold

Janette Chambers

Janette made me cry with the beautiful things she said about my boy

 Ruth Chambers

Christine Chambers

Melissa and Wendy Croxall

Wendy Beck

Julie Clayson

Becky and Devon Michaeli

Karen Peach

Peggy Gray

EEEEEKKKKK!!!

How on earth did Joshua get invited, infiltrate, party crash a kitchen tea?????

Well, it was Joshua's birthday and he hadn't seen Courtney for a very long time and he has a wonderful, kind mother who took pity on him and told him he could stay...............

Amy Donahue

Jessica Purdy

Our guest of honor, Courtney, wondering "Who the heck are all these people??"

This photo is a good example of why not to give the camera to you party crashing son.

 Courtney opening her gifts.

 Joshua was in charge of taking the photos.....

I just want to make that clear..........

 

Jessica was the official gift passer person

 Anyway, going back to the picture taking comments above........

 Hold on just one more moment

 She who must be obeyed

Just jokin'.......kind of

Anyway, Joshua managed to take a awful lot of picture of Courtney with her eyes closed!!!!

OK, so there are only two, but the others have her looking down .  Joshua redeemed himself with the next photo.

  This is my favorite photo of my future daughter-in-law.

It is exciting see a couple starting off their life together.  I hope they have all the joy and happiness their hearts desire.
Thank you to all those who came.  Thank you also for sharing your wonderful recipes!!!!

Sally-Ann