Woman at table holding a scone with other women eating around. Waitress serving at table.

An Afternoon Steeped in Elegance: FHU Associates Host A Victorian Tea Party

The Freed-Hardeman University Associates once again invited women and girls to don their finest summer dresses and perfect their pinky raises for “a unique event for tea lovers everywhere.” A Victorian Tea Party, hosted by the FHU Associates, was held in May at the historic Hardeman House. This year’s event helped to raise over $12,000 to benefit student scholarships.

Seven women gathered on a porch, with four standing and three seated.

Tea Party Committee

Tea Party Committee Co-Chair Kristen Hicks was thrilled to share this unique experience with both new and returning guests. “We really love being able to create such a special event for tea lovers of all ages,” she said. “Whether it’s three generations of ladies or a group of friends or a daddy and daughter, we do our best to make sure they are served the most delicious treats and have plenty of activities to make sweet memories together.”

White house with a large porch and N.B. Hardeman House sign. Several people are gathered and walking to the porch steps. Manicured lawn and trees surround the building.

Guests Entering the N.B. Hardeman House for A Victorian Tea Party

Having just hosted its 22nd year, A Victorian Tea Party is one of the largest fundraising events regularly organized by the FHU Associates. The immersive experience invited guests of all ages to partake in a full afternoon tea and charming activities with their friends and loved ones. Though the event is popular with mothers, daughters and female friends, fathers were also invited to show off their chivalrous side during a special father-daughter tea time later in the afternoon.

This year’s dining room venue and food selections showcased a garden theme. Menu options included Tea Party Cucumber Sandwiches, Roast Beef and Radish Sandwiches, Dill and Feta Scones with a Sundried Tomato and Garlic Spread, “Peter Rabbit Scones” (carrot cake) with Cinnamon Cream, Orange Fennel Fudge, Tropical Lime cupcakes, Smoked Paprika Parmesan Shortbread, Strawberry Shortcake Cookies, “Berry Good” Salads (topped with blackberries, blueberries and poppy seed dressing) and fresh in-season fruit. Tea selections included maple cream tea, yorkshire harrogate tea and a springberry iced tea.

Young girl looking at self in mirror in dress up clothes with hand on chin.

Little Lady Posing in Little Ladies Dress-Up Area

While waiting to be seated, guests took advantage of various activities for both children and adults, such as a Little Ladies Dress-Up area, designing Victorian fashions (paper dolls), a Peter Rabbit display and matching themed photo booth, creating beribboned bunny ears, and outdoor croquet and shuffleboard. A Tea Boutique sold various tea-themed items and samples from the day’s menu selections. Family and individual portraits were also taken.

The magic of A Victorian Tea Party was created after many months of planning and preparation by a dedicated committee of ladies, including: Co-Chair Debbie McLaughlin, Co-Chair Kristen Hicks, Marah Collins, Courtnee Williams, Sherry Thompson, Bridget Lamb, Margaret Payne and Shirley Eaton. Many other volunteers from the local FHU Associates chapter were integral in helping the committee’s plans come to fruition, either by creating hundreds of teatime treats in the weeklong baking marathon or by working and serving at the actual event.