Henderson, Tennessee – The Freed-Hardeman University Associates will host their 20th Victorian Tea Party May 21, 2022, at the historic Hardeman House located at 307 White Avenue in Henderson, Tennessee.
According to a press release from Tajuana Cheshier – The Bramblett Group – guests are invited to enjoy hot or cold tea along with sweet and savory treats between 12 and 4 p.m.
To mark the occasion, the Associates are updating “A Teatime Treasury,” the cookbook first published to celebrate 10 years of tea and scones. The 2022 edition will be available as a searchable pdf as well as a color-printed version. It will feature photographs from previous tea parties and favorite tea-time recipes. The book will be available for purchase at the Tea Boutique.
The tea party returns to Hardeman House for the first time since 2017. The home of N.B. Hardeman, long-time president of the university, was closed for two years for renovations and then COVID-19 forced one cancellation and a hybrid version of the springtime ritual for two years.
“We are looking forward to having tea party guests back in this beautiful home,” Debbie McLaughlin, Associates’ executive coordinator, said. “It was built for hospitality. Its history includes hosting many notable preachers as well as other guests. In addition, members of the Hardeman family and female college students sometimes made the house their home.”
Teas will include Mrs. Jo’s Jasmine tea. The Associates’ signature blend of flavorful Earl Grey and aromatic jasmine is just right for a summer garden party. Summer Melon Tea, a flavored green tea that combines smooth, sweet watermelon with a light cucumber finish, will also be featured. Finally, Tropical Tango Iced Tea, the perfect summertime iced tea with flavors of pineapple, tropical fruit and coconut, will be available. The menu will include tea sandwiches, scones and spreads, various treats and fresh fruit.
In addition to touring the Hardeman House and enjoying a full afternoon tea, guests are invited to visit multiple venues throughout the house: crafts and activities for adults and children, special family photos by a professional photographer and croquet on the lawn (weather permitting). Guests may also stop by the Tea Boutique, a shop filled with mementos from the day and all things tea, including the varieties served at the tea party.
In addition, a limited number of Tea for Two to-go boxes may also be ordered. To-go boxes contain two servings of the afternoon tea menu items plus tea to be brewed at home. Those who order a Tea for Two to-go boxes but are not attending the Victorian Tea Party may pick up their box at 11:30 a.m. at the Henderson Church of Christ drive-through. Those attending the tea may pick up to-go boxes when they are ready to leave the tea party.
Tickets for the Victorian Tea Party are now on sale. Standard tickets include a full afternoon tea, professional photographs and all activities and venues in a come-and-go format. Standard ticket holders will be seated as space becomes available. Guests may reserve a tea time by becoming a tea party patron or corporate sponsor. One may contact the FHU Associates at associates@fhu.edu or 731-435-1091 about this possibility. Advance ticket prices are $25 for adults ($28 at the door) and $18 for children ages 3–10 ($21 at the door). Admission is free for children 2 and under. Information about becoming a sponsor or patron and purchasing tickets online, is available at fhu.edu/teaparty. Tickets may also be purchased at Knoell Family Dentistry in Henderson.
Funds generated by the tea party, as well as other Associates’ projects, support scholarships for Freed-Hardeman University students.
