High Tea at the Meadowbrook

Today’s women can don dress, heels and hat and three hours later be on a hiking trail in shorts, T shirt and boots.

Over the decades, American women have followed the call to “be all that you can be.” But one thing that hasn’t changed over time is the strong relationships that women build together. Greeting cards echo the sentiment of “Where would we be without our women friends?”

Through tears and laughter, mother to daughter, friend to friend, generation to generation, women seem to grow and blossom as a result of their shared history. Last Saturday, the dresses, the conversation, the laughter and the hats were all present at High Tea at the Meadowbrook Inn.

Southern Living Magazine calls Meadowbrook Inn one of the best places in the South for Girls Getaways. And one of the most feminine activities in the hotel’s growing repertoire of theme parties is afternoon and high tea. Last week’s event was hosted by tea specialist Deana Lutz, whose elegance, charm and quiet Southern hospitality are examples of reasons people love to live in and to visit Blowing Rock.

Lutz’s vintage china matched vases of wildflower arrangements by the Last Straw, which gave the finishing touch. White tablecloths complemented silver trays, and servers lavished attention on the guests. Classical music was the background for guests, who introduced and welcomed each other. Giggling and quiet laughter soon followed, as the conversation and stories flowed.

Ladies and little girls in attendance wore dresses, suits and heels, and many wore hats. Though often thought of in America as “too girlie,” high or afternoon tea is attended by both ladies and gentlemen in many countries. The meal is served in three courses: Savories, Scones and Fancies. Meadowbrook’s offerings included cucumber sandwiches, chicken salad croissants, berry scones with Devonshire cream, lemon curd and raspberry preserves. An array of Fancies made it difficult to choose from chocolate covered strawberries, lemon squares and one of Meadowbrook’s specialties, Mitford Orange Marmalade Cake squares.

Meadowbrook marketing director Vicky McLean said, “The skills and creativity of our food and beverage managers; the advice of our event planning consultant, Pat Moser; and requests from our customers have lead us to design and offer theme parties.

“In addition to the traditional birthday and anniversary parties, we now offer music, decor and food for most ideas our guests can design. Our staff members are excited about dressing in costume to complete the aura of a theme, and they love it when their customers get a laugh over seeing them in a different kind of ‘uniform.’
“We’ve done themes, such as Bluegrass ‘n’ Bar-B-Que, ’50s Diner, Patriotic, Beach & Tropical, Cajun, ’80s Disco, South American/Brazilian and more. And now we’ve added High Tea. We’re having as much fun as our guests and clients. To book a high tea for a private group or fundraiser, to book a theme party, a business meeting, wedding or other event, guests should simply give us a call. Our motto is ‘Easy entertaining, easy meetings, and beautiful event spaces!’”

High Tea will again be offered at the Meadowbrook Inn on Friday, May 9, during Mother’s Day and graduation weekend. The event is to be held 12 - 2 p.m. in the Four Seasons Ballroom. Tickets are $28 for adults and $18 for children 10 and under. Reservations are very important and may be made at (828) 295-4300. Mrs. Lutz will again be the tea hostess.