Earl Grey, Sugar Cubes and Charades

I learned a lot in the last week or so. Practical things. Lovely things.

Some things I learned the hard way--the expensive way. Like the time I learned that my need for the super-duper deluxe candy thermometer from Michael's at $15 dollars (give or take) could have been satiated by a reasonably nice copy at my local grocer's for $8. Or even better--the generic for $3!

I also learned that the Fanny Farmer petit fours frosting recipe (which called for the use of said thermometer) doesn't give the coverage we wanted. It was more...translucent. Rolled fondant is better and easier. It was a little like playing with Play-doh, and I can do that!

I learned that chocolate dipping needs refrigeration to set nicely.

So does the store-bought creamy frosting I used to make the roses and starbursts.

And that all of these things are subject to melt in the South Texas heat of mid-June.

I learned that for everything you must have for the table, there is likely a cheaper alternative somewhere if you have time to look for it.

I learned that while brides all over this country are asking for fine china table settings from fancy department stores for as much as $100 dollars a pop, you can get a pretty enough service for 7 at a resale shop for the same price!

I learned that Fifi knows how to fold a white linen napkin.

I learned that necessity really is the mother of invention: a plastic pair of children's looped chopsticks, cut short, make a nice delivery utensil for the sugar cubes.

I learned that tea parties need about 2 weeks to prepare for. Not two days. And that I crack under pressure. And that the Lord is faithful and proves Himself strong in my weakness.

And I learned that Fifi is pretty handy with an iron, to which all the table and chair linens did attest.


And I learned that at 39-years-old, I can still pull an all-nighter!

I learned that brand new table linens, packaged as a combo deal, can be comparable in price to the resale stuff in the antique store down the road. Only, it's brand new. Without anybody else's stains! Nice.

I learned that slip covers for chairs change everything. And that they sell retail cheaper than I can sew them.

I learned that $2 will buy a square of accent fabric, and 15 minutes will hem it nicely. There is no good reason to buy another tablecloth to lay kitty-corner or donkey-jonkered or whatever it's called.

I learned that all that pretty balled melon won't be eaten.

And that the tea in Tea Party is more than ornamental; those girls drank a lot of tea!


I learned to ask for help. It blesses others to have something to offer: an extra teapot, a lace buffet cover, a couple of extra table settings.

I learned that a little bit of pre-event coaching helps a 12-year-old host her first party with guests who don't already know one another.


I learned to stay on the service side of the dining room doors as much as possible and simply enjoy the giggling.

I learned that charades is a fun party game, even without teams.

And that for a group of girls who probably, and thankfully aren't "hip" to the culture, familiar Proverbs from the Scriptures work every bit as well.


I learned that young ladies-in-the-making should to be nurtured and guided toward feminine nobility, strength, virtue and grace in this beautiful stage of life-- before the tendency towards such attributes is stifled and snuffed out completely.

But it is hard work. And it is worth every bit of effort it takes.