Yesterday’s post, On the way to the tea party, was about the reason why there was a tea party to attend, and the relaxation and nature during the days leading up to said party. No, make that THE TEA PARTY.  I even bought a dress for this, y’all!

My hostess/date for this event was a terrific writer and friend, Susan Carlisle. I tease her about her throwback ideas of how people should dress at certain kinds of events, but even she draws the line at pantyhose, so we were good.

Susan drove us all the way to Madison, Georgia to the Madison Tea Room & Garden, which was decorated for fall.

Inside were pretty rooms of fragile, fine china, lovely gift items and well presented tables. While our table was being set, we moved into the back room and tried on hats from days gone by. What fun! We were too busy admiring each other and laughing to take pictures, but I did snap one of the hats before we left.

They were fabulous, as was the decor.

Did you think I’d gotten so wrapped up in the hats and decor that I’d forgotten about the tea and food? My weigh scale would tell you (if it could talk — and some days it seems to) that I absolutely did not forget about the aromatic teas or the savory sandwiches and fluffy clotted cream on delicately sweetened scones. We worked our way up those tiers without reservation.

I think all Susan and I left was a lonely piece of celery. Yep, that means we ate all the deserts too. Bad Carol, but I loved every minute of it and would do it again in a heartbeat.

Have you ever enjoyed a tea party?