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HANOVER TWP. — The atmosphere was dainty and cordial as guests gathered together at Exaltation of the Holy Cross Church on Sunday to enjoy a spot of tea and other treats during the fifth annual Victorian Christmas Tea.
Sponsored by the Soup for the Souls Committee, the event offered more than a dozen types of teas, finger sandwiches, desserts and more.
From classic green and black to peppermint and Chinese oolong, teas were available to suit every affinity. And along with them, a plethora of tiny handmade tuna, chicken salad, cucumber and ham salad sandwiches were offered to delight taste buds.
Tables were covered in colorful cloths, sporting Christmas and Victorian-style decor. At the tea table, a collection of ornate teapots filled the centerpiece — some bright with floral designs, others with more intricate, sophisticated patterns.
“I go out and just look around at sales,” committee organizer Judi Passetti said of her quest for the teapots. “Some I buy, and some are donated or loaned to us.”
Passetti came up with the idea for the event, which doubles as a fundraiser for the church, adding that the group decided to give it a chance one year and hasn’t stopped since.
“It just keeps going every year; the Victorian Christmas tea is an old-fashioned Christmas,” she said.
Admission was $15 for adults and $10 for children under age 12. More than 60 guests registered for the event, many wearing their Sunday finest and large, floppy hats.
Before tea time was officially called, parish senior priest Father Richard Cirba stopped by to say a prayer and borrow some fashion pieces.
“I love the hats,” he said to the women. “I wish I had one.”
One group of women’s hats drew the attention of most at the event, however.
From large and full-of-feathers to bright-red and glittery, members of the Red Hat Society, Young at Heart Chapter, attended the tea. The women said they attend the event every year.
“We come because it’s such a nice event,” said member Connie Hartman, who donned a big red hat with pink and red feathers.
After guests received their tea and food, choir members of the church headed by director Dominick Costantino came in to sing Christmas carols to the crowd.
Raffle baskets donated by local businesses and community members were also available for patrons to try and win.
Guests could choose from 15 baskets, varying from home decor and kitchenware to poinsettias and games.
Plains Township resident Ruthie O’Dell attended the tea for the first time Sunday. Waiting for her table to be called to pour the tea, she said she loved how beautiful the scene looked, and commended the Red Hat Society members for attending local community events.
“It’s a great fundraiser for the church and for people to get together,” she said.
One of the festive table settings on display at the Victorian Christmas Tea.