Christmas in August Memories

The editor of Kentucky Living Magazine called me in June 2013 upon the suggestion of

Bruce Richardson of Elmwood Inn Fine Teas.  The magazine wanted to run an article

in November 2013 about a Kentucky family who celebrates yearly with

a Christmas afternoon tea.  Fast forward a couple of months -- the very talented

photographer, Tim Webb,called and wanted to come on a weekday morning

in August with the magazine's artistic director.

 The kids were just starting the school year and the husband was at work, so what was I to do?  I called my friends Mary, Lynn, Patty and Alice and my daughter, Melissa,

who drove 2 hours from N. KY for the photo shoot.

The real trick was decorating for Christmas in August while hosting a Japanese exchange

student and continuing normal family life.

First, I promised Glenn I would decorate only one room in the house,

the tea room, and that we would leave up those decorations through Christmas.

He dug the decorations out of storage in the basement

and the decorating began. Fortunately, Hobby Lobby had begun to set out

Christmas decorations, but there were no peppermint candy canes anyplace. 

We not only had to decorate, but we also had to plan a menu and serve a full afternoon tea.

Thank goodness for friends!

Everyone made food items and contributed to the successful event.

Above: Mary and Lynn

Below: Patty

 That's me, above, holding the book a Christmas Cup of Tea,

my gift for each of them, and the very hot pot of tea.

Alice is below

 Melissa, Mary and me.

I am not a food stylist, and there were a few little mistakes I see

as I look back at the photos.  We were trying to dress for Christmas while

wearing sandals in the hot August humid temperatures.

What fun memories!