Reviving the Victorian tea party

The tea party seems to have fallen out of favor these days, but one Milford woman is on a mission to revive it.

Larel Grant has turned her love of tea parties into a part-time business called the Weekend Only Tea Party. But don’t let the business name fool you – Grant is also available to host parties throughout the week by special arrangement.

One weekend each month, Grant transforms the living room of her Cape Cod home into a Victorian parlor sporting embellished tables adorned with vintage decorations, crocheted doilies and fine antique china. A printed menu includes scones, tea sandwiches, clotted cream, hot or cold soup, fresh fruit, chocolate and cookies and three types of tea. Grant usually serves a sampling of black, green and herbal teas.

Grant and her story will be featured soon in the southeast edition of the Hometown Enquirer.

Garden clubs and church groups have proved to be Grant’s largest draw, although she also hosts parties for girl scouts looking to earn merit badges in etiquette. I think the parties would be ideal for Red Hat chapters, too.

Grant’s is a business, but it’s a non-profit business. She charges party goers only for cost of food and supplies. For more information, call Grant at 513-831-0356 or at 513-769-1916.