The flower beds were in good shape so I celebrated by calling "The TEABAGS" together for a "Spring Tea In The Garden". Here in Florida, outdoor teas are more comfortable in the morning; therefore, I planned foods that would be appropriate for that time of day.

The cream was kept chilled in an ice bowl and the entrees were kept hot on a warming tray. A separate buffet table was set up for the assorted teacups and goblets. We began the morning with a selection of hot teas and progressed to iced tea as the day went on.

My centerpiece for this tea was a simple watering can filled with freshly picked hydrangeas. The flowers are so pretty they do not need anything else; just plunk them in a vase. I also reuse the pretty boxes from tea or scone mixed by setting a jar of water inside the box and filling the jar with garden flowers.

Music added to our enjoyment. My selections for this tea were "An English Garden" (Hallmark), Tea at the Empress (The Empress Hotel), Victoria, BC), and "Afternoon Tea Serenade" (Menus and Music Productions).

I enjoy scouting for tea party favors wherever I travel but I did not have to go far for these. The local Hallmark store had garden bookmarks that would go with my theme. The table was simply set with a white linen tablecloth, the white luncheon plates from my china, my mother's 1847 Rogers silver plate flatware and small linen napkins tied with a pink satin ribbon with a fresh daisy tucked inside.

Penny wrote a special poem to mark the day, which she shared with the group:

We've come to Pat's garden to spend a few hours
To savor our friendship, to admire her flowers.
We've come to Pat's garden to have a fine tea,
And, oh, what a lovely time it will be!

Our hostess is charming, the table so neat
Her scones are delicious, the jam is so sweet.
We've come to Pat's garden to have a fine tea,
And, oh, what a lovely time it will be!

Pat Borysiewicz lives in Ocoee, Florida and is part of a group of five friends who are lovingly referred to as THE TEA BAGS. They have several theme teas throughout the year and each one keeps a scrapbook of their tea adventures. The group also collects teacups and accoutrements for tea and is not shy about wearing their fancy hats and vintage gloves to the local tearooms.