The Sacred Heart Fundraiser Tea

I recently had the immense honor of being the keynote speaker at the 17th Annual Sacred Heart Fundraiser Tea, also known as the Patty Blanton tea.

The event, held in Appling, Georgia, was the quintessential experience of Southern hospitality. It was an utterly enchanting afternoon.

Word of the Sacred Heart Fundraiser Tea has grown and flourished over the years, gaining legendary status as the premier annual tea event in the region.

 

With only 80 coveted tickets available, it sells out within days of going on sale.

 

Sacred Heart keeps a wait list and, as usual, this year’s wait list was long with ladies hoping to get the good news that a ticket had become available for them.

 

I was well aware of this illustrious event having read about it in Tea Time Magazine, long before I had developed my own tea line or had even become a certified Afternoon Tea Etiquette trainer.

 

Being invited to speak at this tea event, which is such a cherished tradition, was a dream come true.

From the horsehead and horseshoe shaped tea sandwiches to the mini-Kentucky Derby pies, it was apparent at every turn just how much Patty had poured her dedication into every detail of this spectacular day.

Every year, Patty and her friends personally prepare all the food, offering a unique and delicious afternoon tea menu.

 

Thoughtful detailing extended to the table settings, where each table of four was set with its own special China pattern, adding yet another touch of southern elegance.

Every year guests are gifted with personalized hand painted gift bags. This year the bags contained Patty’s homemade jam, her signature goat’s milk soap, a hand-painted (by Patty) vase, and a hand-painted print of the menu. I was so honored to have Patty include a tin of my Cherry Rose Green Tea in the fabulous gift bags this year.

All the beautiful tables and heavenly tea-fare and all of the ladies in summer dresses and hats were set against the backdrop of Patty’s enchanting garden.

Patty’s garden is spectacular- adorned with fountains, a koi pond, and a breathtaking variety of maple trees and plant life. The ambiance created in this gorgeous natural setting elevated everything all the more. It was absolutely stunning!

I am pictured here with Millie Huff, Executive Director of the Sacred Heart Cultural Center.  My friends and I toured the facility.  What a beautiful building!

This historic building, once a Catholic church on the brink of ruin, was rescued by a family from Augusta and transformed into a thriving arts center for the community.

I was accompanied by my dear friends, Caroline and Ida, who are always ready for tea adventures. For all of us, this was such a fun opportunity to meet and connect with new people.

I designed Caroline’s pink and blue fascinator to go with her dress.

As I’ve long believed, tea has an extraordinary power to bring people together in the most wonderful ways, and this tea was no exception.

 

In chatting with everyone, I got a surprise when I discovered that one of the guests had attended the same high school as my husband—a great reminder of the small world we live in.

 

When I left, I took with me wonderful memories of the day and a hope to attend next year’s Sacred Heart Fundraiser Tea.

 

My deepest and most heartfelt thanks to Patty for inviting me to speak at her beyond fabulous event and for allowing me the joyful experience of this spectacular day.

 

Learn more about how you can support The Sacred Hearts Cultural Center here

In April, I partnered with renowned Holly Hill Inn chef, Quita Michel to host my 2^nd annual Hat Tea event at Fasig-Tipton in Lexington.  We put on a Kentucky Derby hat fashion show and lovely afternoon tea.

This special event was the launching point for my Savannah Spring Hat collection as well my new artisan tea collection, featuring five hand-blended, loose leaf teas.

At the Hat Tea, guests were treated to a shopping experience where they were encouraged to have fun experimenting with all of the elegant and spirited hats in my new collection! 

With so many upcoming Spring events on the calendar, it was a great joy to help ladies find their own personal best look.

We had a tea-tasting station where guests could sample all the hand-blended teas in my new collection. As a native Kentuckian, I’m proud to have partnered with the world-famous Elmwood Inn, located right here in Kentucky, to create this delicious line of artisan teas.

We are all treated to a classic afternoon tea menu, designed, created and thoughtfully presented by Quita Michel and it did not disappoint!

 

 

Pimm’s Cups and Peach Bellini’s were available and the mixologists at Fasig-Tipton also created a wonderful mocktail with my Belle’s Butterfly Fascinator tea, lemonade and honey- delicious and so refreshing!

If you think an afternoon tea is not a substantial source of sustenance…think again!

As a certified Afternoon Tea Etiquette trainer, it was my pleasure to present a talk on Tea Etiquette for my guests.

 

I talked about tea fashion, host gifts and included a presentation with model, Katherine Barr on how to best pair a hat with an outfit that has a print, which is sometimes a challenging endeavor!

 

During Tea Service models weaved their way through the elegantly appointed dining tables, showcasing different hats to inspire ideas and fashion possibilities for everyone… 

Michaela and the entire Holly Hill Inn / Fasig-Tipton staff exceeded expectations, bringing this already elevated experience to the next level with their service and attention to detail.

It was a successful and absolutely splendid afternoon.

I want to thank everyone who joined me for this beautiful day of elegant hats and gorgeous teas and, still much needed, in-person connection.

It was a joy and I plan to continue this annual Hat Tea tradition every April!

In the meantime… wear your hats with confidence and enjoy a meaningful break from stress with a daily cup of tea in the afternoon!

Lots of love,

Polly