Holiday Tea served at the Mound House
Break out your elaborate garments for an afternoon tea party at the Mound House. The Friends of the Mound House will host their Christmas fund raiser this Saturday, Dec. 12, from 2 to 4 p.m.
Dust off your favorite hat from your hat rack, attic or other storage area because classic hats and vintage attire are encouraged for this event. The best hat will be awarded a prize as will the best decorated table setting. There will also be a 50/50 raffle, teacup auction and a silent hatbox auction to be enjoyed during the two-hour party.
The Friends of the Mound House will provide a cold tea punch as the party beverage for the standing annual event.
“The silent hatbox auction will include hatboxes filled with an assortment of things from vintage ware to gift certificates to art we had left over from our last show,” said Friends of the Mound House President Carrie Hill. “There will be a silent bidding sheet where you can write in your bid, and whoever has the highest bid at the end wins it.”
Two types of tickets are available. Those interested in purchasing a table for up to six guests can do so for $100. Glassware as well as white table cloths are provided, but those purchasing a table are responsible for supplying the table setting and the food for their guests.
Individual tickets -purchased as a donation to the Mound House- are available for $25 each. Those purchasing individual tickets will be seated at tables set by the Friends of the Mound House and tea fare (sandwiches, home-made cookies and tea) will be provided. There will also be a welcome table with tea and cookies for neighbors.
Paid reservations are necessary and must be made by Wednesday, Dec. 9.
“We have 15 tables and expect about 100 people,” said Hill. “We hope to see a lot of people there. It promises to be a wonderful event in keeping up with a great tradition.”
Those wishing to purchase a table or individual tickets can call Ceel Spuhler at 765-6472. Those interested in donating a hat box, which can be filled with anything you desire, can call Laurie Nienhaus at 463-1079.
This event is not entirely for women. Men are most welcome to attend. Either Mound House Director Theresa Schober or Regan McBride will provide an update on the archaeological dig and the property.
“Christmas was quite a big deal when the town first took control of the Mound House property,” said Spuhler, a Friends of the Mound House director. “What we are trying to do with the Christmas Tea event is to try to further that. Christmas is such a festive time and the Mound House is such a beautiful facility. That’s why we want to continue this as an annual event.”
The Friends of the Mound House recently presented the FMB Town Council a check for $10,000 for the Beach’s oldest facility. There are expectations for the Holiday Tea and whatever monetary pledges the group can obtain.
“We certainly want to help as much as we can, especially to get the underground exhibit open,” said Spuhler. “That’s what we hope to achieve with this fund raiser and our year-long pledges. We’d like to present another $10,000. We are quite ambitious. We have a goal and a mission.”
In the event of rain, the Holiday Tea will be held Sunday, Dec. 13.
“There are not many times down in Florida where women can wear a hat,” said Spuhler. “Since this is a tea, this will be an opportunity to do so.”