High Tea at Diamondhead

Estero Island Garden Club celebrated its 60-year anniversary with a Tea Party at Costé Island Cuisine at Diamondhead on Fort Myers Beach. In keeping with a more formal look for High Tea,  members accessorized their outfits with a fun hat or fascinator.

Cindy, Laurie, Cheryl & Carol

Cindy was a co-chair of this event, Laurie was the guest speaker, Cheryl was the other co-chair of the luncheon, and Carol is the Co-president of the Garden Club.

Garden Club favors: an engraved mug/flower pot, gardening gloves & a moisture-rich cleansing bar, named aptly-enough, “Rainkissed Leaves.”

Donna Bliven is holding Laurie Nienhause’s book, “And Then It Was Teatime.”

Prior to lunch, the group was entertained by a look back at the history of the club. Member Donna Bliven assembled a video of events and pictures concerning the Garden Club through the years 1959 to 2019. 

Bobbi, Kimberly and Patti checked members in for the video

Ann, with new members Judy & Karen, before the video, “Estero Island Garden Club through the years 1959-2019.”

Pam, Carol, Madeline & Judy await the video.

Katie & Marianne before the video

Diane & Ann waiting for the video

Members watching the video and reminiscing about the people and events highlighted in the video

During the video

Members watching the video

Members watching the video

The highlight of the luncheon was a presentation by author, playwright and public speaker, Laurie Nienhause. Laurie enlightened her audience with information about “tea,”  a subject which she is passionate about. Her book, "And Then it was Teatime," contains over 150 excerpts from literature referring  to tea-drinking. She also brought her collection of teapots, used to pour us her favorite tea, and also tea cups and saucers from which to drink this special tea. Whether it was the tea or the cups, tea never tasted so good. 

Tables set up with “tea” memorabilia, with a beautiful view of palm trees and white-sand beach in the background

Another view of the tables & beach

Tea memorabilia

Tea memorabilia

Tea memorabilia

Tea pots from Laurie’s collection

Cheryl & Laurie with tea pots

Rebecca & Cheryl getting ready to serve tea to members

Tea pots

Quotes about “tea”

On each table, Laurie had prepared a quote concerning tea, and there are an amazing number of quotes dedicated to its qualities.  Members took turns reading aloud the informational and entertaining quotes about tea. For example, “Tea is liquid wisdom,” or "A woman is like a tea bag - you can't tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.” Or, "I know I'm not everybody's cup of tea. I'm just me."

Marianne reads a quote about tea.

Laura reads a “tea” quote.

Margaret reads a “tea” quote.

Story teller Laurie relates historical facts about tea.

Laurie reads a passage from literature about tea.

Laurie reads several passages from literature about tea

Table One: New member Mariann, Louise, Ann, Karen, Jeanne & Co-President Bonnie 

Notice the tea cups members are holding: each one is from Laurie’s collection!!!

Table Two: Guest Jessica,  Christine, Marianne & Pam

Table Three: Judy, Margaret, Carol, Bernie & Laura

Table Four: Madeline, Patti, Bobbi, Randa, Katie & Judy

Table Five: Ethel, Paula, Diane & Rebecca

Table Six: Becky, Cindy, Maria, Ginny, Donna & Carol

Finally, this luncheon was an opportunity to memorialize Lois Gressman, who died this past year. She was the epitome of talent and graciousness, and we miss her dearly.

Many thanks for a job well done!!!

Cheryl and Cindy, Co-chairs of the Tea Party