Hosting Tea at Henington House

Hosting a Tea: A Lovely Way to Entertain

The tea is hot, the scones are waiting, and there is a place at the table just for you.

A silver teapot passes from hand to hand as guests settle into their chairs. Little cakes tempt us from tiered stands, china cups meet their saucers and someone’s wonderful hat brings a smile before the first sip is poured.

There is no need to hurry. Stay awhile. Have another cup.

This is one of the reasons we love hosting teas at Henington House. They give us a lovely reason to gather and permission to linger.

Bring Out What You Love

Part of the pleasure begins before anyone arrives, when we open the cabinets and choose what to share.

Your mother’s teacups. A little plate discovered while thrifting. The silver teapot that has been waiting patiently for an occasion.

Let this be the occasion.

The patterns do not have to match. Different cups and plates bring personality to a table, and often a story comes with them. Before long, someone is remembering a grandmother’s china cabinet or afternoons spent at a favorite aunt’s kitchen table.

At Henington House, we love bringing these pieces together. Using what we have and sharing what we love makes a table feel like home.

A Little Something Delicious

A small sandwich, a tender scone, a bite of something sweet—there is such pleasure in having a little taste of several things.

The menu can be manageable and still feel generous. Choose a few refreshments you enjoy making, prepare what you can ahead, and include something from a favorite bakery if that makes your day easier.

Tiered stands bring height and interest to the table while keeping treats within reach. Pretty platters and small serving dishes work beautifully, too.

Leave yourself enough time to take a seat. There are stories you will want to hear and laughter you will want to be part of.

Make Room for Conversation

A tablecloth, folded napkins, and a few garden clippings can set a welcoming table.

Keep flowers low enough for guests to see one another comfortably. Leave room to set down a cup, pass a plate, and lean into a good conversation.

The pleasure is in those small exchanges:

“Would you like another?”

“Tell me how you made these.”

“Oh, my mother had cups just like that!”

Wear the Hat. Use the China. Invite Them Anyway.

A tea gives us permission to enjoy a little ceremony in an ordinary week. Wear a favorite hat or a piece of jewelry you seldom bring out. Use the cups you have been saving.

Invite a few friends for a birthday, welcome a neighbor, or gather daughters and granddaughters around the table. Two friends sharing a pot of tea can have just as lovely an afternoon as a roomful of guests.

You do not have to wait until the house is finished or every detail is settled. A warm invitation and a place prepared with care are a wonderful beginning.

Here at Henington House, the cups will eventually be emptied and the last crumbs cleared away. But we hope our guests carry home the pleasure of having been welcomed, included, and given time to simply enjoy themselves.

Put the kettle on. Pull up another chair.

Someone would love to hear you say, “Come have tea with me.”

For upcoming teas, scheduled events, and more ideas for enjoying and sharing your home, subscribe at heningtonhouse.com.

From our home to yours,

Catherine

Historic Neighborhood

Hattiesburg, Mississippi