Tea Party

by Cindy Merrill
(West Lafayette, Indiana)

My daughter in law has adopted a beautiful little one year old girl from Thailand ( she is also of Thai heritage which really helped to speed up the long process). So I'm planning a tea party outdoors, ( renting a large tent in case of rain).

My budget is a bit tight, so I'm scouring the Goodwill shops for decorations- I'm thinking lots of ribbon, silk flowers, garlands and multi colored scarfs.

What I have in mind is a blending of Thai and American culture in celebration of Julia Tiptom Merrill ( Tiptom was the child's birth name, meaning fragrant fruit).

My husband has two Sons, the eldest a jazz guitar player (that takes care of the entertainment) and my other daughter in law is a professional Chef, so I've asked her to help me plan the refreshments & she'll help with preparing them.

Since we're only inviting close friends and family, I expect about 20 guests. The tea party baby shower takes place 6 weeks from now, so I've really been in a frenzy trying to find sale or reduced priced items that won't break my bank account.