Tuesday, June 23, 2009

An Enchanting Evening In A Garden



It was a rare Monday evening. It was a magical evening. It was a garden tea party purchased at a benefit auction. It was a 75th birthday celebration for a very special lady, and it was an evening that will always remain a treasured memory.



Many years ago the owner of this property created a four sided play house for his little girl. She is a beautiful young lady now and the playhouse has evolved into a tea room in the middle of the garden and pine trees. It's lace curtains and tiny electric candles at the windows make it perfectly suited for garden tea parties.



Walking through the gardens quickly made one realize how talented this family is in mastering gardening and water ponds.



Three very special ladies who have been good friends since childhood. Now in their seventies, their friendship continues to grow. The stories they could tell and the valuable lessons that I've learned from each of their lives could fill volumes.





Each of the three friends had daughters born within a few years of each other. Here we are, their three daughters, and we have been friends throughout our lives. Sharing many of the same celebrations and events through the years. The six of us were the privileged ones to enjoy an evening in the garden.






So much beauty to behold everywhere one looked. The hostess had bouquets of her flowers, old starched white linens, and beautiful dishes gracing every table.





Flowered tea cups, tiny brass spoons, sugar cubes and soft evening breezes...it is difficult to define the moment.





I photographed this plate of food so that you could see the thought, detail, and variety of the food we were served. I only wish I could give you a taste of each delicious morsel.




Our hostess, her daughter and her neice walking into the garden with the plates of dessert and pots of hot tea.


What an amazing array of desserts to choose from, and so attractively displayed, including edible glitter and tiny flowers on each of the chocolate truffles.





Our hostess and her sister. Their warm, caring personalities and their cooking and baking skills, along with their gardening abilities produced a truly elegant, garden tea party. The beautiful black and white apron on the hostess was one of my sister-in-law's designed creations.



As darkness set in, the lanterns were lit, the candles were glowing, and the tiny white lights out lined the log tea house, creating an ambience that was of storybook material.




As we said our good byes, and walked away from the from the enchanted gardens, I was filled with gratitude for the privilege of participating in such an event with dear friends who have been instrumental in shaping my life for many years. Our three mothers make the seventy years look good. I wanted to share this evening with all of you, so hopefully you do not mind the length of this post.

18 comments:

southerninspiration said...

Oh, my what a treat!!!! It looks lovely!

suzanne

Jeane` said...

That WAS some enchanted evening!! I am so happy all of you were able to experience it.
Love,
J

Tracy said...

What a lovely evening! I thoroughly enjoyed those photos. I can only imagine how wonderful it must have been. What a special memory for you and your two friends to share with your mothers! (And you're right, 70 looks quite beautiful on them!)

Have a wonderful Tuesday!
Tracy

Judy said...

Thanks for sharing your 'enchanting evening' with us. Everything looked amazing...it is always inspiring to see how others put on a party! It looks like a wonderful way for three friends...and their daughters...to celebrate an occasion.

Blessings each day said...

Oh, that was so beautiful and you titled this post so appropriately...don't think I would have wanted to leave EVER j/k!
How delightful that you got to be a part of this.

blessings,

marcy

Lauren said...

Paradise found!

You know Judy, when I was a little girl, my father built a playhouse for me in my backyard. I spent long days there each summer, and occasionally would have a sleepover out there. It was a sweet little place, and I have often wished I could have that little haven as an adult.

Your photos really evoked some wonderful childhood memories. Thank you so much for sharing!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing this post, I loved every moment, your words and the photos together I felt like I was there
I wrote a poem today on gardens
Have a great day today
Christina

Sheryl said...

that looks so wonderful!! what a treat to be able to share that with your mom and friends.

those flowers were amazing!!

Barb said...

Judy, your pictures are truly lovely. What a gorgeous setting. Longtime friends are such a gift from God. I have two friends that I feel that way about.....40 years plus!!

Your first picture takes my breath! Thanks for sharing this with us.

Barb

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

What a delightful gathering, Judy. I never find a blog post too long to read when it is as enchanting as this was!

It is wonderful to see friendships endure and flourish.

Wanda said...

I know that hostess and she's obviously ONE TALENTED LADY! What WONDERFUL company you had around that table! Such fun! Thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

Reminds me of the Ya Ya sisterhood. I attended a private school and most of my friends were from other states. The girls I grew up with are either dead or have moved far away and I don't know how to contact them. I have newer friends, but I love the feelings that I experienced when remembering my early childhood friends. Thanks for sharing.
QMM

Stacey said...

Judy, that looks like a wonderful garden party. I really enjoyed those pictures. How fun!

utleyphan said...

I've had the privilege of attending a tea party in the same place with that lovely hostess. What a special treat! Thanks for giving us a glimpse on a special night for you and your mom.

Marty said...

This was a wonderfully enchanting post. Thanks for sharing your delightful evening with us. Is that the moon shining through the trees? Perfect!

Anonymous said...

Oh my! What a wonderful evening you must have had. Everything looks so charming and beautiful. I love candlelight and tea parties. what fun! There is nothing better than sharing tea nad crumpets with old and dear friends ♥

Jul Hoober said...

What a perfect evening, what delightful friends, what delicious treats; and what gracious hospitality; my heart is FULL! Thank you & thank you again!

LisaShaw said...

What an amazing time. I feel like I was there. The idea of tea and treats in the garden with good friends...aww that's refreshing!

Only I'll take coffee please (smile).

Love ya.

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