Tea Time

As time flew by in 2nd term, it was vitally important to keep what mattered most in perspective; what mattered was tea and adorably decorated cupcakes. The gracious ladies of Brentwood dressed in their elegant frocks, dresses, or suave attire, held their mugs tightly, and glided through Hope House doors on February 22nd for the 5th Annual Tea Party. Sun shone in from the overhead skylight to illuminate the grinning faces of those eyeing their fifth biscuit. Floating through the halls in their heels, it was as if students were defying gravi-tea while they filled up their mugs with bags of Bengal Tiger Spice, English Breakie, Earl Grey, Red Rose, or whatever sui-tea-d them. “I pi-tea the fool who didn’t attend this gala,” said Cristina T, Hope ’15 as she meandered through their halls with her camera to capture the dainty and punk-rock radiance that was encased within the building. Dozens of pink, purple, and soft, white tulips were placed in each venue, giving off a delicate floral scent to be mixed with the aroma of freshly baked, chocolate chip cookies. Pink and white streamers, doilies, silver platters—the whole shebang was pulled out for this occasion. During the playful activi-teas, the commotion over pastries and mini cucumber & cream cheese sandwiches, the exchanging of compliments, and the waiting for more boiled water, the movie that inspired the event was showed cheerily in the common room-- no, not Jurassic Park with its Tea-Rexes, but Audrey Hepburn’s exquisite classic, Breakfast at Tiffany’s. “I thought that E.T. would’ve been more fitting,” casually remarked Rachel M, Hope ’15. With Hope House making their transition away into their new boarding house in the Fall, there will be a larger venue for the girls to cater to, with hopefully bigger ovens; it is with high hopes that this yearly gathering continues on for infini-tea.  The night would be a quieter one as students unwound in front of the Oscars, with nominees from P. K. Simmons to Meryl Steep. A huge thank you to everyone who attended, set up, baked, and made this year go so smoothly; especially to Ms. Hedquist and Mrs. Beatty, as they spent months with the Hope 12 Prefects to accomplish this 3-hour event. Some tea related jokes: What type of tea is hard to swallow? Reali-tea. How long does it take for tea to arrive from China? Oolong time. What did the teapot say to its bag? I don’t want another steep out of you.  Oh my, what quali-tea humour.  Kimmi G, Hope ’15; Photos by: Kimmi &  Cristina T, Hope ‘15