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© 2004 Bonita Productions Inc.
Flag of Florida
Proper Southern Tea Is Dress-Up Fun!
By Bonnie Neely
Within the Village at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, along Florida's Northernwestern coast, we rediscovered the charm of an authentic Victorian period tearoom, with the delightful ambience and warm hospitality of a "proper" Southern drawing room. When we entered we were welcomed by the hostess, who showed us the various fun items provided so that we could dress-up, if we wished to do so, for the formal teaparty. Now, no Southern lady would come to tea without a fashionable hat and gloves, and no gentleman would be without his hat, and perhaps a cane, spectacles, or other trinket! Maybe a stole or fur-piece, or lacy collar or hanky would be our choice. What fun! We could try on various selections in front of the large antique mirrors until we found just the look for our personalities, and then seat ourselves at the beautifully appointed table for an authentic tea party on antique china patterns, with silver service, lace and linens.
At the next table we enjoyed watching the fun delightful young Miss Haley was having while sipping tea, in such a ladylike manner, with her mother and grandmother. The nine-year-old was thrilled to model different hats, gloves, purses, fur pieces in front of the full-length mirror, changing as the mood struck her... playing dress-up in the most authentic of settings. 
We wondered if she could be one of the youngsters who participated in the regular etiquette sessions, which Magnolia and Ivy Tearoom offers for Sandestin guests and local residents.The shop owners are sisters, Kay Snipes and Terri Eager, certified graduates and associates of the Protocol School of Washington for children's etiquette & dining skills. At their tearoom they offer etiquette classes for children six and up and teens. Kay and Terri also lead seminars around the country for other shop owners who wish to open tearooms. These tearooms are in large demand as the tradition, long a revered British ritual and once a daily practice for friends to "come calling" here in the Deep South, is revived in the United States.
We found the great selection of teas quite tempting, and each person's selection arrived in an individual teapot wrapped in a tea-cozy. Tea cakes, tea sandwiches, and tea biscuits, true to old Southern hospitality, were served on tiered silver stands. We could linger and visit friends as long as we wished, the perfect way to relax tired feet after a day of shopping and recreation.Magnolia & Ivy has just launched its own brand, "Tiara Teas," which are cleverly associated with Queens who need the various flavors to cure a personality flaw. For example, the "Queen of Drama" needs "Integri-Tea," the "Queen of Gossip" needs "Loyal-Tea." Magnolia & Ivy has a delightful shop where you can browse and select various gifts associated with tea and special occasions. You can order or make reservations by calling 850-267-2595 or clicking here.
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