Two Chattanooga nonprofits are hosting themed tea parties this weekend, sure to provide holiday memories for years to come.
Scenic City Clay Arts invites guests to "a very merry unbirthday" Mad Hatter's Tea Party on Friday, Nov. 30, held at Chattanooga Whiskey, 890 Riverfront Parkway, from 6 to 10 p.m. The party will benefit the work of SCCA, a community-driven nonprofit pottery studio located in downtown Chattanooga.
"We are ready to have fun celebrating the clay arts and raising funds to support the work of our members and education programs," says Joy Key, Scenic City's executive director. "Thanks to the support of our generous donors and volunteers, we hope to increase our accessibility to the community in the coming year and provide more programs for underserved audiences, specifically relating to clay therapy for veterans and senior citizens."
The tea party will include food, drink, live music, a silent auction, as well as games themed around the Mad Hatter character and "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland."
Guests will get the chance to see a live raku firing. Another special show will be a clay throw-down between potters Loren Howard and Shadow May. The two potters will work live on their wheels throughout the event. The newly thrown pieces will then be auctioned off with the winning guest able to select a glaze and finishing details.
Tickets are $65 each or $75 at the door if not already sold out. Tickets are available online at www.sceniccityclayarts.org.
Holiday Tea on High Street
Houston Museum of Decorative Arts will host its annual kickoff to the holiday season, Holiday Tea on High Street, Sunday, Dec. 2, at the museum, 201 High St.
Served in both parlors of the Victorian home that houses the Houston Museum, this English tea features authentic English treats such as scones with lemon curd or clotted cream, finger sandwiches, trifle, savories and sweets. Admission includes a guided tour.
"People tend to dress up or wear their favorite hat when they come to our holiday tea. Children feel like grown-ups and grown-ups feel like kids playing dress-up," says Amy Autenreith, museum executive director.
"Bring your mothers, daughters, friends and spouses. It's a great way to begin the holidays."
Admission is $25 adults, $20 for ages 65 and older and $5 for children ages 4-12. All proceeds benefit the Houston Museum of Decorative Arts.
Two seatings are offered: 1–2:20 p.m. and 2:40–4 p.m. Reservations are strongly recommended for this holiday favorite.
For reservations, call 423-267-7176 or email houstonmuseumchattanooga@gmail.com.