Yesterday was the last tea day at our sweet little antiques shop and tea room. Cynthia and I served 46 people, most of which were our beloved "regulars" who reserved seats for our very last seating at 3 p.m. It was a wonderfully crazy, busy day; so busy in fact that I didn't even have time to get sad. It was simply a celebration of five successful years of T-Party. We tried our best to document the day, grabbing the camera whenever we had a free moment. Cynthia was really sneaky and snapped photos of me surreptitiously.
Shown below, left to right: Cynthia baked, and we sold, 216 scones in these flavors. Devoted tea patron Linda Rose. Devoted tea patrons Angie and Bob. Cynthia's completed tea trays. Sarah, Cynthia's daughter, takes a break after helping us through our last seating. Me making the rounds in the tea room for hot water refills. Devoted tea patron Lynne. Cynthia scoops loose tea into Bee House pots. Me resetting tables between seatings. Devoted tea patrons Katy and Sasha. John brings me and Cynthia flowers. Devoted tea patrons Dorothy and Joanne. Me at the register. Jacob and John help out in the kitchen. John sweeps the tea room. Me imputing sales at the computer after a very long, last tea day at T-Party.
But we're not done just yet. The month of June will be devoted to selling off all sorts of items from our tea room, kitchen and shop. So we still have a fair amount of work ahead of us.
As far as the future; Cynthia plans to keep baking and I will continue T-Party's web site selling vintage treasures, loose tea, Bee House teapots and tea related items. And of course I'll continue The T-Cozy and my Kitsch Encounter blogs. I also hope to start selling on Etsy at some point. Plus, I have a few more ideas up my sleeve that I'll let you in on in the fall.
For those of you who haven't read up on why we are closing; the 1890 farmhouse that we have rented for the past five years is going to be torn down to make way for a larger building. We have been unable to find an affordable new location as most everything we inquired about was triple our current rent.
So as they say; all good things must come to an end. And the "brick and mortar" T-Party Antiques and Tea Room was most definitely a good thing.
Susan
Shown below, left to right: Cynthia baked, and we sold, 216 scones in these flavors. Devoted tea patron Linda Rose. Devoted tea patrons Angie and Bob. Cynthia's completed tea trays. Sarah, Cynthia's daughter, takes a break after helping us through our last seating. Me making the rounds in the tea room for hot water refills. Devoted tea patron Lynne. Cynthia scoops loose tea into Bee House pots. Me resetting tables between seatings. Devoted tea patrons Katy and Sasha. John brings me and Cynthia flowers. Devoted tea patrons Dorothy and Joanne. Me at the register. Jacob and John help out in the kitchen. John sweeps the tea room. Me imputing sales at the computer after a very long, last tea day at T-Party.
But we're not done just yet. The month of June will be devoted to selling off all sorts of items from our tea room, kitchen and shop. So we still have a fair amount of work ahead of us.
As far as the future; Cynthia plans to keep baking and I will continue T-Party's web site selling vintage treasures, loose tea, Bee House teapots and tea related items. And of course I'll continue The T-Cozy and my Kitsch Encounter blogs. I also hope to start selling on Etsy at some point. Plus, I have a few more ideas up my sleeve that I'll let you in on in the fall.
For those of you who haven't read up on why we are closing; the 1890 farmhouse that we have rented for the past five years is going to be torn down to make way for a larger building. We have been unable to find an affordable new location as most everything we inquired about was triple our current rent.
So as they say; all good things must come to an end. And the "brick and mortar" T-Party Antiques and Tea Room was most definitely a good thing.
Susan
Such a great group of photos sharing your final day in the tea room! How sweet of your husband to bring you gals flowers. Good luck with the sale of your tea room items. I wish I was there to shop!!
Posted by: Dana | June 02, 2008 at 07:57 AM
Everything is going to be OK. BETTER than OK. We'll have to have 'virtual tea' with you now; but I have no doubt that your online shop will do well. Whatever you do, don't hang around to watch them demolish the building! Hold the good memories in your heart as you move on to your new adventures! (((hugs to you both))) Cathy ^..^
Posted by: Cathy Santarsiero ^..^ | June 02, 2008 at 09:09 AM
I hope you and Cynthia are feeling good about this. Change, even happy change, is not easy. I am glad your last tea was a happy one. Clarice
Posted by: clarice | June 02, 2008 at 11:19 AM
I'm so sorry you lost your building. That's a real shame they're tearing it down. Just remember, where one door closes another will open.
Posted by: Carla | June 02, 2008 at 12:38 PM
I'm so fortunate to have had a chance to visit T-Party. I wish I could have come more often!
Happy birthday! (sorry I'm late)
xoxoxo
Posted by: rebecca | June 02, 2008 at 06:07 PM
Susan,
You and Cynthia - along with the help of those who love you - made the "Last Tea Party"...a most memorable one...I know we will have the opportunity to continue to keep in touch with both of you and look forward to purchasing all of your wonderful teas, handmade items and vintage wares as well as "Cynthia's Sweets" on line! I must admit - I am sad - but, new opportunities will present itself and can't wait to see what ideas you have -up your sleeve. Thank you for the happy memories...and please take and journal all the magical moments you enjoyed and keep them close to your heart! Remember - hearts shared over a cup of tea keeps friendships forever! Stay happy and Blessings to you always!
Posted by: Linda Rose | June 02, 2008 at 09:19 PM
How sad it must be to close down your lovely T-party!
I'm glad you'll continue your T-party-blog!!
Wish you all the best both of you!!
Posted by: Forgjengelige ting | June 03, 2008 at 05:58 AM
Thinking of you Susan....
Thank you so much for sharing these memories of your precious tearoom.
xo,
Kim
Posted by: daisy cottage | June 04, 2008 at 07:46 PM
I'm so glad I was able to visit your bricks and mortar. It does sound like a lovely celebration rather than a sad end. I look forward to all the things that lay ahead for you.
Cheers! LA xo
Posted by: Leigh Ann | June 07, 2008 at 09:14 AM
Aahhh such a sad day.
Lots of lovely photos and smiley faces though for the last day.
love Alison x
Posted by: Alison | June 14, 2008 at 02:37 AM