Cheryl brought words of welcome and read a basket poem:

"Early this morning an angel gave me
a basket filled with joy, peace, faith,
love, strength, and grace for all human needs.
He said to use them and pass to those I care about,
and so, I'm passing this basket to you."

We all shared a highlight from the trip last May, or an activity that has transpired since then.   


After the blessing we were served Pomegranate Oolong Tea by Harney & Sons to go with our Sweet Potato Scone with Maple Cream and Cinnamon Nuts.



Then we went to another room where a fabulous tea buffet awaited us.  Every food item had a name card, and Teresa made keepsake menu booklets for everyone including recipes for the foods served. 


The savories were at one end and the desserts at the other.



~ Gruyere Cheese Puffs with Toasted Pecan and Bacon Filling ~


~ Tuscan Olive on Dill Bread ~


~ Chicken Mandarin Orange Spread on Raisin Bread ~


Fresh Tomato Pie Slices and Cucumber Sandwiches on Teacup-shaped Bread


Tomato Aspic on Tomato Basil Bread


~ Calla Lilies ~


~ Pumpkin-shaped Ginger Snap Cookies with Pumpkin Dip ~


~ Chocolate and Vanilla Tea Cookies garnished with a Raspberry ~


 Mini Lemon Cheesecakes garnished with Blueberries, and Cranberry Macadamia Nut Bars 


~ Apple Pie Bars ~


~ And last but definitely not least, Chocolate Coconut Mini Tarts ~


Halfway through our meal we switched to Charleston Tea Plantation First Flush Black Tea that Judy purchased when we visited the plantation in May.  It added such a nice touch to our gathering.

That's my very full plate, but believe it or not I didn't sample everything!  


This is the kitchen where Judy prepared the food.  It was an addition to the grain bin house.



~ L-R:  Cheryl K., Me, and Lori ~


The powder room was also an addition to the grain bin house.  Judy turned a dresser into a sink vanity!


After we ate we went on a tour of Judy's 1907 historic farm house.  If you're a fan of Mac Kenzie-Childs, you'll love the interior of Judy's beautiful home - next post.