Victorian Tea Celebrated in Historic Heights

The Fifth Annual Victorian Tea, sponsored by the Houston Heights Woman’s Club (HHWC), was the best one yet. Guests arrived to a festive Dickens-like setting with many dressed in Victorian attire. Each tablescape was unique as the hostess provided her own china, crystal, silver, linens, and centerpiece to fashion a table for guests that will not soon be forgotten.

Some tables were traditional and others whimsical, but all were memorable as the result of many hours spent planning down to the last detail. The traditional tea fare of scones, quiches, finger sandwiches, tarts and old world cookies was served complemented by the finest Darjeeling tea. Guest Speaker was Penny Ward, Tea in Texas Etiquette Writer, who spoke on “Giving Yourself the Present of Being Present” which included cell phone etiquette and concluded with the Etiquette of Taking Tea.

The HHWC, organized in 1900, met in member’s homes until membership grew too large. In 1912, a bungalow clubhouse was built on land donated by Mrs. Helen Cooley, wife of one of the Houston Heights founders. As more women worked outside the home in the 1960-70’s, membership dwindled, and the clubhouse began to deteriorate. Since most events were during the day, many active, professional women could not partake of the groups activities until 2006, when a new Evening Group was organized to encourage new membership.
The following year, local author and Evening Group President Anne Sloan, introduced the Victorian Tea as a fund raiser. Held annually, the Tea not only was an immediate success but has become the Club’s signature event, always a sellout seating of 80 guests.
In 2012 the HHWC clubhouse, which is the oldest continually used clubhouse in Houston and a Registered Historic Landmark, will celebrate its centennial. Many celebratory events are planned including the introduction of a Spring Tea, scheduled for late April. Since the stunning effect of this unique club will prevail, without a doubt this event will be a sellout as well.