The Thistle Cottage Spring Tea is set to return this May, after being cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic for the last three years.
The event is scheduled for the afternoon of May 13.
The Spring Tea is one of the ways the library tries to provide unique events to Muhlenberg County residents, library staff said. “It’s not something you get to do every day, not here in Muhlenberg County,” Thistle Cottage’s Amie Waltrip said. “But we are fortunate enough to have this beautiful historic home that makes a perfect setting for an event like this, so we take advantage of that by hosting the tea.”
Library director Janet Harris added, “It’s just something fun and different that we hope families can enjoy together. We have lots of people who look forward to attending every year with their friends and family; it’s become a tradition for them.
“We are so happy to be able to provide an event like this for our guests.”
The Spring Tea includes a menu of light snacks as well as a variety of teas for guests to try. The exact menu changes from year to year, but the planning staff makes sure to provide several choices, including both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food items and at least one caffeine-free tea option. Water and punch or lemonade are also available for guests who have had their fill of tea.
“We really try to accommodate as many dietary preferences and requirements as possible,” Harris explained. While the menu is limited and staff cannot guarantee that all items will be suitable for every guest, Harris and Waltrip said, they try to take guests’ needs into account to the greatest extent possible and provide something for everyone.
The menu typically includes items such as finger sandwiches, quiche, scones, tea cakes and other small sweet and savory bites, while the teas provided range from basic black teas to more exotic herbal blends.
The event also includes entertainment, this year in the form of live music, as well as a contest for the best hat.
The 2023 Spring Tea will be held May 13 at 2 p.m. at Thistle Cottage. Tickets are $15 each, which helps to offset the cost of the food and tea provided for each guest, Harris said.
Library staff warned that tickets are very limited and usually sell out quickly, so anyone interested in attending the tea should purchase tickets as soon as possible.
Tickets may be purchased in person at Thistle Cottage (located at 122 South Cherry Street in Greenville) or by phone at 270-338-4760.
