Haven’t you always wanted to have one?
When the occasion arose for a celebration – the publication of The Gazetteer of Irish Stained Glass – we knew exactly what we wanted. We don’t know yet when we can have a launch of the book in Dublin, but it might be the autumn before it can happen, so Robert and I decided that a little local jollification was in order.
We know what Tracy and Peter could do. They’re the Long Island Wild Camping couple who organised the Wildflower Walk and who will do picnics or catering for you on Long Island. Tracy’s eyes lit up when we were talking about her idea of doing ‘proper’ high teas on the island and my need for a celebration, and the plan was conceived.
Twelve of us were conveyed to the Island by Maurice and Helen of the Long Island Ferry, and Glory Be! – the sun shone all day for us. It’s a short walk along boreens fringed with blooming hedgebanks to the East House, and what a sight awaited us there*!
Tracy had created a Long Island version of a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party! It looked magnificent, quirky, fantastical, sumptuous. Real china – her grandmother’s – lots of glass, a chandelier, old-fashioned cutlery (remember those bone handles?), lanterns, decanters, tiered cake stands – all ranged along a long table covered in vintage tablecloths. The table was set out in a hollow in their amazing garden and it looked like something out of Wonderland.
There were mojito mocktails to start with (yum!) and then it was down to the serious business of eating. Pretty well everything was homemade, including all the scones and buns, or from their garden (cucumbers, strawberries, jam) or locally sourced (smoked salmon).
And just when you thought you couldn’t fit in any more, out came two enormous bowls of trifle accompanied by their own strawberries.
I couldn’t have asked for a better, tastier, more unique or memorable way to celebrate. And here’s the thing – you can do this too! Tracy and Peter can organise this kind of tea party for you, or meet you with a picnic after your day of exploring Long Island, or feed you a cream tea in their garden. Just give them a shout.
A few final photos to convey the fun and fabulousness of it all.
Roaringwater Journal 
Looks brilliant, a lovely re-creation of former times when the sun always shone and there were always scones for tea. If only that weather could be guaranteed.
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Yes, if only! Heat wave now and we’re already wishing it cooler. Oh the fickleness.
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A fabulous idea!
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sounds like fun! congratulations Finola!!!!
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Thanks, Clair!
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I am jealous of all that whipped cream and strawberries. So happy life is so grand for you Finola, I love to see your writings, and the good life you are living. I am so happy for you and grateful for the first steps you gave me in my post masters graduate career.
Much Love and Abundance with all your friends, enjoying the strawberries and whipped cream.
Ron
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Thanks, Ron. Good to ‘see’ you.
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What a great idea for a book launch! We had ours in the Bantry tourist office and were blessed with good weather as well: https://chiefoneill.com/book-launch
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We’ll buy it as soon as we see it, Ronan. Congratulations!
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Congratulations on the publication. It does sound wonderful. And thanks for the photos of the party. You are right. Who doesn’t want to attend such a gathering!
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You’d have been right at home, Patrick. 😊
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A truly special occasion, the table was wonderful, the food delicious and I don’t know how you managed the weather!
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I have, let’s say, Connections…
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What a delicious idea, and you couldn’t have been more blessed with the weather! Congratulations to all on the publication of the book!
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Thanks, Jo! We should celebrate these important occasions.
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Wonderful! Wish I were there.
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That would have made it EXTRA special!
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