Special to IFN
The historic Sharpe House will host its 10th Annual Mother’s Day Tea on Saturday, May 2. This beloved tradition honors mothers, grandmothers, and the special ladies who shape our lives, inviting guests to step back into the elegance of the Gilded and Edwardian ages for a traditional afternoon tea served on
the grounds of the historic home.
Featuring a tiered presentation with period-appropriate china and linens with traditional tea favorites plus Southern adaptations: finger sandwiches, scones, sweets, and a fruit-based punch.
This year’s event will be held as an outdoor garden party with seatings at 11 a.m., 12:45 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. Garden party dress is encouraged and hats are welcomed.
The Sharpe House is located at 402 S. Center Street in Statesville.
Tickets
Seating is limited, and tickets are on sale now at heartscollaborative.org/sharpe-house.
A Rich History
Afternoon tea is credited to Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, in the early 1840s.
During the long gap between lunch and a late evening dinner, the Duchess began taking tea with light refreshments in her room. She soon invited friends to join her, and the practice became a fashionable social event among the upper class in Britain during the Gilded Age and Edwardian era. It emphasized conversation, etiquette, and elegant presentation.
In the American South, the custom of afternoon tea took on a regional character. While the tiered service and emphasis on hospitality remained, Southern hostesses adapted the menu to the climate and local tastes. Hot tea was often replaced by chilled fruit-based punch, and the offerings leaned toward seasonal, bite-sized finger foods that could be prepared in advance for large gatherings.
Over time, this Southern interpretation became a social staple. Dainty sandwiches, tea cakes, fruit, nuts, and a signature punch eventually became the main staple of wedding receptions, bridal showers, and church socials across the region. It retained the grace of the original tradition while embracing Southern warmth and practicality.
HEARTS Collaborative
The Mother’s Day Tea supports the HEARTS Collaborative’s mission to preserve, enhance, and celebrate local history through community programming at the Historic Sharpe House. Proceeds from the Mother’s Day Tea support the ongoing care of the Sharpe House and community events. HEARTS (History, Ecology, Arts, Reunion, Trails, Store) is a non-profit dedicated to creating dynamic community gatherings that explore local history, nature, and a shared sense of place.