For centuries, many societies have cherished the tradition of drinking tea with the companionship of friends and family. Historically, tea parties were held to create essential social connections and entertain guests with extravagance. While modern tea parties continue to exude elegance, the main purpose of the Silverthorn’s High Tea Society’s recent gathering on Wednesday, October 18, was to unite everyone and foster a sense of community. This event was a heartwarming welcome to both new and old friends and a chance for the Silverthorn community to savor togetherness after the trials of COVID-19. Fabulous ladies came together to enjoy each other’s company over tea and delicious treats.
In her opening remarks, Frances Schuliet, a key figure in the Silverthorn community, emphasized the significance of their close-knit club and neighborhood. She stated, “We love our club. We love where we live. Our friendships and our neighbors are the heart of this community.” Frances highlighted that the people of Silverthorn share a unique sense of connectedness. The bonds and friendships formed within this community are strong and long-lasting. Even those who frequent the Silverthorn golf course, despite not residing there, are warmly welcomed into events like this, embodying the inclusivity of the Silverthorn community.
Those in attendance at this celebration expressed their deep gratitude towards those who organized this wonderful event. Stella Bella, Sharon Cummings, Caren Altieri and Fran Schuliet were the driving forces behind this tea party. At the same time, Silverthorn’s Banquet Manager Ginger Korbus and Silverthorn Club House Owner Susan McGrogan played essential roles in planning the menu and managing the logistics.
The club put on an exceptional tea buffet, offering a wide array of tea brands and flavors, finger sandwiches, breakfast quiche, scones and a delightful assortment of miniature desserts. Frances extended an even bigger thank you to Betty Pomish, who generously supplied all the collectible heirloom fine bone china teapots used at this event. Betty has been curating her collection of Shelley fine bone china for over two decades and was thrilled to showcase it to a community she holds dear. Notably, the event featured a raffle with beautiful sets of Shelley fine bone china as prizes. Several lucky attendees went home with complete tea cup sets, and the grand prize winner received a Shelley Teapot of her own.
A Bit About Shelley Teapots: Shelley fine bone china stands as a remarkable representation of the Staffordshire, England potteries, regarded by many as the epitome of all bone china. The Shelley Potteries were known for producing china and pottery of exceptional beauty and diversity. Their bone china is celebrated for its thinness and surprising strength. In fact, it’s so thin that it is translucent, similar to Irish Belleek china. This exceptional quality was achieved because Shelley’s bone china formula had the highest percentage of ground bone among all china manufacturers. With over 15,000 patterns applied to Shelley’s fine china, their legacy is nothing short of impressive.
Shelley pottery began its journey in the late 19th century under the trade name “Wileman.” The company produced dozens of styles of strikingly beautiful Shelley pottery, thanks to the creative input of their art directors and artisans. The quality, patterns, shapes and trademarks of Shelley’s products are distinctive, making them easily recognizable by collectors and enthusiasts.
Sadly, Shelley closed its doors in 1966 and was sold to Allied English Potteries. This marked the end of Shelley fine bone china, as all the molds were destroyed in the sale. Consequently, Shelley’s fine bone china has become a sought-after collector’s item today.
For those interested in Shelley teapots and other collectibles, the National Shelley Club provides a valuable resource to learn more about these exquisite pieces. Enthusiasts can discover a wealth of information and connect with fellow collectors who share a passion for Shelley’s fine bone china.
In conclusion, the Silverthorn’s High Tea Society’s recent tea party was more than just an elegant gathering; it was a celebration of community, friendship and the beauty of Shelley’s fine bone china. This event exemplified the warmth and inclusivity of the Silverthorn community, bringing people together after the challenges of the pandemic. It showcased the enduring appeal of Shelley teapots and their place in the world of fine bone china collectibles, allowing attendees to appreciate the artistry and history behind these exquisite pieces. The event was a delightful blend of tradition, elegance and the joy of togetherness.
