In what was originally the Tea Time Room at the Eustis Women’s Club, mothers and their little princesses attended the Pretty in Pink Mother and Daughter Tea Party.
The event, which was hosted on July 12 by Eustis Parks and Recreation Department, was meant to encourage little ones ages 3 to 14 to have fun and bond with their moms.
Roxy Hellen, an employee of the Eustis Parks and Recreation Department, said the first tea party event last year was a success. This year, the city wanted to continue to keep it light and fun.
Hellen said when coming up with the “Pretty In Pink” theme she imagined an English garden tea party set and expected to see most guests in their pink outfits.
“Last year was very successful,” Hellen said. “Little kids just love to dress up.”
Octavia Jones along with her daughters Hailie Bush and Faith Green attended the event in matching floral dress.
The family said that they were excited to spend time together during the tea party and to show off their outfits.
Photographer Rebecca Maj, of Maj Photography and a Daytona resident, was one of the event photographers along with her husband Adrian.
Rebecca said she and her husband enjoy being able to capture moments that will last a lifetime.
The tea party had a plentiful spread, which featured little sandwiches, a fruit charcuterie spread, croissants, lemonade and more.
For desserts, party participants were provided with brownies and other sweet treats.
During the event, there were a variety of activities that Hellen said were meant to engage the youth.
“We want to keep it in the age ranges,” she said.
Activities include a hands-on coloring station, a beaded bracelet making station and do it yourself or DIY tea blending station.
Guests also were able to indulge their sweet tooth with a honey tasting, that was provided by University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension 4-H.
The program is a youth educational program focused on science, citizenship and healthy living.
The honey provided during the event was locally sourced.
Party attendees were able to try wildflower, deep woods and Tupelo honey, all of which was sourced from Jerry’s Beehive in Altoona, Florida.
Dallas Meringolo, UF/IFAS Lake County 4-H Agent, also provided materials for guests were able to create their own tea blends out of different organic materials including chamomile, lavender, lemon and ginger.
She said she enjoys that she is able to provide and educate about locally sourced honey to the youth.
She also enjoys educating on the importance of maintaining the bee population and teaching that honey is a good alternative to sugar.
“I grew up here, so I love giving back to facilities who helped develop me,” Meringolo said.
Staff writer Brea Jones can be reached at 352-753-1119, ext. 5414, or brea.jones@thevillagesmedia.com.
