A Hostess Primer

So you may have heard about this annual Women's Christmas Tea that takes place at NECC - but what exactly is it? And what is the role of a hostess?

Good questions!

The Christmas Candlelight Tea is one of the most popular outreach events that Northeast Christian Church hosts annually. This year, the tea will take place on Thursday, November 29th and Friday, November 30th. The event is designed to provide a Christ-centered evening of inspiration, love and laughter for the women of Northeast, and their family, friends, co-workers and neighbors.

Here is the schedule for the evening:

5:30 - 7:00 View decorated tables and shop at the Holiday Bazaar

7:00 - 7:30 Tea and Dessert

7:30 - 7:45 Ornament Exchange

7:45 - 8:00 Move to Auditorium

8:15 - 9:15 Program & Speaker

The role of hostess involves decorating a table and providing the dessert for yourself and seven guests. Decorations can be as simple or elaborate as you wish - your style and personality should be your guide. You'll see everything from paper plates and disposable utensils to fine china and silver. Dessert ranges from a favorite store or bakery creation to homemade treats. That's part of the fun and diversity of the event - experiencing all of the different designs, decorating and tastes!

Each night, there are approximately 75 tables located in the gym, chapel and lower level. The most important job for the hostess is helping to make each of the guests at her table comfortable. Men volunteer as servers and bring you coffee and tea as you need it so you won't have to get up and leave your table.

Each of your guests will bring a wrapped Christmas ornament for an exchange that takes place after dessert has been served and before everyone is dismissed to the auditorium for the evening's program.

Hostesses can purchase the tickets to her own table for $10.00 each. The hostess' seat is free and there are seven other seats available to purchase. Tickets are always in high demand and only available when hostessess leave some seats at their table(s) open to guests who wish to purchase a ticket.

Hostess Training is designed for anyone who has not hosted a table before. Lots of tips, recommendations and details are available both at the training session and from the volunteer Christmas Tea leadership team. Feel free to ask!