The Villages of Old Landing Social Committee, an active group serving their community for the last 25 years, hosted a remembrance tea party May 17 and raised $1,000 for the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company and Village Volunteers.

Members of Girl Scout Troop 935 also assisted, rounding out a cadre of volunteers ages 11 to 90, representing four important areas of community service in Southern Delaware.

Georgette’s Tea honored the former social committee president, Georgette Regnault, who made a strong impact and often spoke of hosting a tea for the community. To entice fans of historical dramas such as "Downton Abbey," six tables were decorated using a mix of heirloom and modern fine china. Place settings included early 20th century china from the former Czechoslovakia, mid-20th century china from Lenox and Noritake, and more modern china from 222 Fifth that included themes of Christmas, autumn, spring, aummer and the beach. 

In all, 45 guests, including members of Regnault's family, attended to feast on savory and sweet afternoon tea favorites including Coronation Chicken Salad, ham and cheese mini-quiche, cucumber and dill sandwiches, and egg salad sandwiches. Traditional cream scones and apricot cranberry scones complemented the sweets array of petit fours, chocolate truffles, lavender shortbread and Sicilian savoiardi cookies. Homemade lemon curd, clotted cream and raspberry preserves were offered as toppings.

Organizer Casey LaRosa said this is close to her heart, not only because Regnault was beloved by members, but because all of the committee members participated to make it a wholehearted success. She said Troop 935 Girl Scouts were instrumental in helping the tea run smoothly. Many people complimented the scouts on their maturity and self assuredness as they attended to each table's needs.

Recipients of the day’s donations were also in attendance. Committee members are grateful for the service and sacrifice of the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company and appreciative of the Village Volunteers, who support the concept of aging in place, helping to pave the way for seniors across Sussex County to access resources and support they need to keep living at home.