Victorian tea party: Girls only

LIHU‘E — A Victorian tea party hosted by the Kaua‘i Historical Society promises all the indulgences of the era, including a butler fawning over attendees.

Monday is the last day to purchase tickets for the soiree 1 p.m. Sept. 10  at the Wilcox plantation estate in Hanalei.

“We have a certified butler meeting women at the door,” said event coordinator and Kaua‘i Historical Society volunteer Lori Marston.

Tony Gasper is a Certified Household Manager whose job for the day will be “to pamper the ladies,” she said.

Sandwiches provided by St. Regis Princeville Resort will be served along with “Grandpa Rice’s favorite birthday cake with plenty of sherry and raisins,” Marston said.

Afternoon entertainment includes parlor games, croquet, handwriting analysis, door prizes, party favors and Wilcox family talk-story with Patsy Sheehan.

Last year Marston staged the tea party at her home where 25 invited guests surprised her by showing up in costume. It went so well she formed a committee planning a fundraiser tea party for the historical society.

While Victorian dress is not mandatory it is encouraged.

“Put on a ruffled blouse and long skirt if you have nothing else,” she said. “Last year the girls got creative with what they could find. You can put netting on a $5 hat from Walmart and you’re set.”

In addition to finger sandwiches and tea, attendees can have a sepia photo taken for $10. Music will be provided by Dave Helder on a tiple, which Marston described as a small guitar “that Dave makes sound like a harp.

“We have two darling men who will be crochet officials,” she added.

The party is at the Wilcox family estate on Weke Road. For preservation of the estate, no shoes will be allowed on the lanai.

Tickets are $45 by calling 245-3373 and will be held at will-call. There will be no ticket sales at the door.