Jamaicans are lovers of tea, and rarely will you find a person who hasn’t had a morning cup to start off their day — it has become a morning ritual.

Tea is, however, not only the name of the warm beverage, but also that of a light late afternoon meal. And the British custom of Afternoon or High tea is a practice that many in Jamaica have come to embrace over the years. It has been used as the opportunity to have a party, catch up with old friends, get dressed up and even to raise money for charities.

The Friends of Devon House, a support group of the Devon House heritage site, often embark on ventures to raise funds for the ongoing restoration of the mansion, as well as to assist in any other project on the property which may require attention for which no funds are readily available. And this was just another instance, when Thursday last, some of Kingston’s elite made their way to the Devonshire for the Friends of Devon House Tea Party fundraiser. It was as good an occasion as any to host an afternoon tea party!

Many came on board to assist in the staging of the event, with Rosemary Parkinson and Phoenix Printery lending their time and talent to the creation of the tickets and invitations, while MC Décor went to work decorating the venue.

Sponsors PanCaribbean Financial Services joined forces with the ‘Friends’ to execute the event, which saw elegantly dressed patrons arriving in the late afternoon, and then proceeding to their seats so the festivities could begin. Guests enjoyed a menu of finger sandwiches, smoked marlin, local bird with caramelised grapes, an assortment of desserts, and a ‘tea-time’ favourite — scones. And with the support of Mega Mart, Loshusan, and National Baking Company, guests enjoyed the fine spread prepared by Norma Shirley, while sipping on wines from Lascelles Wines and Spirits, and of course teas courtesy of Jamaican Teas and coffee by Café Bleu.

As the evening ensued, attendees were treated to a fashion show with designs by Trinidad’s Meiling, a gift raffle from Pan Caribbean, as well as giveaways courtesy of Round Hill Hotel, Sandals International, Bijoux, Soho Boutique and the Shops of the Courtyard at Devon House — I-scream, Wassi Art, Norma’s on the Terrace, Chocolate Dreams, Bin26, Starfish Oils and Things Jamaican.