Hostess FAQ's
Thank you for considering hostessing a table at our Christmas Tea!
Being a Table Hostess is one of the most fun and special aspects of the Christmas Tea! Our Table Hostesses truly are what make the event, we couldn't do it without them!
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Q: What does the church provide for the tables?
A: All tables will be covered in white tablecloths. You are welcome to bring other overlays or runners but it is not necessary. The church will also provide plastic plates, cups, & cutlery. And of course, we will provide delicious food and all things tea.
Q: I don't have a place setting for 8 or tea cups/saucers, can I still host a table?
A: Absolutely! The church has a variety of beautiful tea cups and saucers you can use. Please email Maure [insert email] and we will coordinate what you need.
Q: When can I set up my table?
Bailey Hall will be open on Friday, December 4th from 12:00 - 6:00pm. We ask that you please make every effort to have your table mostly set up during this timeframe. There will not be adequate time on Saturday morning.
Q: I really do not want to do dishes after hosting, will my dishes get dirty?
A: Not if you don't want them too! We provide plastic cups and cutlery for the table. The food will be plated on clear plastic 10" plates, so you can still see your pretty china through it without it getting messy.
Q: Will my items be safe in Bailey Hall if left overnight?
A: While the church and Bailey Hall will be locked as usual overnight on Friday, we would hate for anything to happen. If you have precious or valuable items that you would be upset if, in the very rare instance, something happened, please do not leave them and instead plan to bring them on Saturday morning.
Q: My items for my table are heavy, will there be someone available to help me bring them in / load them up?
A: We will have push carts available on Friday to help you bring your table items in. As well, hopefully we can all help each other as need be! However, as you are considering your decor, do bear in mind it is ultimately your responsibility as a table hostess to set up and clean up everything you need for your table, so plan accordingly.
Q: What time do I need to arrive on Saturday, December 5th as a Table Hostess?
A: We ask that all Table Hostesses arrive by 10:00am to ensure adequate time to ready your table, fill your teapots, and be ready to welcome guests when doors open at 10:45am.
Q: As a Table Hostess can I purchase tickets for my whole table and/or reserve all 7 seats at my table for my own guests?
A: Yes, you can purchase tickets for all of your guests as a way to ensure your whole table is reserved. As well, as a hostess, you have the unique opportunity to designate 7 guests whom you want specifically seated at your table; however, if your designated guests have not purchased tickets prior to November 15th, we will not be able to guarantee or hold those seats as reserved.
When considering your table, we strongly encourage and kindly ask that each table include women of our SIMC congregation/community. If you do not know whom to invite from our church community, please leave a few open seats so we can ensure all women of SIMC who want to attend this event are able to. While we welcome others from the community to join in this beautiful event, we also want to maintain the integrity of the event, which is to foster community among the women of SIMC. This would be a wonderful opportunity to invite someone who is looking for a church home or who has been visiting our church regularly but has not officially joined. God is always calling us to further His kingdom, and what a special way and time of year to do so!