JACOB KEPLER/VIEWAnnie Meadows, founder of the Las Vegas Ladies Tea Society, talks to the group during its Mid-Summer White Tea celebration at the Ritz-Carlton at Lake Las Vegas, Aug. 9.
JACOB KEPLER/VIEWMonette Toverada, left, is greeted by Dianne Clark at the Las Vegas Ladies Tea Society?s Mid-Summer White Tea celebration at the Ritz-Carlton at Lake Las Vegas, Aug. 9.
Jacob Kepler/VIEWLarry Wayne Morbitt, co-star of "Phantom ? The Las Vegas Spectacular" performs for the Las Vegas Ladies Tea Society, Aug. 9.
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In a gathering reminiscent of the tradition-steeped, high-society soirees of the Deep South, women from around Las Vegas flocked to the Ritz-Carlton at Lake Las Vegas for the Las Vegas Ladies Tea Society summer shindig.
The society holds quarterly events, each of which is held with a different theme, as an opportunity for local women to mingle, relax and make new friends.
The Mid-Summer White Tea on Aug. 9 attracted an eclectic mix of more than 40 women, garbed in varying degrees of alabaster elegance and savvy chic apparel.
"There are women here from all different walks of life and all ages," society founder Annie Meadows said. "We are the only club like this with no formal membership required in Las Vegas. The teas are open to any woman who is interested in becoming a part of this sisterhood."
The society was formed in April 2006, when Meadows decided to take similar parties she had been holding in her own home for years to the next level.
"There is a need for this sort of thing in our communities," Meadows said. "I started the society because I would really love to see ladies return to the more feminine aspects of who we are. Today, we are so busy with work and family obligations, it's easy to forget that you, as an individual, also need time. That's why so many women struggle today. I tell all of my friends who claim that they are too busy to join us here, 'We meet four times a year. If you're too busy to come take a day for yourself once a season, you're too busy.' "
The afternoon included a performance from Larry Wayne Morbitt, a long-time friend of Meadows' and co-star of "Phantom -- The Las Vegas Spectacular"; treats and truffles specially designed for the gathering; a choice of teas ranging from Orange Blossom to Earl Grey; and good, old-fashioned conversation.
"A lot of planning goes into these events," said Erik Intermill, assistant food and beverage manager for the Ritz-Carlton. "We begin brainstorming with Annie months in advance, ensuring that everything is kept with the theme. The theme today is a summer white tea, and we have gone to special lengths, including the placement of white china and tablecloths, to create the environment that Annie is looking for."
Joy Osbourne is a virtual newcomer to Las Vegas, having been here only since March. She admitted that she saw the tea event as an opportunity to meet new people and put herself out there more.
"It's so exciting," Osbourne said. "I don't know very many people here in Las Vegas, and when Annie told me about the tea society, it sounded like a fun way to meet new friends and associates."
Felicity Cunningham of southeast Las Vegas has been to every one of the seasonal events and said it continues to evolve and bring in more new faces.
"I think it is just fun to have a day where you can come and dress up," Cunningham said. "You schedule this day, you plan for it and take time for yourself. It's an opportunity to network and fellowship, and the themes are always fun."
The next tea society event will be the fall tea on Oct. 18, when the theme will be a Vintage Tea.
"A lot of people think Victorian when they think vintage," Meadows said. "That's not the case here. We invite anyone interested in attending to contact me and then come dressed in a vintage outfit. That can mean anything from the 1940s back to the Renaissance era. Just have fun with it."
To find out more about the Las Vegas Ladies Tea Society or to request an invitation, contact Annie Meadows at 457-7115.
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