2014 Symphony Ball debutantes start social season at afternoon tea

2014 Symphony Ball debutantes and their mothers enjoyed a lovely afternoon tea Wednesday, May 21 at The Ledges Country Club. The annual event is hosted by the previous year’s Ball Chair. This year Dr. Stacey Gardner hosted the event, continuing the tradition. The May 21 tea marked the official start of the debutante social season.

The 39 young women who will make their social debut on November 1, their mothers, members of the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild’s 2014 Ball Committee,past Guild Presidents, and past Ball Chairmen attended the event. The Guild sponsors the debutante program each year as a fundraiser for Huntsville’s professional orchestra. This will be the 51st Symphony Ball.

Guests were greeted by Stacey, by Symphony Guild President Beth Wise, and 2014 Ball Chairman Pam Gann. A silver wine cooler, given to the Symphony Guild in 1993 by past Ball Chairmen, in memory of Robin Lanier Stewart, who served as Ball Chairman in 1988, was filled with red roses and graced the entryway as guests arrived. It has been used every year at the Deb Tea since 1993.

The young women enjoyed catching up after their freshman year of college as they enjoyed the delicious tea menu chosen by Stacey. They sipped on punch served by past Ball Chairmen and past Presidents Ivy Albert, Mackie Bethay, Carole Booher, Carole Jones, Sheryl Livingston, Marie Newberry, Suzanne O’Connor, and Amelia Summerville. A variety of delicacies were served, including chicken salad mini tartlets, dainty cucumber mint sandwiches and other tea sandwiches, along with an assortment of chocolates, strawberries, and other sweets. The centerpiece was a tall arrangement of white and yellow roses.

The young ladies and their mothers looked over scrapbooks of previous debutante years, noting the variety of parties and invitations. They shared plans for the summer season and looked forward to their own service projects and celebrations.