2016 Symphony Ball debutantes and their mothers enjoyed a lovely afternoon Tea, Wednesday, May 18th at the beautiful home of Guild member, Christine Wicks.  The previous year’s Ball Chairman hosts the annual event; and this year, Nancy Colin continued the tradition.  The Debutante Tea marks the official start of the Debutante social season.

Attending the event were the 35 young women who will make their debut at the 53rd Symphony Ball, October 29, together with their mothers, and members of the 2016 Ball Committee, past Guild Presidents, past Ball Chairmen, and the wives of the Ball advisors.

Guests were greeted by Christine and Nancy, along with 2016 Ball Chairman, Linda Akenhead, and Symphony Guild President, Ivy Downs Albert.  A silver wine cooler filled with beautiful spring flowers graced the entryway as guests arrived.  The silver container was given in 1993 by past Ball Chairmen, in memory of Robin Lanier Stewart, 1988 Ball Chairman.  It has been used every year at the Debutante Tea since 1993.

The young women enjoyed catching up after their freshman year of college as they enjoyed the delicious tea menu selected by Nancy. The Tea was catered by Carlton’s Catering and included a variety of delicacies, including snow peas stuffed with Asian chicken salad; bruschetta topped with whipped herbed ricotta, slice of pear, toasted walnut and a drizzle of local honey; baked Brie with fresh fruit; iced lemon shortbread cookies, and other sweets.  The centerpiece, as well as the flowers in the foyer, were towering arrangements by In Bloom, with beautiful spring flowers of white, pink and red roses; blue hydrangeas; pink peonies; snapdragons; and gerbera daisies, with lilies and orchids.   Punch and sparkling grape juice were served by past Ball Chairmen Pam Gann, Marie Newberry, Amelia Summerville, Sheryl Livingston, Suzanne O’Connor, Carol Booher, and Carole Jones.

The young ladies shared plans for the summer season parties and looked forward to the community service projects and their own celebrations.

The Symphony Ball, sponsored by the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild since 1964, is an annual fundraiser benefitting the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra.