2017 Symphony Ball debutantes and their mothers enjoyed a lovely afternoon Tea, Wednesday, May 17th at the beautiful home of Guild member, Charlie Bonner. The previous year’s Ball Chairman hosts the annual event and this year, Linda Akenhead continued the tradition. The Debutante Tea marks the official start of the Debutante social season.

Attending the event were the 42 young women who will make their debut at the 54th Symphony Ball, October 28, together with their mothers, and the members of the 2017 Ball Committee, past Guild Presidents and officers, past Ball Chairmen, and the wives of the Ball advisors.

Guests were greeted by Charlie, along with 2017 Ball Chairman, Patti Thornton, and Symphony Guild President, Pam Gann. 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 Chairman, 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 Linda. The Tea was catered by Carlton’s Catering and included a variety of delicacies including country ham and biscuits, chicken salad in pastry shells, cheese ring with fresh fruit, tomato and cucumber sandwiches, and variety of sweets that included strawberry and chocolate bites and iced lemon shortbread cookies. The centerpiece, as well as the flowers in the foyer, was towering arrangements by In Bloom Floral Design Studio, with beautiful spring flowers of white and pink roses, pink peonies, snapdragons, lilies and orchids. Punch and sparkling grape juice were served by past Ball Chairmen and past Presidents Marie Newberry, Suzanne O’Conner, Betty Tomlin, Rosalie Smith, Nancy Colin and Margaret Vann.