Tea Party at the Library with The Enchanted Book Club
On an overcast afternoon in February, a group of Enchanted Book Club members met for afternoon tea at The Huntington Library’s Rose Garden Tea Room. One of my biggest hopes for The Enchanted Book Club in 2024 is to create more opportunities for our members to meet in real-life. As I came upon The Huntington Library while organizing these opportunities, I knew it would be the perfect place for our book club to meet.
Although I’m a Southern California native, I hadn’t visited The Huntington Library since I was a little girl. What a treat is was to experience it with our community, especially as the Rose Garden Tea Room had been recently renovated. I made our reservation months prior in October 2023 so when the morning of the tea arrived, I couldn’t have been more excited to experience our long-awaited afternoon of enchantment.
Guests were welcome to arrive at The Huntington Library as early as 1pm and explore the grounds until our tea reservation at 2:45. What you may not know about The Huntington Library is that it’s not only a library, but features extensive gardens and an art museum. In my favorite floral dress, carrying a Jane Austen tote, and with a few gifts in tow, I arrived at The Huntington a little after 1pm as the sun began to break through cloudy skies.
I couldn’t help but stop at every cherry blossom tree and rose bush I passed by. Even in the winter, The Huntington’s gardens are absolutely stunning. I can only dream of how colorful and fragrant they will be come springtime (I’ll definitely be returning). After wandering through the roses, taking a peek at the unbelievable Japanese garden, and browsing the art museum, I headed to the Rose Garden Tea Room to meet kindred spirits.
As we all greeted each other and sat down at our table, I noticed how at ease we all were. We were technically a group of strangers, but immediately comfortable with one another and thrilled to be in the presence of others who share a love of all the things that touch our hearts. A few of the guests shared with me that they are introverts (I am too so I could certainly relate!) but you wouldn’t have known for even a minute because each of them enthusiastically exchanged inspiration for hours.
We talked about Beatrix Potter, the English Countryside, Little Women, Susan Branch, beautiful bookstores to visit, the best places for afternoon tea, Victoria Magazine, and so much more. There were countless “me too’s” and “I don’t know anyone else who likes that’s!” We may have met to enjoy tea together, but the afternoon became so much more than that. It became a respite from everyday life in which we could wear our hearts on our sleeves and of course, be enchanted. One guest mentioned she had always felt like an “oddball” because of her interests. Now she was amongst people who understood what made her heart sing.
Already basking in the glow of our warm exchanges, I was even more touched when guests shared how The Enchanted Book Club had inspired them and even changed their lives. It may seem like a simple thing — afternoon tea in the garden — but it brought me such immense joy. A couple hours of light and positivity, daydreaming and inspiration — it reminded me of the goodness of people, and of all of the beauty there is yet to experience.
At the end of our time together, I gifted each guest an edition of Anne of Green Gables, Pride and Prejudice, Little Women, or Jane Eyre. Nothing quite delights me like delighting our community!
If you’re reading this and you’re not already a member of Enchanted Book Club, we would be thrilled to have you join us. And if you’re already a member, I can’t wait for you to meet more friends in our book club whether it’s on a trip, at a tea, on a Zoom meeting, or through a gift exchange.
Sending a big thank you and endless love to our community! 🩷
Oh Hayley,
It was another truly “enchanted” time you created ! Beautiful venue ( yes, definitely going back when all are blooming) beautiful, kind and sweet people. I am one of those introverts and very apprehensive about groups. I am part of this because of you. Im part because of you sharing your gift of knowing there must be others that would love to have a meaningful and immersive (at your own pace) book club.A book club that embraces the love and memories we have for those books of childhood and adulthood that got us through so many things and the chance to find new books that will continue to do so. The authors and speakers and the amazing literary trips , and so much more is truly a gift. You have and are gathering kindred spirits . I am one that is truly thankful for you and The Enchanted Book Club. It is magical.