Arabian Tea

This past weekend I made my first journey to Arab (pronounced aaaaaay-rab), Alabama, the hometown of my brother’s fiancé. In Arab it is tradition for each bride to have a bridal “tea”. I had never heard of this before and it was nothing short of interesting. Kristen tried to explain it to me before we came, but this is one of those things you just have to attend yourself. Here are some facts about the “tea”:

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FACT #1:

You don't actually drink tea. They just served typical shower food - finger foods, fruit, and PUNCH! Check out the picture below.

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FACT #2:

The bride doesn’t open the gifts; the hostesses do. The bride basically stands at the door and greets her guests. Most of the gifts have already been delivered to the house hosting the tea prior to the event. A majority of the people in Arab buy their gifts at a few little shops downtown so these stores deliver the purchased gifts to the hosting house and the gifts are already on display in rooms throughout the house (by categories) when you arrive. (see pics below)

Kristen greeting guests w/ the hostess.

Room #1: Kitchen things

Room #2: Auburn related items. No VT things for Corey. Poor guy!

Room #3: Baskets, linens, etc.

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FACT #3:

It is considered rude for the bride to walk through the rooms and look at her gifts! I thought this was crazy!! Kristen and Corey had to wait until they got back to her house to look through it all; although I think I did hear Kristen mention that she went and peeked at the things one quick time!!

Kristen with her mom and sisters.

Me and Kristen

Soon-to-be Sosebee's



Kristen asked me what I thought it when it was over and I told her it was “different”! I meant this in the nicest way; just nothing like I have ever been to or even heard of! I asked her if she got bored just standing by the door and not getting to look at her loot, but she said she had fun and that it was just what she had expected. Of course, she’s been going to Arabian “teas” her whole life!!

It was exciting getting to meet all her family and friends. Only 18 more days and I’ll have a new sis! I can’t wait!

P.S. The house that the shower was hosted in was AMAZING! I never thought I would see a hot pink dining room that looked good, but I did this weekend. I felt like I was walking through the pages of a magazine! Loved it!