CRANBURY: Cranbury Museum to host Christmas Tea

By Nicole M. Wells, Special Writer
CRANBURY — There’s sure to be sugar and spice and cookies (quite nice!) this Sunday at the Cranbury Museum.
From 1 to 4 p.m., the Historical & Preservation Society will be hosting its annual Christmas Tea at the museum, which is located at 4 Park Place East.
Museum Curator Lisa Beach said that the tea is free and open to the public.
"The Christmas Tea is a must for many people in town and our out of town visitors," Ms. Beach said. "It is a genteel way to head into what has become a very hectic time of year."
According to society Publicity Chair Audrey Smith, the tea is held as a thank you to the community for its support throughout the year.
Spiced tea will be served in the museum’s vintage tea cups, along with cookies baked by society members, Ms. Beach said.
For the younger visitors, punch and cookies will be served at the children’s table, she said.
Members of the seventh grade Girl Scouts will be helping to plate the cookies, according to Ms. Smith.
Beautifully trimmed with cranberry garlands and popcorn, the Christmas tree and each of the museum’s festively decorated rooms will be adding to the atmosphere of holiday cheer, she said.
Additionally, Florence Kettelkamp will play traditional carols on the Melodeon, which, according to Encyclopedia Britannica, is a keyboard instrument that produces a soft, organ-like tone.
Guests are welcome and encouraged to sing along to the sounds of the season, Ms. Beach said.
This year will be the first time the museum’s Melodeon is played in many years, she said.
The Cranbury Scout Band, conducted by Jerry Yochelson, will also be on hand to perform holiday songs for visitors.
It is not unusual for more than 100 people to attend the Christmas Tea, Ms. Smith said, and the event has been held for approximately 30 years.
According to Ms. Beach, the tea would not be possible without the efforts of Museum Docent Coordinator Renee Welch, who organizes and directs the volunteer staff in welcoming and serving the museum’s guests.
"It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the beauty of the season through fellowship and tea!" Ms. Beach said.