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CRANBURY: Christmas Tea brightens spirits

By Nicole M. Wells, Special Writer
CRANBURY — Music, cookies and a special blend of tea were the key ingredients to making spirits bright at the Historical & Preservation Society’s recent Christmas Tea.
According to museum Exhibit Committee volunteer Karen Kelley, about 100 people visited the Cranbury Museum Dec. 7 to share a cup of holiday cheer with friends, neighbors and newcomers alike.
"Our guests were locals, as well as people from out of town," she said. "Some people walked to the museum, (while) other people drove from several miles away. I spoke to one group from Old Bridge."
A seasonal observance for some families, Ms. Kelley said that several attended with children, parents and grandparents.
"Some were new to the tea, while others have followed the tradition for years," she said.
Open to the public and free of charge, the Christmas Tea is held annually as a thank you to the community for its support throughout the year, society Publicity Chair Audrey Smith said.
The society’s special Christmas Tea blend was served in the museum’s vintage tea cups, along with cookies baked by society members.
For younger taste buds, unaccustomed to tea, punch was available to complement the cookies.According to Ms. Kelley, there were no ceramic mishaps during the afternoon event.
"All the tea cups remained intact and everyone seemed to enjoy our tea blend," she said.
The soft, organ-like tones of the museum’s Melodeon could be heard for the first time in a number of years and, according to Ms. Kelley, the keyboard instrument was played without issue, as a few people joined in the singing.
Adorned with cranberry and popcorn garlands and period ornaments, the trimmed Christmas tree was the finial for the museum’s decorated rooms, which were turned out in their holiday best.
The Cranbury Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts sang for their sweets, caroling and playing music outside the museum, before joining the festivities for tea and cookies, as well as punch and candy canes, Ms. Kelley said.
Docents were available during the tea to give guests tours, and the current ceramic exhibit was also available for viewing.
The tea has been held for approximately 30 years, according to Museum Curator Lisa Beach.
"Much warmth was felt inside the museum," Ms. Kelley said, "as everyone seemed to have a good time."
The Cranbury Museum is located at 4 Park Place East, in a mid-nineteenth century home. According to Ms. Beach, every room is decorated with period antiques from Cranbury families.
The museum is open on Sundays, from 1 to 4 p.m., and by appointment.