Ladies, do you like hot tea or coffee? Do you appreciate creatively decorated Christmas trees? Are you 55 or older? If you answered yes to those three questions, then consider attending the inaugural Festival of Trees Senior Tea. This event, planned for 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, at Houston Street Ballroom, is one of three Festival of Trees events prior to the annual gala. All events are sponsored by the Flint Hills Volunteer Center and support the center's programs and volunteer efforts.

The Celebrate the Season Senior Tea features live holiday entertainment, sweet treats and your choice of loose leaf tea or coffee. Plus, you'll be able to view the many holiday displays and trees that will be auctioned at the gala and vote for your favorite. The tree earning the most votes wins a People's Choice Award.

For several years, Meadowlark Hills staff members have designed and decorated a tree for the Festival, and this year's committee is again hard at work, creating hand-made ornaments. The Meadowlark Hills tree theme is "In the Key of Christmas," featuring ornaments that will prompt thoughts of beloved Christmas carols and secular tunes. 

Meadowlark Hills trees won the People's Choice Award in 2012 and 2013, and a panel of judges named last year's tree Best of Show.

Cost for this outing is $8 per person, which includes the tea ticket and transportation. Becky Fitzgerald, a member of Meadowlark Hills's tree designing committee, is your hostess/driver. Other committee members are Kristin Bribiesca, Mary Harness, Magye Loya and Kinzie Jo Zimmerman.

If you'd like to attend, please register in the Blue Book by 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16, so that event tickets may be purchased. If you have questions, please contact Becky at 323-3843.