News

Seneca Center shop celebrates royal wedding with tea party

By Tiffany Morgan, The Dominion Post

MORGANTOWN — The royal wedding, taking place May 19, has inspired local businesses in Morgantown to hold their own royal celebration.
The wedding ceremony for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle was scheduled to begin at 5 a.m. our time, at Windsor Castle in England.
For businesses like the Tea Shoppe, it was only fitting to hold a tea party. The party, including British Wedding Trivia, a hat contest and more, will get those in attendance a royal experience. The tea party will begin at 6 p.m. with seating starting at 5:45 p.m.
Lisa Biafore, general manager of the Tea Shoppe, said past functions held there focused on giving adults something unusual and fun to do, and a tea party in honor of the royal wedding was fitting.
“We’ve been trying lately to do more adult-oriented things and I thought this would be kind of fun,” Biafore said. “It’s just perfect timing for us.”
Biafore said she found inspiration from the royal wedding to hold a tea party because it was fitting to a major British tradition, which is drinking afternoon tea.
“It seems perfect for us from a tea party perspective to do something to celebrate the royal wedding,” Biafore said.
A special tea dedicated to Harry and Megan will be offered and served during the party, in addition to special meals prepared by the chefs there.
About 30 members of the Daughters of the American Revolution are expected to attend.

Biafore said she looks forward to the party and celebrating a big event that will have a local spin to it. She is excited for those attending since it is a different kind of community gathering.
“It’s something different and it’s something new,” Biafore said. “Everyone seems excited to do it and it’s something different to do in town.”
There also will be a children’s party at 2 p.m. Sunday, at the Tea Shoppe, with the theme of “Sleeping Beauty.” Biafore said Princess Aurora will attend.
Early registration is required due to limited space. Register at theteashoppewv.com.