Tickets now on sale for annual garden tea returns Oct. 17 with creative hats, prizes, raffles and an afternoon inspired by old-world Italy
Something secret is brewing behind the garden gates of one of Folsom’s historic treasures this fall.
The Murer House and Gardens will host its annual garden tea Saturday, Oct. 17, inviting guests to spend an afternoon surrounded by history, flowers and a little mystery during this year’s “Secret Villa Tea,” or Villa Segreta.
The event takes place from 12:30 to 3 p.m. at the historic Murer House, 1125 Joe Murer Court, and will feature an afternoon of tea, food, creative hats, raffles, a silent auction and a few surprises organizers aren’t quite ready to reveal.
The annual gathering, known as Te’ nel Bellissimo Giardino, or “Tea in the Beautiful Garden,” transforms the grounds of the historic home into an old-world Italian garden tea, drawing guests for an afternoon that blends the property’s Italian heritage with a lighthearted social event.
This year’s Villa Segreta theme adds an element of mystery to the tradition, including what organizers describe as a special drawing for a prize of remarkable value. Exactly what that prize will be is being kept under wraps as part of the afternoon’s secret theme.
Guests are also encouraged to make their attire part of the festivities by arriving in imaginative hats. Prizes will be presented for the most elegant, most unique and craziest hats of the afternoon.
Food will be another centerpiece of the event, with an assortment of traditional tea-time offerings featuring selections from Karen’s Bakery and Simply Scones.
Raffle prizes and silent auction items will be available throughout the afternoon, with proceeds supporting the Murer House Foundation and its work to preserve and share the historic property and its story with the community.
Tickets are $70 per person, and space is limited. Organizers note that the annual tea traditionally sells out, making advance reservations recommended.
Murer House Foundation members may purchase tickets online through the organization’s event ticket page. Those wishing to pay by check may reserve seats by emailing infomurerhouse@gmail.com and providing the names of their guests. Groups of up to three may reserve places through Sept. 18.
Nonmembers interested in attending may also join the Murer House Foundation through its membership program.
The Murer House and Gardens is located at 1125 Joe Murer Court in Folsom. The historic Mediterranean-style home was built by Giuseppe “Joe” Murer, an Italian immigrant who became an influential figure in Folsom during the early 20th century. Today, the property serves as a window into Folsom’s history and Italian heritage while hosting educational programs, tours and community events throughout the year.
For the Secret Villa Tea, however, history will share the garden with a little whimsy.
The hats can be elaborate. The tea will be flowing. And at least one part of the afternoon will remain a secret until Oct. 17.
Additional information about the Murer House Foundation, membership and upcoming programs is available at MurerHouseFoundation.org.
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