On Saturday, Dec. 11, you can come "Home Again" at Historic Wrightsville Inc.'s annual holiday tea. That's the theme of the tea, which will once again be held on the heated patio of the John Wright Restaurant, 234 N. Front St., Wrightsville, after last year's event was offered to go only due to the pandemic. This year, participants may choose from either an 11 a.m. or a 2 p.m. seating or have the option of taking tea to go.

The tea will feature five courses, prepared by the events committee of Historic Wrightsville, under the director of Joyce Heiserman, event chair. Heiserman is the former owner of and cook for a bed-and-breakfast in Marietta.

"As people are coming in to the tea and getting settled, they can enjoy tea and scones," she noted. "We'll have two kinds of scones - cinnamon sugar and fresh cranberry - and they'll be served with cream and curd."

Participants will have the choice of either apple cheddar soup, made with Wrightsville's locally renowned cheddar cheese, or a take on Italian wedding soup as well as the choice of either a green salad or pineapple pretzel salad. The savory portion of the tea will include ham and brie pastries, open-faced cucumber and bacon tea sandwiches, curried chicken salad sandwiches and more. Desserts will include pecan crescent cookies, peanut butter mousse cups and mini Boston cream pie cupcakes.

"I pick out the recipes, and then the committee tries them out," Heiserman said. "They taste them all and vote on their favorites, which then make up the menu for the tea."

When choosing recipes, Heiserman looks for options that will keep expenses low, are suited to prepare for a crowd and will transport easily to the venue since items are mostly prepared off-site.

Proceeds from the tea are used to maintain the two Historic Wrightsville properties - the Wrightsville Historical Museum at 309 Locust St. and the Burning of the Bridge Diorama at 124 Hellam St.

"The tea is a really nice way to spend a Saturday with your girlfriends," Heiserman said, although she emphasized that men are invited as well. "It's just a pleasant way to start your holidays."

Historic Wrightsville is always looking for new members, she stated, adding that she's searching for a co-chair to help her with future teas. This year, the organization held a tea in the spring as well, and the group hopes to continue doing two teas a year going forward.

The week prior to the tea, Historic Wrightsville will host Chapels, Carols and Cookies, a walking tour featuring six churches. The tour will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 3, at the museum and will end at Wrightsville Presbyterian Church, 205 N. Second St. "People will be able to enjoy cookies at the stops and hear stories and history of the area," Heiserman noted.

Reservations are required for the tea, and seating is limited. Reservations are suggested for the walking tour. To make a reservation, call 717-252-1169 and leave a message, or email historicwrightsville1983@gmail.com.