By Eleni Himaras
reporter@ltview.com
The Lakeway Associates of the Seton Development Board Annual Tea once again got the creative juices of Lakeway flowing and made for an intense table-decorating competition.

“It was great. Every year I think they can’t get any better and they do,” said Tea Chairperson Glenda Foreman.
While the event is fun for those involved, its purpose is serious — to raise money to help fund the Seton Shoal Creek Hospital, the which is dedicated to treating the mentally ill. The hospital treats children, adolescents, adults and senior adults who may be experiencing emotional and/or substance abuse difficulties on an inpatient or outpatient basis. Licensed staff are on-call 24-hours-a-day to address the mental health needs of patients and their families. The hospital facilitates a wide range of support groups which meet on a regular basis.
The tea is in its sixth year and has been picking up steam each step of the way. Initially, it was just for members to raise money for the Seton Shoal Creek Hospital. As the years passed, it was open to the whole community, the caliber of the table decorations continued to rise and groups started dressing in costumes to match their table.
This year, the result was a bright and festive room full of cowgirls, elephants, peacocks and witches, just to name a few.

“It’s just wonderful. It started as just a members thing and now it is a tea for the whole community,” Lakeway Seton Associates President Barbara Helmueller said.
The women of Turnquist Partners Realtors took home first place and best in show with their table theme, “Peacock on the Terrace” designed by Diane Breazeale.
“We wanted to represent women that were strong and graceful,” said Turnquist team member Lori May. “In Greek mythology, the peacock stands for beauty, grace and strength.”
The centerpiece was designed by Andi Cox, mostly from items she found in her own garden, while the dishes came from Breazeale’s grandmother and the flatware came all the way from Southeast Asia.
“It was a collaborative effort, everyone tossed around ideas,” Breazeale said.
Last year the team took home third place with their table “Valentine’s Day in Paris.”
Another big winner at the event was the Lakeway Garden Club with their table, “Rhinestone CowGals.” They took home second place overall and most creative.
The hot pink and cowhide covered table featured glittering cowgirl boots and a squirting oil derrick in the center of the table. Each of the women at the table wore matching black shirts, jeans and hats with a cow print bandana.
“One member had the hot pink and black and white fabric. One of our members was a competitive ice skater and had all the glitter… it just kind of evolved into the rhinestone cowgirl theme,” said Annette Brown.
The 17 tables were judged by Dianne Webb of Dianne Webb Designs, Alicia Autrey of Decorator for Hire, and Tibb I. Middleton of Tibb I. Middleton Designs.
Other winners from the event included the Lake Travis Community Library table, “A Magic Place,” by Sharon Rogers for most original; the Babes of Lake Travis Table, “A Day at the Beach,” by Donna Overly for best use of theme; a Seton Members table, “Timeless Treasures,” by A Circle of Friends for most traditional; and the Lake Travis Democrats table, “Change is Beautiful,” by Monica Ramsey and Judy Donohue for third place.