There are some gatherings that are about the food, some that are about the setting, and some that are simply about the people around the table.
Lazy, Hazy Daze of Summer
Our BTS Lazy Hazy Daze of Summer gathering at The General was all three—and then some.
And on this hot, humid August day, when the temperature outside climbed to a steamy 98 degrees, we were more than happy to step inside The General, where it was wonderfully cool and comfortable. It was the perfect escape from the August heat—and the perfect setting for a summer morning with friends.
Thirteen ladies gathered around a beautifully set table for a morning filled with good food, lovely things, laughter, and the kind of conversations that make you wish the morning could last just a little longer.
A Table Set for Summer
The table was dressed in classic blue and white with just a touch of coral, and it was absolutely beautiful. There is something about blue and white that feels timeless and fresh, especially in the summertime. The little touches of coral added just the right bit of warmth.
The Story Behind the China
Every beautiful table has more than a centerpiece, pretty dishes and flowers. Sometimes, if we look closely, the china itself has a story to tell.
For our Lazy Hazy Daze of Summer table, we enjoyed the timeless beauty of Tazza by Royal Doulton. This china was provided by the restaurant and what a lovely table it made!!! The pattern dates back to 1923 and features delicate floral decoration, ribbed details and colorful bands.
Even the name Tazza seems perfectly suited to a table setting. A tazza is traditionally an ornamental, often pedestal-shaped serving or display piece—something created to showcase what is placed upon it.
And perhaps that’s what I love most about old china. It was made decades ago, yet here it is again, becoming part of a new gathering, a new table and new memories.
The pattern may have been created in 1923, but its story isn’t finished. Every time someone brings these dishes to the table, another chapter is added.
That’s the beauty of beautiful table settings: we don’t just collect china. We give it another life.
And then there was the food served on this beautiful china!
We enjoyed a delicious brunch featuring frittata, fresh fruit, biscuits with maple butter and jams, sugared bacon, blueberry muffins and homemade hash browns. Add plenty of coffee, mimosas and wonderful company, and it was pretty hard to imagine a better way to spend a summer morning.
Of course, the food was wonderful, but as always with BTS, the conversation around the table was just as important.
The Best Part: The Ladies
Thirteen women around one table means thirteen stories, thirteen perspectives, lots of laughter, and plenty of conversation.
These ladies never disappoint.
There was catching up, sharing, laughing, and those little conversations that somehow wander from one subject to another and leave you smiling long after you’ve gone home. Especially when one of your members’ husband had a liver transplant that week! We were all so thankful to hear he was recovering nicely.
Beautiful Gifts to Take Home
Barbara and Sandy made the morning even more special with beautiful parting gifts.
Each of us received a perfectly chosen blue and white bag, where inside we found the sweetest treasures. A peek inside revealed a beautiful blue and white tea towel, a very cool handheld fan for these scorching days, and a lovely beaded bracelet.
It was such a thoughtful way to send everyone home with a little reminder of the morning.
And I was lucky enough to win one of the door prizes—a beautiful crystal bowl!
Needless to say, I was thrilled.
A Little Shopping Before We Left
The General is one of those places where it’s difficult to leave without finding something you love.
Along with coffee, the shop carries all sorts of beautiful things for the home and for gifting, including tablecloths, napkins, scarves, and other gifts.
I couldn’t resist.
I came home with a tablecloth for my breakfast nook and two sets of napkins. Because apparently, attending a beautiful table-setting event makes you realize that your own table could use a little attention!
And I’m certainly not complaining.
More Than Brunch
As I think back on our Lazy Hazy Daze of Summer, I know I’ll remember the beautiful table, the delicious food, the thoughtful gifts, and my crystal bowl.
But mostly, I’ll remember the thirteen women gathered around that table.
I’ll remember the conversations, the laughter, the delicious brunch—and yes, even the shopping!
Because that’s what BTS is really about.
It’s not just brunch. It’s not just beautiful tables or pretty things.
It’s friendship, connection, generosity, and making memories together.
And I can’t think of a better way to spend a lazy, hazy summer day.
Here are our other fun gatherings:
The Tablecloth that Started a Story