Affordable Retirement in Littleton, CO

Steeped in Style: How To Host a High Tea Party  Cucumber sandwiches, fresh scones from the oven, and dainty pastries served on fine china. High tea is where elegance meets indulgence, and its also a fantastic reason to gather with friends for some engaging conversation, tasty treats, and spot of laughter. Sure, The Ritz London and The Plaza Hotel offer world-famous tea experiences, but who says you have to travel to enjoy one? Good tea, great company, and a touch of sophistication can happen anywhere.  If you're curious about how to host a tea party, need inspiration for tea party ideas, or are looking for games to play at a tea party for adults, youve come to the right place. This blog spills the tea on everything you need to plan the ultimate high tea gathering. Whether youre after tea party ideas for adults or want an excuse to dress up and enjoy some delicacies, weve got you covered. Get ready to stir up a party your guests wont forget with this step-by-step guide on hosting a senior tea. Step 1: Set the Scene With Elegant Decor A proper high tea is all about ambiance. The table should be beautifully set to evoke sophistication and charm. Heres what you need to create the perfect setting:       Fine china and teapots. Bring out the delicate cups, saucers, and teapots to add a classic touch. If you dont have china, elegant mugs work just fine.      Fresh flowers and lace. A simple bouquet of roses, hydrangeas, or peonies in a teapot or vase adds instant elegance. Lace tablecloths or cloth napkins elevate the look.      Candlelight and soft music. Battery-operated tea lights or candles and soft classical music create a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.      Name cards and place settings. Personalized place cards make guests feel special if youre hosting a larger tea party. Inspo idea: Make DIY floral centerpieces or decorate teacups as a pre-event craft activity. Step 2: Select Your Teas No adult tea party is complete without various teas to suit different tastes. Offer a mix of classic and herbal selections. Classic black teas Earl Grey, English breakfast, and Darjeelingprovide rich, traditional flavors. Herbal teas like ginger tea, chamomile, and peppermint offer lighter, soothing options. Japanese, Chinese and other notable greens teas range from sweet and grassy to smoky and floral. For a unique twist, offer flavored and dessert teas like jasmine green tea, vanilla chai, spiced apple, or raspberry hibiscus.  Inspo idea: Set up a tea-tasting station where guests can sample a variety of flavors. Step 3: Serve Tasty Tea-Time Treats A traditional tea party isnt just about the drinks but the delicious bites accompanying them. Savory finger sandwiches like cucumber and cream cheese, smoked salmon, and egg salad are tea-time classics. Warm, flaky scones with jam, clotted cream, butter, lemon curd, or honey are  must-haves for any adult tea party.  Mini pastries and desserts like macarons, petit fours, fruit tarts, and chocolate truffles make a sweet ending to the afternoon. Inspo idea: Incorporate baking scones or decorating cookies into your senior tea party.  Step 4: Add Fun With High Tea Games Tea parties are about more than just whats in your cuptheyre about meaningful moments and shared experiences. Here are five high tea games to keep the conversation and laughter flowing.   Tea trivia. Prepare fun facts about tea history, famous tea traditions, or royal tea parties and challenge guests to a friendly competition. Guess the Tea challenge. Have guests smell different tea blends and guess the flavor. Hat parade and a best-dressed contest. Encourage guests to wear fancy hats or vintage outfits, then vote for the best look. Tea leaf reading. Learn the art of tea leaf reading and have fun interpreting different symbols. Classic and period film bingo. Give each guest a card filled with classic phrases, moments, or characters from a movie or show such as Downton Abbey, Pride and Prejudice, or Bridgerton.  Winner prize inspo: Fancy tea tins, lace gloves, or a tea strainer shaped like a teapot. Step 5: Toast to Friendship & Connection Now that weve covered how to host a tea party for adults, its time to raise your teacup. A senior tea is an experience that brings people together, so take a moment to celebrate friendship, laughter, and new traditions. Teatime at The Glenview At The Glenview at Pelican Bay, we love bringing residents together for entertaining and engaging experiences that spark creativity and camaraderie. From interactive social events to themed gatherings and hands-on workshops, theres always something exciting happening. Contact The Glenview at Pelican Bay today to reserve your spot at one of our upcoming high tea events. Whether you enjoy history, games, storytelling, or simply great conversation, youll find plenty of ways to connect and create lasting memories. If youre looking for tea party ideas for adults or planning an elegant afternoon with friends, a high tea at The Glenview offers the perfect setting.   The Glenview at Pelican Bay is a nationally ranked retirement community in Florida combining quality care, unmatched luxury, and financial advantages in a welcoming beach environment. To learn more, call us at 239-977-9744 or complete our Contact Us form.

Selling a home that has been lived in for many years can be a difficult process whether a loved one has passed or is just moving into a nursing home.  Many memories have been made that hold a multitude of emotions and it is hard to let it all go.  Here are a few steps to help ease the stress of preparing your loved ones home for sale.Be PatientIf time isnt of the essence put a 60-90 day freeze on all decision making.  During that time leave everything in the home as-is except for expiring food, medicines, and anything else that could leave a bad odor.  This hold-over time period will give friends and family time to grieve, time to process the options, and time to remember the home exactly how it was while your loved one still lived there.Get Expert HelpA lawyer should be one of your first calls as they can help get the necessary paperwork in order such as a power of attorney and will.  They can also help you navigate through probate.  Seeking legal advice about selling a home is always advised as it can greatly affect the title of the home.Next, a realtor will be able to talk about all of your options when it comes to selling. Since a realtor doesnt have any emotional attachment to the house, they will be able to be matter of fact and tell you the current market value of the home.  A realtor will also let you know which items should be updated to get the most money out of the house.DeclutterIt can be difficult to let things go, but a house must be de-personalized in order to sell for top dollar. If the process is too difficult or daunting to do on your own, you might consider hiring an estate sale company to host an estate sale. If this is the route you go, it is best to step away from the process and let the professionals do their job.If you prefer to go through items yourself, consider hiring an appraiser or specialist to look at antiques to find out their true value.  Less valuable items can be donated so you know they are going to a good home. Non-profit businesses that are usually seeking donations include Goodwill, Salvation Army, and Habitat for Humanity Restores.Update/RepairsA lived-in home will have signs of wear & tear.  At a minimum fix cracked tiles, patch holes in walls, give the home a coat of fresh neutral paint, replace burned out lightbulbs, and remove curtains to let the most light in. You might also consider installing new carpet and flooring.To get the most money out of the home, consider doing a kitchen and bathroom remodel as those spaces tend to be the biggest selling points of a house. If you dont have time for a major renovation you can update simple items such as replacing light fixtures, faucets, and hinges. In the bathrooms add a few stacked washcloths tied with a ribbon, add lightly scented candles, and buy matching bathmats & towels in a light green, blue or white tone.Your realtor might also suggest hiring a professional stager, who will bring in contemporary furniture to enhance the homes attractiveness to potential buyers.Clean, Clean, CleanOne of the last steps inside the home is to give it a good cleaning.  If you dont mind putting in the elbow grease, then begin with washing the windows, vacuuming, dusting, wiping down all surfaces, and polishing appliances. You can also consider hiring a cleaning company, who can come in and make the home sparkle in just a few hours.Curb AppealLastly, spruce up the landscaping and front entrance of the home which might have become neglected.  Trim shrubs, add flowers, mow the lawn, give the front door a fresh coat of paint, and paint faded trim.  In addition, certain buyers loan types such as FHA & VA will require rotted deck boards be replaced, that peeling paint is fixed, and any broken windows be repaired.If you are ready to take the next step in selling, call lMike Lies with Gold Compass Real Estate at 303-325-5690.

Caring for a loved one can be one of the most rewarding experiences, but it also comes with its challenges. Family caregivers often wear multiple hats, juggling work, family, and caregiving responsibilities. Knowing where to turn for help can make all the difference in managing the stress and ensuring your loved one receives the best possible care. Here are some essential resources every family caregiver should be aware of:Local Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs)AAAs provide a wealth of information and services tailored to seniors and their caregivers. From meal delivery and transportation to caregiver training and respite care programs, these agencies are a critical first step for many caregivers. You can find your local AAA through the Eldercare Locator.Support GroupsCaregiving can feel isolating, but youre not alone. Support groupsboth in-person and onlineconnect you with others who understand your journey. Platforms like Family Caregiver Alliance or local support groups can offer emotional support, practical tips, and a sense of community.Respite Care ServicesTaking care of yourself is vital to being an effective caregiver. Respite care offers short-term relief by providing professional caregiving services, either at home or in a care facility. Check with local senior care providers, such as our team at Elderlink Home Care, Inc., to learn more about these options.Financial Assistance ProgramsThe costs of caregiving can add up quickly. Programs like Medicaid Waivers, Veterans Aid and Attendance benefits, and local state assistance programs can provide financial relief. Additionally, many states offer stipends or tax credits for family caregivers.Technology Tools for CaregivingModern technology has made caregiving more manageable. Apps like CaringBridge and CareZone help you organize medical records, schedules, and communication with other family members. Medication reminder tools and wearable devices can also provide peace of mind.Caregiver Education and TrainingBecoming a caregiver often requires learning new skills. Organizations like the Alzheimers Association and AARP offer online courses, workshops, and guides to help you handle medical tasks, improve communication, and navigate the complexities of caregiving.Professional Home Care ServicesSometimes, partnering with a professional caregiver can provide the support you need. Home care services like those offered by Elderlink Home Care, Inc. allow your loved one to remain in the comfort of their home while receiving expert assistance with daily activities, personal care, and companionship.Legal and Financial Planning ResourcesHaving the proper legal and financial documents in place is crucial. Organizations like Legal Aid and National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) can guide you in preparing essential documents, such as powers of attorney and advanced directives, ensuring your loved ones wishes are honored.Caregiver Counseling ServicesThe emotional toll of caregiving is real. Many mental health professionals specialize in helping caregivers navigate stress, grief, and burnout. Look for local therapists or online counseling services to prioritize your mental health.Meals on Wheels and Nutrition ServicesEnsuring your loved one eats well is a top priority. Programs like Meals on Wheels provide healthy, affordable meals delivered right to their door. Many community centers and churches also offer meal services for seniors.Final ThoughtsBeing a family caregiver is no small task, but you dont have to go it alone. By tapping into these resources, you can find the support you need to provide the best care possible for your loved one while maintaining your own well-being.At Elderlink Home Care, Inc., were here to help. Whether you need professional caregiving services or advice on navigating the complexities of senior care, feel free to contact us for guidance and support.Remember: Taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your loved one. Dont hesitate to reach out for helpits a sign of strength, not weakness!Question, please call us at 303-734-0641.