By Rachel Haynie

Photo contributed by Billy Rawl

Betsy Mashburn thought a home dressed up for the holidays deserved to be seen and heard, so she swung open her double doors recently to 100 Symphony League members and their guests.

Mashburn played traditional popular Christmas songs as well as much-loved hymns of the season at the piano in her living room. Meanwhile, guests munching on afternoon tea goodies served in the spacious dining room roamed the first level of the Mashburns’ Spring Valley home, taking in the visual delights the hostess’ holiday decorations provided.

“I especially like sharing the holidays with an organization that does so much for the arts in Columbia,” said Mashburn.

Mashburn plays most holiday music from memory. “Many of the songs I played during the tea I’ve been playing since I was 16. I played for the chorus at St. John’s High School in Darlington and also played the organ at First Baptist Church there.”

Her music also has been an important aspect of her work in early childhood education. “I have taught kindergarten in Columbia for almost 40 years. For the last 11 years, I have worked with preschoolers at Kathwood Baptist Church,” Mashburn said.

The hostess for the Symphony League tea was Betsy Mashburn (l). League member Alida Rawl (r) and her husband Billy (back r) join Betsy and her husband Harry (back l). Mashburn hosts a Grandmothers’ Tea each year before Christmas. She knows the children look forward to returning “because they tell me as soon as they arrive what instrument they want to play this year. I have a variety of instruments on hand for them to choose from.”

Marching and making music can work up a fearsome appetite. Refreshments like M&Ms, sparkling cupcakes on the Christmas tree, and pigs in blankets served on holiday china are favorites. The children’s punch is served from a snowman terrine, but the grandmothers’ hot apple cider is poured into dainty cups,

The Mashburn home was featured in South Carolina Homes and Gardens magazine.

The next Symphony League party is “Some Enchanted Evening,” Sunday, January 8, at WildeWood Country Club.

Faye Trueblood, a life member of the Symphony League is celebrating her 101st year of life. With her is the president of the Symphony League, Shirley Henderson.