Twenty-one years ago a friend of Brenda Thompson was leaving town and for her friend's going away party Thompson and others took her to a tea house in Wapella, SK. The ladies enjoyed themselves and as a result Thompson mentioned the idea of having a tea house in Fairlight to a neighbor, who then started the business but it only lasted for a year. Thompson took over and since then, every year beginning at the first week of April to the end of December Home Sweet Home tea room and gift shop has been open to the people of southeast Saskatchewan. However, over the years Thompson has added another element to her business that provides the community with a weekend of fun.
On Saturday, Nov. 2, Home Sweet Home held a Christmas open house and craft sale at the community hall in Fairlight, SK. There were 30 vendors at the event providing shoppers with a range of craft items to purchase. There were vendors that specialize in jewelry as well as vendors who had a variety of knitted and crocheted items. The show also had its fair share of vendors displaying their culinary talents, from cakes and cookies to honey products. Thomson said the event was a success and praised her friends and family for their help in not only keeping the business going all these years but with the organization of the craft sale.
"It was very well attended; the weather was plus 11, everybody was out .," she said.
"[The business lasted this long] because of all the wonderful help I have, my daughter, my friends, keep all this running," she said
Home Sweet Home is located in downtown Fairlight and the open house provided those who stopped by to partake in various treats and as well as a sip of apple cider or iced tea. Ladies gathered and sat together sharing in what would be an evening of laughter and delight. The building was filled with vibrant colours and the aroma of vanilla, chocolate and jasmine permeated the room. Residents of the community and visitors alike shared a day that went beyond the purchasing or selling of craft items but glorified sharing a sense of community and togetherness that spans decades.
Home Sweet Home caters to small parties whether it's evening coffee, dinner, dessert, or an appetizer party. In addition, the business provides a huge selection of unique and hard to find gift items. These range from bed & bath products to gardening items and gift cards. This along with Brenda Thompson's famous cheesecake and biscuits provides an ambience of elegant fun.
