In December, a small group of friends got together for a tea party. The party was to honor one of our dear friends who was moving to Germany. We booked High Tea at a local tea room. I have never been to High Tea, but having a love of the art of Tea as well as those wonderful Victorian and Edwardian eras, I loved every minute of it. If I had been dressed better, I would have felt like I was in the midst of an Ivory-Merchant film.
We chose several different teas to sample, the pot in the photo above held some Cranberry Rose tea. Delicious, and appropriate for the season. I tended to stick with the Earl Gray, personally. With milk and sugar, as is appropriate.
The mis-matched china was so fun too. I loved all the different tea pots.
Our hosts at the tea room spared nothing to make sure we were well taken care of and prepared with every possibility for our tea.
And, then they brought out the first course. Little sandwiches on a pedestal. With the crusts cut off no less. Be still my heart. As well as I remember, there was wild rice and chicken salad, cucumber (naturally), turkey breast with cream cheese, and one other that escapes me.
All on delicious bread, no less.
Next we indulged in scones and sweet breads. These were complete with Devonshire cream and fresh strawberry reserves (alas, I am allergic so no preserves for me). I believe we were treated to lemon poppy seed bread, cranberry walnut bread, cranberry scones and cinnamon scones. These were all melt in your mout delicious. And the Devonshire cream added just the perfect touch to the scones.
And then onto the pastry course. A little key lime tart, with strawberry on top (mine was removed quickly thereafter), a little almond (I think ) pastry covered in powdered sugar, and a decadent little chocolate cake in the shape of a rose dusted with powdered sugar. So good.
We ended our tea by sharing memories of our friend, bestowing some going-away gifts on her, and many many photos of all of us together. It was such a lovely afternoon, and one I will remember fondly. I hope there are many more High Teas in my future too.
I have never been to a tea–looks lovely and I bet it tasted it too!! I also like Earl Grey–have you tried Lady Grey by Twinings Teas? Yummy!!!
A girl after my own heart,lol i adore Earl Grey!
And that tea looks so yummy, i have only been to high Tea onece before, (at the Dorchester in London!!)Me and my eldest daughter treated ourselves a couple of years ago, i would love to do it again, it's so decadent 🙂
Michelle – thanks for the tip on the chicken from the deli, I will have to try that next time. Your blog is adorable!