Christmas Tea - #SaturdaySnapshot

Christmas tea at Secret Garden Tea Room and Gift Shop in Sumner, Washington, is a special occasion. 

The tea room is housed in this Victorian mansion (Queen Anne and Italianate architecture). Although it's open for lunch all year, the Christmas tea is an extra-special time to eat there because of the beautiful decorations and special treats. The restaurant closes down for about a week in early November to decorate for Christmas. To secure a table, reservations must be made early.

Here are a few pictures from a recent lunch. Fancy, fun, and delicious!

We all wore pearls for the occasion, but my
granddaughter was the fanciest. She's seriously pondering
her choices -- pink lemonade or tea?

Delicious soup, topped with a star-shaped crouton.
In addition to our choice of tea, we enjoyed sparkling apple cider.
The fancy Christmas china added to the experience.

Raspberry sorbet between courses.

A feast! In addition to this delicious selection, each of us
received a pot of tea (I chose a spicy Christmas blend), along
with a basket of scones, still hot from the oven.

Here's a close-up of the delicious (and beautiful) desserts.

2018

Victorian

Christmas Tea

Pot of Tea

Toasting Glass of Sparkling Cider*

Cup of White Velvet Soup

With Parmesan and Herb Crouton

Sorbet

Scones with Cream, Jam and Lemon Curd

Tiered rack with Tea Sandwiches

Savories and Fresh Fruit

Petite Tea Pastries and Sweets

Commemorative Photo

Hot Towel Service

I've posted about the Secret Garden Tea Room before -- HERE. If you have occasion to be in the area of Sumner, Washington, I recommend a visit. But be sure to call for a reservation.
Here's the link to their website: Secret Garden

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Tea for Three - #SaturdaySnapshots

In anticipation of my granddaughter Corrina's sixth birthday, I asked her mom for gift ideas. Marina suggested an "experience" rather than toys. Since Corrina and I almost always have tea parties when she comes to my house, I thought an extra-fancy, real-life tea party would be fun. So I made a reservation for the three of us for afternoon tea at the Secret Garden Tea Room in Sumner, Washington. 

In preparation for the occasion, Corrina donned her fanciest dress and hand-colored a bow for her hair. Here she's sipping sparkling apple cider with a cup of herbal tea nearby, ready for tasting.

The menu for our special occasion Rose Celebration Afternoon Tea:

Commemorative Photograph

Pot of Tea (or other beverage)

Royal Sparkling Wine or Apple Cider

Cheese & Fruit Plate

Sorbet

*Endless Scones with Devonshire Cream, Jam & Lemon Curd

Tiered rack with Tea Sandwiches,

Savories, Fresh Fruit

Petite Pastries and Sweets

Individual Chocolate Rose Cake

in Raspberry Coulis

Corrina was delighted when our goodies were served on fancy tiered racks. (Two tiers all for Corrina; three tiers for Marina and I to share.) 

We used fancy serving tools - a filigreed pie server and tiny tongs for our sugar cubes - and sipped our tea from china cups. Elegant!

We all agreed that the scones, served with Devonshire cream, jam, and lemon curd, were our favorites.

Every birthday celebration must have cake with a candle.

The server took our official photo to commemorate the special day. (I think she must have used a wide-angle lens... or else we ate more than I realized!)

We'll remember this special birthday celebration for a long time.

PS: Here's a link to the tea room's website: Secret Garden Tea Room & Gift Shop

FYI: The Secret Garden  is located in a beautiful Victorian Mansion in Sumner, WA. The charm of the original Queen  Anne and Italianate architecture provides an elegant, yet warm ambiance in which to enjoy a scrumptious lunch or a traditional English-style Tea Set served on a 3-tier stand.  Our gift shop is stocked with tea-time treasures and a variety of delightful gifts, fanciful jewelry and clothing, and charming accents for your home. 

Saturday Snapshots is hosted by West Metro Mommy Reads.

To enjoy a variety of beautiful pictures from around the world, 

click HERE or on the box below.  

To participate in Saturday Snapshots: post a photo that you (or a friend or family member) 

have taken then leave a direct link to your post in the Mister Linky on the host blogsite.