Despite being married to a tea-drinking Englishman, I haven’t visited many tea rooms in my life with the exception of a few times in Europe. After an afternoon at the museum, taking in a film, or shopping, nothing seemed more appealing than tea with friends on a cold winter’s day. Last November on a family trip to Italy, I rediscovered the charm of sitting down to a proper tea and knew that I’d like to try to recreate that special experience at home.
On that day in Italy, I recall that we’d been so tired from exploring the piazzas and quaint lanes of the village we were visiting. Many of the shops and local merchants had closed for the afternoon, as is their custom. Somehow we managed to come across the most enchanting tea room that welcomed us in for a much-needed respite. The display case was filled with beautiful pastries each one more tantalizing than the next, making choosing difficult. Everyone selected a different sweet with the intention of sharing our delicacies. As we sat down, the white-aproned waiter presented us with a scripted tea menu that offered dozens of interesting teas and herbal infusions. We ordered and soon enjoyed the elaborate presentation of dainty tea pots and cups, sugar cubes, lemon slices and fancy spoons. I began to relax as we sat in conversation waiting for our tea to seep. I remember commenting to my mom, “Lori would love this!”
When I received the sweetest delivery from Caroline’s Cakes last week, I knew that a Valentine’s-themed tea party was in order. My mom Marilyn helped me create the most lovely afternoon reminiscent of the one we spent in Italy for my girls Eden and Isla. She generously offered her dining room and green and white Herend china for the occasion. We even incorporated my late grandmother’s pink, antique candy bowl. Grandma Kate had an undeniable sweet tooth, and I know she would have approved of the candy hearts and other sweets sprinkled around the table. Together we girls nibbled on heart-shaped finger sandwiches, sipped our herbal mint tea and topped everything off with Caroline’s Cakes delectable cake bites, which are the perfect representation of heirloom cake recipes in bite-sized portions. It was the perfect way to celebrate one of my favorite holidays, a sort of generational “gal-entines.”
As I’ve mentioned before, these days I’m doing my best to be more intentional with my time and to go out of my way to create experiences with my girls that will become cherished memories. This Valentine’s-inspired tea party was a welcome opportunity to literally stop and smell the roses. The afternoon was made more special by sharing it with my mom and including little touches that reminded us all of my Grandma Kate. The ritual of sitting down to tea is truly one of life’s simple pleasures, and I can’t wait to do it again.
***We would like to extend a special thank you to Caroline’s Cakes from Spartanburg, SC for their absolutely delicious cake bites, which we were first able to sample at The Southern Coterie conference in Sea Island, Georgia. Not only does Caroline’s Cakes have a stellar delivery system so you can order their products near and far, they also offer an amazing variety of cakes and cake bites made in an official nut-free facility. Entertaining family and friends or celebrating special occasions can be made so much simpler and stress-free knowing that you can have dessert delivered to your door!
