Priscilla’s Tea Party

The British and their “colonies” are known for their love of tea. It all started in the 1800’s when Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford who, at the time was a close friend of Queen Victoria and a prominent figure within London society complained of “having that sinking feeling” during the late afternoon. She wanted something small to satisfy her hunger, nothing too large, just something to see her through until dinner time. The afternoon tea tradition was born inside the houses of the rich and fortunate but once summer came around they wanted to take this fabulous tea time tradition outside into their beautiful gardens. People wanted to be like their lords and ladies and from that day forward the world wide afternoon tea tradition was born.  Afternoon tea is a tradition that is a part of our lives, it is ever so English, classic and elegant.

Priscilla’s mom Ana is in town visiting for Easter, so Priscilla decided to have a little tea party for us. Priscilla is always the “hostess with the mostest”. Everything she does is always so elegant and beautifully charming. Every little detail is always done with love and perfection.

Priscilla and her very elegant table. She should be on the cover of a magazine. No matter what event Priscilla is hosting, it is always spectacular, and the food divine, but tea parties are definitely her specialty. Hosting tea parties are part of Priscilla’s DNA though. Ana used to own and operate a little restaurant, called “The Tea Room”, in Sierra Madre, California that she ran with Priscilla’s sister Kelly. It was always packed with celebrities and everyday tea lovers alike.

We started out with a delicate serving of a delicious tomato-sherry bisque.

That was followed by an array of delicious tea sandwiches, including egg salad, cucumber, curried chicken with a mango chutney, and little banana bread sandwiches.

There were warm, fresh baked scones with creme fraiche, lemon curd and strawberry preserves.

And we ended with some delicious little chocolate cakes, lemon curd cups and lemon-strawberry bars. And of course, we had an endless supply of tea as well.

Even though the weather was atrocious, and was snowing all day, the four of us had a lovely afternoon that led into the early evening. We were busy catching up and enjoying each other’s company the whole time. Priscilla and I, and of course Ana, have known each other since our junior high school days, back in Pasadena, California. Priscilla and Laura have known each other for many, many years, and Laura and I have been friends for many years as well. As always, it was a perfectly lovely get together. Thank you Priscilla, Ana and Laura for all your love and friendship over the years. 🙂

The little things in life are really the important things in life. It’s all wrapped up in the attention to the details that make things so special. Make everyday special. Enjoy your days with loved ones as you can and make as many special memories as time allows.

Have a great day and make everyday great. Stay safe and stay well. ‘Til next time.