I've always loved tea parties! While studying in the DC, I wanted to try the numerous tea salons they had but couldn't do so on my limited student budget. When we went on a family vacation to Hong Kong in 2008, I coerced my entire family to do a high tea meal at the Conrad's. But contary to my expectations, the Conrad high tea was quite heavy - a mix of English and Chinese delicacies.
Last Thursday, I was invited to Amelia's Tea Party to celebrate her 30++ birthday. Amelia is one of my breastfeeding friends and even after 3 kids she still looks great! Her family owns Barbara's where the party was held. According to Zeka, this tea party had been brewing for several years already. Her tea party was just how I expected a proper high tea party should be. When guests arrived and are seated, a waiter comes with a tray of with an assortment of various teas. You choose your tea bag then the waiter comes back with a porcelain cup and saucer set and a porcelain tea kettle and fills your cup with your chosen bag at your table. Ooohh so prim and proper!
Look at the buffet tables laden with savories and sweets!
Amelia's giveaways were feathered fans or bag charms with her ever thing note tags. The party was actually just an afternoon merienda but food and tea were overflowing! The requisite cucumber sandwiches and scones were present with clotted cream! I enjoyed the crunchy sesame shrimp cakes, the warm apple crumble pie, decadent chocolate lava cake and the assorted rich pates.The table setting and floral arrangements were also very elegant - quite prim and proper - as how I imagined a high tea would be.
I shared the table with other breastfeeding friends and it was an afternoon filled with updates, chatter and laughter. Thanks to Amelia and kudos to a wonderful high tea celebration!
*All photos by Eddie Boy Escudero.
