I can't believe how fast the holiday season is arriving! The busyness has started and to be honest with you, I'm just not ready. I'm still trying to figure out what happened to fall? It feels like I just recently arranged the fall harvest decor displayed in front of our house. I'm not ready to relocate the bundle of hay, the cute scare crow and the plump pumpkins. LOL! Well, I guess I better get over it because the holidays are quickly approaching regardless if I'm ready or not.
I will admit I'm excited about attending Lady Mendl's annual holiday tea kick-off event next week. I'm glad to hear they will include the exclusive Walker's Shortbread tasting segment again this year. I had the opportunity to attend this delightful event last year, so I thought I would share a few highlights.
First and foremost, Lady Mendl's is a lovely Victorian inspired tea house. You instantly know your in for a treat the minute you start walking up the steps of this brownstone. Beautiful potted plants help accent the wooden antique door which has amazing stain glass windows. Simply gorgeous!
I love the brass plaque with the debossed Lady Mendl's logo and the Blue Willow inspired tea cup.
When you walk into the foyer of Lady Mendl's, you feel like you've taken a trip back into the Victorian era.
There are antiques and fresh flowers everywhere.
We were lead into one of the many beautiful rooms to participate in the Walker's Shortbread tasting. Talk about a cookie wonderland! There were cookies everywhere you turned. Fingers, Rounds, Triangles, Highlanders and Petticoat Tails, just to name a few. Deliciously dangerous!
I always thought all Walker's cookies had the same shortbread flavor, but I learned there are different flavor profiles for each unique cookie shape.
After the Walker's tasting, we were directed into the main parlour for tea.
There are several intimate table settings strategically set-up in both adjoining rooms. I love how each table has it's own unique layout.
Views of lighted Christmas trees can be seen through the windows located in the back of the tea parlour.
Each table is set up with a side snack table which is used to hold your tea pot selections.
This is the table my tea friend and I were seated at. We loved being able to look out into the holiday garden. Simply breathtaking!
Teatime!
A delicious mini quiche.
An assortment of tasty mini sandwiches.
Osmanthus Oolong tea from China.
Chocolate covered strawberries along with Walker's Shortbread cookies.
Delightful mini scones.
Lady's Mendl's signature cake.
If you haven't had an opportunity to visit Lady Mendl's located at 56 Irving Place in New York, I recommend you pay this class act a visit during the holiday season. You will not be disappointed! In fact, you may be inspired to plan your own holiday tea kick-off event.
Blessings, Darlene