Sunday, April 28, 2013

St. Paddy's Birthday Tea

On March 17, Frank's sisters Lisa and Theresa, their cousin Nancy, family friend Pat, my friend Carol Anne and I celebrated St. Patrick's Day and Pat's 84th birthday by having a fine lunch at Jazzberry Tea House in Pickering Village, east of Toronto. It was the second such gathering for five of us though we went to a different location last year.


tea pot
The table was set with fine teapots which were waiting to be filled with the steeped beverage of our choice.




tea menu
For a couple of us, there was no question - Masala chai, please! I don't recall all of the choices but at least one lady selected ginger-orange-peach green tea and one decided on "Mystic Mellon" but the flavour was weak so it must have only had one L in Melon after all. Not quite as groovy as it sounded. ;)




tea gown
As we waited for our repast, we chatted, laughed and enjoyed the decor. This lovely old dress was hanging nearby. It must be the norm for tea houses because there were similar a-door-nments where we went last year.




tea strainer
Tea was soon served. We each had this adorable mini strainer to catch the tea leaves each time we poured from the pot. After the cup was poured, the strainer was to be placed upon a little metal cup to await the next serving. I can't tell you how many of us would forget to replace the strainer on our cups, resulting in tea leaves sinking to the bottom. Some of us did it multiple times but I'll never tell who that was (it was her!).





tea tray
Scones were served up with fruit and Devonshire cream. The sandwiches consisted of brie and red pepper spread, cucumber, radish and cream cheese, mango and sundried tomatoes, and turkey with smoked Gouda. There were also slices of smoked salmon to enjoy.





tea lunch
Lisa enjoyed her own vegetarian collection.





tea card
Once we were done with lunch, we each had cards for the birthday girl, Pat. She surprised us in return by giving the group a St. Patrick's Day card with a lovely Irish blessing on the front.





tea message
But that didn't compare to her sweet message written inside.




tea cakes
And speaking of of sweet, Jazzberry went all out for Pat's birthday cake(s). We each managed to sample a forkful or three from this yummy selection.

It was a lovely afternoon spent in fine company. And I thank you all for joining me in remembering it.

More photos  of some sort coming up soon.

55 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a delicious post! Love the vintage decor.

Jackie said...

What a lovely celebration; belated happy birthday wishes for Pat.
Love the photos of the teapots, cups, scones, and desserts.
Beautifully done, Hilary!

Frank Baron said...

I'm still kinda dizzy from the estrogen floating around this post....

ADRIAN said...

I like tea but the cakes I rarely eat....Your photographs have started a yearning for cake.

Bob Bushell said...

Happy birthday Pat. I think that tea is a taste, the more you can take, the better it comes. I love tea parties.

Tabor said...

Food and fellowship is a healthy activity..even with all the desserts.

Brian Miller said...

nice...very elegant...and def a fun way to spend some time with friends....i will take a scone with mine...smiles.

Suldog said...

I've shared a tea with MY WIFE a couple of times. I know it's generally more of a lady thing, but I enjoyed it immensely. Of course, a three-tiered tray of baked goods and such is a strong incentive for me to enjoy just about anything.

As usual, your photos have captured the beauty of the situation and surroundings.

Anonymous said...

Oh, you've made me miss N. Yorkshire (where hubby is from). I love Tea Houses and their wonderful scones and tea sandwiches. BTW...you've got the wrong link to the Jazzberry Tea House, but I did google it...looks lovely!

Hilary said...

I belly laughed at Frank's comment.....yup, lots of estrogen. But then as women get older, they have more testosterone, which is why they don't take any crap from anyone......so not sure about which would be more disruptive to tea.
But I WANT to go there...omg.....it looks LOVERLY>

Red said...

It's great to take time out to celebrate in a leisurely manner. Too few of really take time out to savor good food and friendship. I hope the birthday thing is done for each one of you. When we were little kids birthday celebrations wee a big deal. Now we try to forget them. Wrong! I like the tricky little term you use for fixing up doors.

Indrani said...

Fine food photography, I actually forgot to read. :)

TexWisGirl said...

i love this tradition of all of you getting together. i'd never make it in the 'finer ways', though. i'd have more issues than tea leaves. :)

Ruth Hiebert said...

I love those tea rooms. You describe it so vividly,both in words and pictures. This was indeed special.Thanks for allowing me to join you in this way.

messymimi said...

Now you have me wanting to go to our local tea house! Beautiful pics of a lovely day.

OmaLindasOldeBaggsandStuftShirts said...

Oh how fun. What a lovely way to celebrate a birthday. I love "high" tea. We have but one tea house here where you can have it but once I year, I treat myself to a lovely afternoon. This post made me smile and have a think....it's about time I do tea with me. Oma Linda

Phyllis E said...

The very best "high tea" is the one shared with friends and family. Thanks for sharing this one, Cuzzie.

Gail Dixon said...

Everything looks so elegant. If I could be sure I wouldn't embarrass myself I'd love to do this someday. The tea sandwiches alone are a huge draw. :)

~JarieLyn~ said...

I remember your post from last year. How fun to be able to do it again. My friend Gayla and I are having a tea party combined with a candle party in June. You posted this just in time to give me some ideas. :)

Rita said...

Ah! How nice of you to bring us along again! I remember how lovely I thought this tea room was. What a delightful day. And I love that Irish blessing!! Sweet memories. :)

Lynne with an e said...

How absolutely delightful! All that was missing was a tea-leaf reader for those who forgot the use of the strainer.

Out on the prairie said...

Lovely fun to share, the desserts looked real nice

ellen abbott said...

what fun!

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

My only experience with a tea room was the one that Sandy and I visited a few times in our hometown, and the décor was very similar to what you've shown here. Unfortunately, our tea room is no longer in business. What a great way to celebrate Pat's 84th birthday. She must be a pretty special lady.

A Cuban In London said...

Those photos! THOSE CAKES! :-) Loved your post. Many thanks.

Greetings from London.

Maggie May said...

What wonderful photos and a very memorable occasion.
Maggie x

Nuts in May

Mimi said...

What a delightful way to celebrate an 84th birthday!
and you captured it so beautifully in your photos Hilary.

Country Girl said...

Oh, this is so wonderful. And I love that tea set.

Nancy said...

What a special way to treat Pat for her 84th birthday...It sounds like a wonderful day full of good tea, good food, and good conversation...Making such wonderful memories is so special....

SandyCarlson said...

All of that looks delightful and delicious. What an experience. It all looks very relaxing--and yummy.

Rob-bear said...

Delightful story of your tea. With wonderful pictures. As usual!

Blessings and Bear hugs!
Bears Noting
Life in the Urban Forest (My poetry blog)

Liz Mays said...

I've never done anything like this but my gosh, that sounds so utterly charming!

My Cactus Dress said...

THAT strainer!!! I want one.

DJan said...

Thank you for bringing me along to your wonderful repast. The pictures made me feel as if I were really there with you, but when I tried to taste those wonderful delights at the end, I realized I would need to make a trip to my own bakery! Happy birthday to Pat, if a little late. :-)

Mental P Mama said...

How wonderful! My mother loved to have tea like that. And she would have been 83 this past St. Patrick's Day. So beautiful...

Sharon Wagner said...

Oh my. You captured the yumminess of that day. Teas are so fun. I suddenly desire a finger sandwiche!

Betty Manousos said...

mmm...i am seriously craving those desserts now! i love those tea-rooms.
what a delightful story of your tea, dear hilary!

needless to say, i love your photos so much!

big hugs~

Anvilcloud said...

The desserts look great, but Tearooms are definitely a female thing.

Anonymous said...

oh j'adore cette robe

Daryl said...

i once went to a tea, a baby shower, and i came away thinking if you go to a tea, make sure you eat lunch first .... your teensy sandwich choices were much nicer then those we had ...

Linda said...

What a beautiful and yummy way to spend an afternoon. I'm not a big fan of hot tea, but I may have to try this some time.

Anonymous said...

Wowza! This post is good enough to eat! xx

Rosemary Aubut said...

Gorgeous and delicious photos! What a beautiful way to spend a day! Happy Birthday to PAt! Lovely post!

lime said...

wonderful pictures. i felt as if i were there for the celebration. happy belated birthday to your friend and thank you for sharing the time with us.

Dawning Inspiration said...

I love going to "tea." It's so girly and fun - so elegant and sophisticated and it takes me back in time.... to what it must have been like. What a neat treat for you all.

Pauline said...

A deliciously lovely photo journey!

Leah J. Utas said...

Your post offered a lovely moment of calm. It sounds like a wonderful time.

Anita said...

Blessings and well wishes to Pat! She's already blessed to have you and the other ladies.

I'm glad you had a wonderful time at what appears to be the start of an occasional sharing of tea, a beverage that has become my favorite. Maybe I'll do the same with my friends because your tea, scones, and tea sandwiches look delicious! I'm sure all the other adornments added to the fun, too.

EG CameraGirl said...

What a super way to celebrate a birthday!

Kerry said...

This was a lovely little visit; I feel like I'm sitting right there with you, and minding my manners for sure. :)

Unknown said...

A beautiful post filled with spirit and life, Hilary!! I enjoyed it.

Linda said...

Charming photos! Love the tea pot!

Kerri Farley said...

How FUN!

Barbara said...

What a wonderful way to celebrate St. Paddy's day!! Happy belated birthday to Pat!

Karen (formerly kcinnova) said...

Your post and photos makes me want to go have a formal tea with friends. I suspect it's even nicer with an 84-year-old birthday girl!