Wine Country Inn, located in Palisade, Colorado, offers tea during the Christmas Season and for Mother's Day in the spring. This hotel is a luxurious hotel nestled among its grape vineyards and is a popular resort during all Colorado seasons.
Accomplished, elegant, savvy friend Beth invited me to attend one of the seasonal teas yesterday. (Note I did not characterize Beth as "sweet," although she is a very sweet woman.) We both recognized other friends there (hi, Shirley!). There was not one space available for the 11 AM seating. Needless to say, it is a popular Christmas venue!
We were served tea and four courses of sweets and savories, oh my! What a lovely time! From Wine Country Inn,
... If Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, had not been a little peckish one afternoon in the 1840's we probably wouldn't celebrate a proper British Afternoon Tea.....Soon the common folk emulated the Upper Crust, and a new custom of having afternoon tea was common place. It was an occasion to entertain friends and relatives for simple conversation, and maybe a little gossip.
The First Course: scones, crumpets or nut/fruit breads, served with Devonshire cream, jam and Lemon Curd. Second Course: cress or cucumber finger sandwiches, chicken salad pastries and other imaginative small treats, and delicious nuts with herbs and sugar glazes. Third Course: bite sized cookies, small cakes, and Chocolate Dipped Strawberries.
It was a sweet treat. Thank you, Beth, for a lovely time out.