Orchard Tea Room - MATBA October Seminar

The October seminar of the Mid Atlantic Tea Business Association was held at the Orchard Tea Room with an entrance tucked alongside the Rose Hip Barn, a vintage emporium.

There's lots of tea related decor tucked throughout the tea room.

Once our program was concluded, we strolled the grounds of the business while the staff set up for Afternoon Tea. The framed, printed menu announced the goodness we were about to enjoy. Set up buffet style, members were able to choose what they wanted from a variety of sandwiches, scones, and pastries.

The tea sandwiches included Curried Chicken Salad on Wheat, Brie & Pear on White, Black Olive & Walnut on Wheat and Cucumber with Herbed Butter on White. They were all daintily cut into petite triangular portions and arranged on the platter to highlight the contrasting breads.

The tower of scones was impressive, and held large heart shaped Buttermilk Currant scones. The toppings were plentiful and included lemon cured, strawberry jam, and whipped double cream.

The pastry selection included Chocolate Chip Shortbread Leaves, Carrot Cakelets with Pineapple preserve center, English Gingersnaps, and Shortbread Teapots. Fresh fruit was also offered.

Special thanks to Karen Donnelly for hosting this all day event, and for coordinating the afternoon tea.