Holiday Craft Class and Afternoon Tea

Our annual Holiday Craft Class and Tea is a tradition that has been enjoyed by many of our guests over the years. Susanna is tasked with finding a fun and easy craft that can be completed in under an hour and can be created at the limited table space. This year's craft featured a wooden ornament, a blank slate to be painted as desired. Susanna offered a few suggestions, some guests googled for other ideas, and the painting session began. Many thanks to Terri & Adrienne for gifting Nancy the little grinch teapot that they painted.  

This sweet little snowman was designed and created by Carla. Carla has been attending teas here over the years, making teatime memories with her mother.  

And the Christmas Tree and Snowman were crafted by a mother and daughter duo that have attended the Holiday Craft Class and Afternoon Tea for at least 20 years. Tea orders are taken before the crafting begins. As the craft session is underway, the kitchen is a hustle preparing individual pots of tea. Once the crafting session is completed, all supplies are quickly removed from the tables, and each table is set with assorted Christmas teacups, napkins and silverware. When everyone is ready, the tea service begins. 

Up first, a Holiday Honeycrisp Apple Salad with Honeycrisp apples, craisins, sugared pecans, parmesan cheese and a honey vinaigrette.

When she's not pouring tea, Claudette helps to plate and serve the various courses. The scones included the Traditional English Cream Scone and a White Chocolate Apricot Scone served with Sweet Cream and Apricot Preserves alongside fresh pineapple and orange. 

Gail can be found taking tea orders, preparing tea, and serving all the courses. The sandwiches for the Holiday Tea included a Cranberry Pistachio Chicken Salad Triangle, warm Cheesy Pumpkin Tartlets, warm Ham & Swiss Cheese Cordon Bleu Crostini, Roast Beef & Water Chestnuts on Pumpernickel, and Cranberry Pecan Orange Marmalade on Raisin Bread.

Angelica has grown up in the tearoom and has stepped into whatever role she is asked to perform. The dessert course included Glazed Toffee Bonbons, a Chocolate Cup filled with Eggnog Cream and White Cake with a Spirited Topping.

Without the help of Claudette, Gail, Angelica, and Susanna, the tearoom would not function. Their cheerful presence is a blessing and their willingness to complete whatever task is most urgent is greatly appreciated. Many thanks to all of them!