Around the World Christmas Tea

A worldly holiday tea sponsored by the Maplewood historical society and held at Bruentrup heritage farm house.

The barn where tea is hosted in the spring.

The cozy and warm farmhouse still decorated for the holidays.

Inside we sipped British tea in eclectic teacups. 

Our digestible journey began in Germany and Greece. The white German soup had homemade pasta dumplings and green onions - very unique and delicious. Greek garbanzo bean salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion and black olives.

The quintessential English cucumber sandwich, Italian manicotti and Dutch Gouda. 

We then took an epicurean journey to Turkey with date scones accompanied with Devonshire cream and lemon curd. This scone was homemade by one of the volunteers and, served warm, was one of the best I've ever had!

The tropics: kiwi, mango and strawberries topped with pomegranate seeds and cream.

Chinese fortune cookie, Brizilian coco nutty bars and French silk bars. French silk pie is my favorite! It's a bit dangerous that the lovely lady that made them shared the recipe with me.

I won this cute ornament ;)

The tea partiers - Emma's mom and her three friends and Em and I. 

Downton Abbey Viewing Party

To celebrate the final season of Downton premiering I invited some good friends over to watch. Lady Tiffany, Andrea, and Kate were able to join me.

One can't watch Downton without treats!

Sesame and pepper crackers with Monterey cheese spread.

Love the Canadian chocolate shortbread castle cookies!

Cupcakes fit for a Countess - carrot cake, apple pie, Rumchata, chocolate salted caramel and a cake with a little Fireball infusion.

Tea time with the official Downton set.

I love these clever cookies - the caramel inside melts when placed over steeping tea.

Gasp! Ha ha!

We played Downton bingo as we watched the show. 

Mad Hatter Christmas Tea

Jackie and I enjoyed Christmas tea at the Mad Hatter. It's a lovely tradition and this is the 16th annual holiday tea.

The Mad Hatter now has its own China - how adorable! I just love the teapot! 

Jackie and I seated for tea.

So many delicious treats to nibble!

Roasted Apple Waldorf salad with ginger snap crumble and cinnamon apple vinaigrette. So fresh and bright!

Spiced cranberry rosemary Christmas scones with whipped sweet cream and orange marmalade.

Spiced mango bruschetta, basil anise tartlette with oven roasted grape tomato, curried egg salad, classic cucumber, and my favorite, pimento cheese bell with red pepper and parsley.

And how cute is this dessert? Cherry cranberry gingerbread trifle with Bavarian cream and ginger snap crumble.

We were given the Mad Hatter secret spice and a Christmas scone recipe to enjoy later! I highly recommend experiencing tea at the Mad Hatter often!

I purchased the cutest Mad Hatter branded dish towels - so fun and useful!