Spilling the “T” on Afternoon Tea!
Tour of Teas…
Once upon a time, there was this four year old little girl, that loved hosting tea parties. She was a shy as a butterfly, but would always gather up her furry woodland (stuffed) friends, and baby dolls, and throw these magnificent tea parties. The tea parties were so magnificent, that it even could put the Mad-Hatter’s parties to shame, or so the little girl once thought, lol! Have any clue who that little girl was? No? Well here’s the answer-it was me! I loved hosting imaginary tea parties when I was a little girl, and I have grown to appreciate the origin and customs of Afternoon Tea-so much-that I wanted to share an inside glimpse into the wonderful world of Afternoon Tea!
Afternoon Tea originated in the early 1840’s and it was introduced by the Brits. It was held more commonly as a social event for ladies of high class, and eventually emerged into being a mini meal (or as Americans might say-a snack!) in anticipation to super/dinner. During the Victorian Era, Afternoon Tea became widely known as “Tea Receptions”, and one would invite as many as 200 guests that could come and visit between a set time of 4-7pm. Throughout the years, this social event, has become a tradition that many hold dearly and enjoy with time spent with friends.
My husband and I have enjoyed some time spent at two different venues, for Afternoon Tea, located here in Georgia. One being Chateau Elan, in Braselton, Georgia. Chateau Elan was established by owners Mr. and Mrs. Donald Panoz, in the year 1981. The Chateau Elan is an European-style Resort, with 3,500 acres, spa, tennis courts, golf, restaurants, wine-tasting rooms, and of course, social events as Afternoon Tea. When visiting the Chateau for Afternoon Tea, it will be held in the main resort building, and you will be pleasantly welcomed by valet and resort staff, that will guide you to your table.
Once seated, your table will already have your places set, and a menu of tea selections placed. Your waitress will come by with a tea cart, and introduce herself, and answer any tea-hearted questions you may have. All the while, by being serenaded by a harpist, playing beautiful relaxing music. When you have picked out your teas, your waitress will place your tea pots on her cart, and begin brewing your tea selections, and prepare the cream, sugar, and lemons, to your taste/desire. After the tea is settled, your waitress will bring out the tower of sweet treats, to enjoy with your cup of happiness. The tower is a tier of three, and is composed of different sections of savory finger sandwiches, sweet cakes, and chocolates. Afternoon Tea at Chateau Elan, is delightful as well as relaxing. This social reception is a wonderful event to share with close friends, family, or loved-one as for an anniversary. What each of us loved most about tea at Chateau, was the atmosphere of European-style, and the contemporary interior. Our teas were flavorful and service was flawless!
The second venue we visited for Afternoon Tea, was located in Alpharetta, Georgia, The Ginger Room, and this came to be our favorite out of the two! The Ginger Room, is a Tea House, that not only hosts as a venue to social events for Afternoon or High Tea, but is also a sophisticated fresh juice and locally roasted coffee shop. The Ginger Room, occupies one of the most oldest and historic buildings in Alpharetta, Georgia, the Skelton-Teasley House, 1856. The House is a Greek Revival-styled home, that was built for Dr. Oliver Skelton, who was a physician and postmaster for Milton County. Later his son-in-law, John Teasley, occupied the home. Now owners, Dr. Karl Walbrook and Angela Avery, revisioned the home and turned it into a special place for all to enjoy. The Ginger Room’s pride is supporting local businesses, from coffee roasters, bakers, artisans, and delivering beneficial beverages that enhance the mind, body, and the soul.
Our favorite part about this local Tea House, is that it not only serves local teas, but also international and a homemade recipe tea! Their homemade recipe tea, is named after the daughter to be, Aria-Bella, and it was our favorite of the two teas we had selected. The Aria-Bella, is a hibiscus base tea, with additional notes of ginger, and pre-sweet. The second tea we enjoyed was the Vanilla Rose Ceylon, and this tea is delish with a bit of honey! If you are wanting to sample more than one tea though, I suggest ordering their “Flight of Teas”; you can sample up to four, and it’s definitely a fresh take on original flight tastings! These delicious teas, sweets and treats, are not the only piece de resistance, The Ginger Room has to offer. Dr. Karl is originally from London, and with the help from the beautiful Ms. Angela, together they have provided the finest aesthetic for Fine British High Tea! You will be captivated by a fine art gallery and antiques dating from the 1800s, that they have curated in the Tea House!
You will “Positiv-i-TEA”, love The Ginger Room!
