Tea at The Ritz-Carlton in Laguna Niguel

On Saturday my lovely daughter, Heidi, took me to afternoon tea at the Ritz-Carlton.  It was my Mother's Day gift and we had a wonderful time there.

The tea began with a glass of bubbly - a wonderful champagne from Sonoma Valley (I don't think it's suppose to be called champagne unless it is from France?)  The tea is set up in the Raya dining room which is right next to the windows with a wonderful view of the ocean.

 

Our weather this past week has been a bit humid which is unusual for us here and being next to the window and drinking our hot tea got us a little warm.....

 Our hostess gave us our choice of teas and we chose Earl Gray.  It was proper loose tea and after brewing, it was a deep golden color and quite warm.  I do not enjoy lukewarm warm.  That's why I was so impressed with this tea service.  You can see the teapot sitting on a warming candle.

 

 This is the picture of the array of tea goodies that were offered to us.  There was a tray of savory treats for both of us along with a tray of sweets for both of us.  Heidi was so nice in that she  called and requested ahead of time a special dairy free menu for me.  The French  meringues were to die for!  They were dusted with gold (you can see one in front on the plate on the left) and I believe they were either blackberry of blueberry since they were violet in color.

Here's a sample of the savories that I enjoyed!

 

As you know, I enjoy visiting old, historic places and although the Ritz-Carlton is not old, it still has a stately ambiance.  Here's a photo of the stairwell - I loved the chandelier!  And, the flower arrangements were exquisite:

 

This is a floor vase with a bouquet of lilac colored roses.  It stood approximately 5' tall!  And, here is the arrangement when you enter the hotel:

It was such a lovely way to spend an afternoon with my daughter.  I know now why my husband and I moved down here three years ago....to be with our family and make these special memories.

I wish each of you a wonderful week.  Next week I hope to share my entrelac scarf that is almost done.  If you haven't knitted an entrelac scarf, it's so much fun.  I will share my pattern with you next time.  Don't forget to stop by Handmade Monday and see what everyone has been up to.

See you next time!

Pat