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A table set for tea

As a family (and with a few select friends) we recently celebrated the many good things in our lives with an afternoon tea.

It was a smashing success.

The table was set with a white tablecloth, pale yellow napkins, and delicate tea things (including china cups from Britain, blush roses, and a two-tier plate of petite palmier and hand-dipped chocolate-covered strawberries).  Ben, with the assistance of many sous chefs, produced three kinds of cucumber sandwiches–mint, vinegar, and salmon mousse–as well as delightful scones and the aforementioned strawberries.  Two kinds of caviar were served.  We even indulged in two varieties of English tea and great quantities of sparkling wine.

With an all-star guest list featuring Randy and Lily, the recently returned Devi and Bethany, Lindsay, Ben, and friends Lala (a recent transplant from Seattle to Baltimore) and Adam (in D.C. for the summer before his return to New Haven), conversation was spirited.  The background music was a mix of classical, instrumental, French and eastern European, along with a few select poems.

I’ll leave it to Ben to post his favourite recipes of the day, which truly elevated the occasion–as I had planned merely to slather some cream cheese on rye with a slab of cucumber and call it elegant (which would of fooled none).  I will however leave you with a few photos of the grand affair, and highly encourage you to try such a party for yourself!  Bow ties not required…but encouraged.