Birthday Tea Party

Last weekend, one of my good friend reached a milestone birthday. Instead of entertaining a traditional dinner, I decided to host a birthday tea with some of our friends. It was a beautiful afternoon to sit in the garden with the rose garden in full bloom while sipping tea, indulging in fine pastries and catching up with friends.

The tables were set with the birthday girl's favorite color (hot pink) flowers. Multiple tables were set with different china. As we all know, it is difficult being a host and a photographer.

Birthday party spread

Tea party would not be complete without cucumber sandwiches

Totally surprised birthday girl

For more memorable centerpieces, tablescapes, and recipes (including vegetarian, gluten free and vegan recipes),please check out my books, Entertaining From an Ethnic Indian Kitchen and Trader Joe's Simply Indian at my website komalinunna.com.

Sharing at:
Wow-us-Wednesday
Tablescape Thursday

Entertaining: Tea after yoga

Today, in the honor of one of my friends leaving for Oregon, I invited some of the friends who have been practicing yoga with her for many years for tea after yoga class. After our yoga workout, it was fun to sit with all our friends in the garden, sip tea, and catch up with everyone.

For more memorable centerpieces, tablescapes, and recipes (including vegetarian, gluten free and vegan recipes),please check out my books, Entertaining From an Ethnic Indian Kitchen and Trader Joe's Simply Indian at my website komalinunna.com.

Sharing at:

Wow us Wednesday
Tablescape Thursday
French Country Cottage
Foodie Friday

Tea service

I love the afternoon ritual of serving tea from an elegant teapot and sipping the tea from a beautiful cup and saucer. Even though I drink many cups of masala chai during the day, I prefer the Western style of tea in the afternoon. If you missed my post about masala chai, please click here.  Of all the teapots that I collected, this is my most favorite. Nine out of ten times I am reaching for this teapot.

The teapot is from Royal Doulton, water lily pattern. 

 I replaced the creamer from the set with a Franz Porcelin mini teapot from the Franz Collection.  The three-dimensional water lily on the teapot adds interest.

Hand embroidered needle point napkins from India.

It's always important to serve tea with proper spoons.  I prefer to use coffee spoons for tea service.  They are smaller than regular tea spoons.

For more memorable tablescapes, recipes, and entertaining ideas, please check out my cookbook, Entertaining From an Ethnic Indian Kitchen, at my website komalinunna.com.

Please check out Susan's blog for Tablescape Thursday and Cindy's blog for  romantic  home.
I am linking it to Lady Katherine's Tea Time Tuesday.

Birthday Tea

This past weekend, some of my friends treated me for a tea at Four Seasons for my birthday.
Here are some of  the photos I want share with everybody.

Entrance to the tea room.

I always enjoy fresh flowers wherever I go.

The view from the tea room is to die for.

 The table is set with crisp linens and fine china, all ready for high tea. We all felt like royalty for the moment.

 

Beautiful pastries, tea sandwiches and scones, all ready to be devoured.

 

Look at these adorable honey jars.

  

Special something for me.

 We all are too busy to decide what to eat first.

 

 Fine herbal tea is a perfect match with all the goodies.

 

 The whole gang in the foyer.

 

 Thanks for making my day special, guys. I enjoyed the tea party immensely.