Tea Time

While pregnant with a baby girl four years ago, I would daydream of bows, ballet, pig tails, her playing soccer in ruffly socks, and --most of all -- tea parties.  I am a big tea drinker and enjoy slowing down and the conversation that usually comes with the sipping.  My love of tea and tea parties has been passed down to Tess and Claire.  From a very early age, Tess and I enjoyed tea parties on the floor and Tess's gift to Claire when she was born was a tea set.  Most days, you can find Tess and Claire having a tea party in the basement. The conversations they have while sitting at their little table melt my heart.  

So, given our love of sitting down for a cup of tea, this year I decided that the girls were old enough for high tea at The Drake.  Yesterday, Chris and I brought the girls to the fanciest tea party any of us had been to. I have no other words but to say it was magical.  The room was gorgeous - all decorated for Christmas. Each of us were served our own tea pots, cups and saucers while carolers roamed the room singing Christmas carols.  Approaching our table, Tess requested "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" and then sat mesmerized, listening to the singers.  Chris showed the girls how to quietly place their tea cups on their saucers. Tess started calling us all "darling" as she sipped her water out of her china cup.  Claire, who preferred milk in her cup, ate banana bread and desserts "like a lady" and acted well beyond her two years.  They loved playing big girl with mom and dad. At one point, I teared up, reflecting on how my dreams of having tea with my daughters has become a reality.  I hope tea at The Drake during the Christmas season becomes a new, annual family tradition.  I know Tess agrees: as we left, she told me she wished we could live there!