Tuesday, December 31, 2019

New Year's Eve

It was so nice to wake up this morning and not have one single commitment on the calendar. We didn't have a white Christmas, but we woke up to a light dusting of snow today.


My hubby and I went out to breakfast and then went to see the 11:30 a.m. showing of Little Women.  It was very good.


I received a surprise package in the mail yesterday just before I left for work.  The friend who sent it is SO creative.  I could hardly wait to open it, and knowing her schedule recently I was touched by her thoughtfulness.


Inside was a package of Ceylon Gold White Tea by teakruthi - a tea purveyor I've not heard of before.  The sleeve around the tea said it's a special type of 'gold tips' white tea.  It's harvested from a young tea bush before the buds open, then dried in natural sunlight.  It's a pricey tea.


A note tucked inside the package said it was a gift of 'fantasy' and a very special tea experience!  Rubens Hotel at the Palace in London [a five-star luxury hotel] offers a Ceylon Golden Tip Afternoon Tea for £500 [or $662.37 US currency] for a three cup pot!  The white gloved service weigh the delicate tea with precision on scales; then each tip is placed into the silver teapot individually with golden tweezers.

[Photos courtesy of Rubens]


My creative friend enclosed a small box with a pair of white gloves and gold tweezers so I can create the 'fantasy' of sitting back in The Rubens overlooking The Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace and pretending I'm there.  I've enjoyed reading several articles about The Rubens since receiving this package.  I wasn't familiar with the hotel previously.


I'm saving this special tea for my first tea of 2020, and will think of my very dear friend!

The snowman Christmas tree ornament in the above picture was one of the gifts from my Secret Santa at The Whitney.  The box of chocolates is almost gone, and to bring a smile to my face she enclosed a box of knee-highs - the method I use to steep large amounts of loose-leaf tea at the restaurant.  

We're showing our age because my hubby and I will stay in tonight to watch the Waterford Crystal ball drop in Times Square ushering in the New Year of 2020 and a new decade.  I saw a New Year's comment on Facebook that I liked:  "What will the new year bring?"  "365 new possibilities!"


 ~ Pictures from my 2012 New Year's Eve post ~

Happy New Year and may God bless you!  How comforting to know He will be with us  throughout the new year - whatever it holds.



4 comments:

  1. What a lovely surprise to receive in the mail. I was not aware of The Ruben Palace Hotel. It sounds like a place I would love to visit. I love the Christmas traditions you showed at The Whitney. Those Little Debbie Christmas trees are delicious. Wishing you and yours a Happy,Blessed and Healthy 2020.
    Marilyn

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  2. Wonderful and thoughtful surprise for you! I love those two teapots, so unusual and perfect for New Year's Eve.

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