Southern Tea Time Getaway - Day 6 Part III

Even though five hours had lapsed, I was still full from lunch at The Lady and Sons restaurant, but it was 4:00 o'clock and time for Ballastone's complimentary formal Afternoon Tea. It is served daily to their guests and was beyond lovely!

When I attended a World Tea Expo session taught by Alda Ellis several years ago, she made a statement I never forgot  - "Silver is the table's jewelry."  Some hostesses feel it's too formal and a bother to keep polished, but they don't realize the ambiance it creates. Ballastone is definitely attuned to silver's elegant eye appeal, but even more so the message it conveys, 'I'm serving you with my very best.'

Beautiful silver honey pot.

They serve Harney & Sons fine teas.  The sign below was in their elevator.

The tea was served buffet style, and I loved how they used their vintage silver toast racks as napkin holders.  Isn't that a great idea?

A silver basket for forks - another great idea.

Johnson Brothers Rose Chintz China.  It made me think of sister bloggers Angela [Tea with Friends] and Sandi [Rose Chintz Cottage] who have this china.

Scones with Peach Preserves and Devonshire Cream.

Mini BLT Tea Sandwiches.  Notice how they covered half of them with a damp linen napkin to keep them fresh and not dried out.  I really liked that idea.

Pineapple Tea Sandwiches.  I also liked how they used china place holders for writing the names of menu items.

Strawberry Cream Tea Cakes.

Desserts on tiered server were Chocolate Biscotti, French Macarons [Lime], and assorted cookies [including Viennese cookies and Cheese Wafers].

I said I wasn't hungry, but you'll notice a plate in my hand!  ;-)

I didn't take either of the tea sandwiches - but I did take a Scone, Chocolate Biscotti, French Macaron, and Strawberry Tea Cake.  As I type this post and look at the pictures, I'm wishing I could have a couple of those tea sandwiches right now!  ;-)

We took our plates into the dining room and others went into the parlor.

[L-R:  Ann, Cheryl K., Me, and Lori]

It was a wonderful Afternoon Tea.  At 7:00 p.m. they offered complimentary hors d' oeuvres with Port and Sherry.  I didn't attend that, but those who did said it was lovely. When the evening wine and hors d'oeuvres ended and all the guests departed for other activities, Teresa - one of our travel mates - treated us to a Tea and Chocolate Pairing in the parlor. Next post...