A "Somewhere In Time" Tea

If you've been a follower of my blog for awhile, you'll remember that I've blogged about Cristy Bennett's theme teas in East Lansing, Michigan numerous times.  My girlfriend and I went to our first tea of 2015, but our 16th accumulative tea at Cristy's on Saturday, June 13th, where the theme was Somewhere in Time, based on the romantic fantasy film released in 1980.  Filmed at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, it starred Christopher Reeves and Jane Seymour.

Mackinac Island is known for its lilacs, and Cristy had just returned from the island's 66th Annual Lilac Festival [June 5-14] - the largest summer event on the island which attracts thousands of tourists.  Cristy combined the Lilac Festival with the film for a beautiful tea.

~ Cristy's cottage style house all decorated for the tea ~

Her front porch always sets the stage for the theme inside.

~ Cristy's tablescapes are always spectacular.  ~

~ Personalized Menu Cards ~

~ Votive of fresh flowers to take home ~

~ Parasol Straws in Water Glasses ~

~ Parasol Centerpieces ~

David [Cristy's husband] gave each guest a hot wash cloth to freshen their hands before the tea began.

The tea began with a glass of sparkling California Chardonnay White Grape Juice, but I forgot to take a picture of it.  It was followed by the 1st course of the tea - a cup of chilled Strawberry Soup, and a Lavender-Lemon Pinwheel Scone with luscious Lemon Curd.  

The 2nd course was a creamed Spinach & Two Cheese Quiche, a Romaine Lettuce Salad with Lavender-Champagne Vinaigrette, and Fresh Fruit Salad.

Dessert was a Chocolate Mini-Bundt Cake with a scoop of Honey-Lavender Ice Cream.  The tea served throughout the meal was Lavender Earl Grey.  Everything was delicious.

Cristy always decorates her home to coordinate with the theme.

~ My girlfriend Lori and Me ~

The tea was a delightful way to spend a Saturday afternoon, and I want to rent Somewhere in Time to refresh my memory.

Cristy's "Breakfast at Tiffany's" Tea

Last Saturday, my girlfriend, Lori, and I traveled to East Lansing to attend our first theme tea of 2014 at Cristy Bennett's - "Breakfast at Tiffany's."  This was the 12th tea we've attended, and every one seems to top all the others, but the truth is they're all phenomenal!

In true Cristy style, the theme starts at the front door.  Cristy's brochure described the tea as "Tiffany Blue, Pearls and GLAM," and that's exactly what it was.

Cristy goes beyond tablescaping, and decorates the entire first floor of her home in the theme of the tea.  I'll take you on a little tour of her living room, dining room, and powder room.

As we stepped inside the front door, the fireplace mantel and tablescape caught our attention first. The grouping of samplers above the fireplace were all stitched and framed by Cristy.

The antique secretary sitting next to the fireplace.

Photo 1:  The tablescape viewed from the staircase. Photo 2:  Decorated silver teapots as centerpieces.

Antique buffet in the living room.  Even her window treatments are changed to coordinate. 

One of three china cabinets in the dining room.

The powder room.

Audrey Hepburn's photograph hung in the living room to carry out the theme, while original soundtrack music played softly in the background throughout the tea.  Who doesn't enjoy hearing Henry Mancini's "Moon River" - the theme song of the movie.

[Me]

Back to the tablescape... Personalized menu cards and place cards, a vase of fresh flowers, a tiara, and a box of Dove chocolates were all favors to take home.

There were lots of mini-lights and candles.

My girlfriend, Lori.

Now for the menu...  Tiffany Blue candies in the sugar bowl, and homemade lemon curd for scones.

After everyone received a warm, moist, cloth for their hands, the tea began with a toast of Sparkling White Chardonnay Grape Juice.

Goji Berry Green Tea was served throughout the meal, and Pai Mu Tan White Tea was served with dessert.  Both teas were from Tealightful Treasures.

The first course was a Blueberry Lemon Pinwheel Scone and cup of Cream of Mushroom Soup.

The second course was a Chicken-Hash Brown Quiche; Salad Greens with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes, Feta Cheese and Toasted Almonds; and Ambrosia Fruit Cup.

Dessert was a slice of Chocolate-Espresso tart - very decadent.  

Thanks Cristy!  You are the creator of beautiful teas and wonderful memories!

[Cristy]

Below are two young ladies that attended the tea.  I always like seeing younger generations enjoying the pleasures of tea.  They wore their tiaras just like Audrey did in the photograph behind them, and they graciously allowed me to take their picture.

Before the guests started to leave, Cristy gave us a fun little "Breakfast at Tiffany's" movie quiz. It was a wonderful afternoon, and now we look forward to Cristy's April theme tea - "April Showers Bring May Flowers" [Flowers, Butterflies and Parasols].

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Today I'm joining Rose Chintz Cottage for Tea Time Tuesday
Bernideen's Tea Time blog for "Friends Sharing Tea"

Artful Affirmations for Teacup Tuesday
Antiques and Teacups for Tuesday Cuppa Tea