Afternoon Tea Party Ideas From The Huntington Rose Garden
An Afternoon Tea Party is fun for young and old. It can be for a birthday party or New Years Day party…or even just to make a regular afternoon special. Recently, I went to the Rose Garden Tea Room at the Huntington Library and Gardens in Pasadena, California with my sister, daughter and granddaughter.
If you want to go to the Huntington Rose Garden Tea Room make sure to make a reservation in advance. Also, you will need a ticket to the Museum and Garden to have entrance to the Tea Room.
I want to share some ideas that we gleamed from that special day. It’s Sunday Faves time with Annie and Cindy.
The Huntington Gardens
Before having tea, we explored the Japanese, Children’s and Rose Gardens.
Afternoon Tea Party Ideas
Dress Up A Little
The maxi dress I am wearing is by Pomander Place for Tuckernuck. It’s sold out but you may like others here.
Set The Table With A Table Cloth, Napkins And Fresh Flowers
A white table cloth and napkins add a fun formality.
Have A Selection Of Teas, Cups and Saucers and Tea Pots
Louisa liked the caffeine-free mint tea. I liked the herbal lemon ginger tea, Alexandra ordered rose tea and Teresa had English Breakfast.
At home, we use this Smeg Electric Tea Pot to quickly add more piping hot water when the tea in the ceramic pot gets low.
Sweet And Savory Sandwiches And Small Desserts Served On Tiered Plates
A three tiered plate like this makes a nice presentation.
Here are some ideas from the Rose Garden Tea Room Adult menu…
You can mix it up but the take-aways are to cut the crusts off the sandwiches, use micro-greens or fresh chopped herbs and keep things little as in more “bite sized”.
And a typical British Afternoon Tea would include scones, clotted cream and jam. You may like: 20 Delicious Tea Sandwiches From Country Living.
Here is the Children’s Menu…
You may also like An Afternoon Tea Bridal Shower.
Lime Tart Cookies
I made these delicious cookies from Bon Appetit that would be perfect for your tea party!
We liked using lemon zest on top of the cookies even better than lime (if you are more of a lemon fan).
Lime Tart Cookie
Ingredients
Cookie
- 9 graham cracker sheets (about 5 oz.; 1 sleeve)
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Cookie Tart Filling
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 4 tsp finely grated lime zest, plus more for serving
- 2 tbsp plus 1½ tsp. fresh lime juice
Instructions
- Place racks in upper and lower thirds of oven and preheat to 350°. Pulse 9 graham cracker sheets (about 5 oz.; 1 sleeve) in a food processor until sandy crumbs form. Add ¾ cup plus 1 Tbsp. (101 g) all-purpose flour and ¾ tsp. kosher salt; pulse to combine. Transfer to a small bowl.
- Pulse ½ cup light brown sugar and ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature, in processor until creamy. Add 1 large egg and ½ tsp. vanilla extract and pulse just to combine. Add graham cracker mixture and process until dough comes together and forms a ball, about 45 seconds.
- Place ¼ cup granulated sugar in a clean small bowl. Using a #40 cookie scoop (about 2 Tbsp.), portion out dough; roll into smooth balls (dough will be sticky). Working one at a time, toss balls in granulated sugar to coat generously. Divide between 2 parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing at least 2" apart (about 7 per sheet). Working one at a time, dip the bottom of a shot glass or ⅛-cup measuring cup into remaining granulated sugar, then press down in center of balls to create a divot that can hold 2 tsp. filling, about ¼" deep. Chill cookies in freezer 15 minutes
- While cookies are chilling, whisk 1 large egg yolk and ⅓ cup sweetened condensed milk in a small bowl to combine. Add 2 Tbsp. plus 1½ tsp. fresh lime juice and 4 tsp. finely grated lime zest; whisk until slightly thickened.
- Remove cookies from freezer and spoon about 2 tsp. filling into each divot (don’t overfill). Bake cookies, rotating baking sheets top to bottom and front to back halfway through, until filling is set and cookies are firm and golden brown around the edges, 12–14 minutes. Let cookies cool on baking sheets 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely
- Just before serving, finely grate a little lime or lemon zest over each cookie.
Do Ahead
- Cookies (without lime or lemon zest) can be baked 1 day ahead. Store airtight in a single layer at room temperature.
Shop The Afternoon Tea Party
For your tea party, check out: Wayfair’s End of Year Clearance sale with deals up to 60% off. I love the Free Delivery for purchases over $35.
What To Wear – Casual Holiday Lunch
We had a fun lunch and visit with Santa at our club.
I am wearing a crisp, silky red blouse (love the balloon sleeves–40% off at Madewell), Mother flared jeans and black booties. Louisa has on a Hannah Anderson cotton dress (she likes the unicorns–half priced now) with pink Target embroidered booties.
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Let’s see what my friends have discovered this week:
Cindy Hattersley Design
Most Lovely Things
I loved reading about your tea party; I used to play tea party with my grandmother growing up. I can’t believe how big Louisa has gotten. Happy holidays to you and your family!
I thoroughly enjoy reading your blog, especially the Sunday favorites. Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday season
Thanks so much, Sue. Merry Christmas!
Louisa is so cute! Merry Christmas
I’ve been to many wonderful places for tea, including Bath, England and Butchart Gardens, but the Huntington’s tea looks SUPER — I hope it was as delicious as it looks! Your lime tart cookie looks wonderful: the graham cracker crust is very appealing and it would be a fun, colorful, addition to a Christmas cookie assortment! Happy Holidays to you and your family, Mary Ann!
Happy Holidays, Joan!!
Going to the Huntington Gardens Tea Room sounds wonderful. I have visited the art galleries and gardens so I’ll put the Tea Room on my to do list.
You will enjoy it Linda!
MA! Is there anything more wonderful than afternoon tea?! And it only gets better when the littles are old enough to join in. You ladies look so pretty … and happy! Merry Christmas! xo
It was a great day, Juliet. Merry Christmas.
Hi Mary Ann,
I so enjoyed seeing the pictures of the tea. You all look pretty. It’s hard to believe Louisa has grown up so fast. Just an adorable child, she dresses like a little model.
Fabulous pic of Louisa, You and Santa. A treasure, you both are the sweetest.
Enjoy your Christmas together.
Thanks, Kathy! YOU are the sweetest.