A CHRISTMAS TEA!

On Saturday, November 19, 2011, we went window browsing in Kerrisdale, which is on the West side of town. I wish I lived near shops just like these. Alas, my little area of Kingsway has gone downhill over the past 30 years, and there is nothing like this in walking distance!

Robert tagged along for the first few shops.

Here we are in Hobbs Florist on W 41st Avenue.

This Christmas tree had snow falling over it, which was a pretty sight.

This is how I like snow!

The view from above.

I resisted buying anything from this store.

Me in my thick Russian style fur coat.

It was bitterly cold but the sun was shining.

A silver Christmas tree in the shop next door.

The Secret Garden tea shop, where we met Marie and Ashley for high tea.

Oh yummy!

It was delicious as always.

We've made this a yearly tradition.

Next year we'll try it in December, when a harpist plays Christmas music.

The croissants had bacon, goat cheese, and avacado. Those were my favourites!

The dessert; lemon tarts, pumpkin squares and brownies.

Outside the Secret Garden tea shop.

We had a lovely time.

Christmas Memories

Beginning today, December 1st, I will be posting pictures from Christmas times past and present.

This Christmas memory is a new one, which took place on Sat Nov 27/10.

I took my Mom and Leona to the Secret Garden tea shop on West Boulevard in the Kerrisdale area.

This was my Christmas gift to them.

Marie and her daughter Ashley joined us, and we had a lovely time.

We window shopped in some lovely stores along 41st Avenue.

Aren't these Christmas scenes lovely?

We met at the Secret Garden tea shop at noon.

I brought Yvette Marie, my Bleuette doll, along to show her new dress and cape to my Mom.

If you click on the pictures, you'll see a larger view.

I also brought along gifts for my sisters and Mom and niece.

Here's my Mom and Leona.

Here's Marie and Ashley.

And here we all are, with the lovely tea things before us.

We each had a variety of delicious little sandwiches, scones with jam and clotted cream, and tantalizing desserts. The menu changes each month. The price is $26.99 each.

My Mom had her own little tea tray, because Leona's things were separate due to her nut allergy.

The desserts were fantastic. The orange things on top of 2 of them are sugared Clementines.

Another view of the tea tray.

Ashley and I enjoying tea together.

Me and my Mom.

It was a wonderful day, and we hope to make it a yearly tradition.

Isn't this the sweetest little thing?

Lunch at the Secret Garden in 2008

For those of you dying to know what the Secret Garden has for lunch,

here is what I had on January 19, 2008. (my 5th visit)

That was nearly 2 years ago, so I only remember that it was scrumptious.

Here are my 2 good friends from my Stampin' Up group:

Colleen and her mother in law, Bernice.

Mmm...the dessert tray!
What shall I choose?
Yummy! You can't lose trying any of the treats at the Secret Garden.
However, I always say it isn't dessert unless it's chocolate!

A peek into the window of the dessert counter.

Tea at the Secret Garden

There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea. ~Henry James, The Portrait of a Lady

Yesterday, November 28th, was a special day.

Five ladies made their way in the pouring, drenching rain to the Secret Garden Tea Shop,

located at 5559 West Boulevard in Vancouver BC.

I thought it was time we tried High Tea in style.

Plus I wished to give this experience as a Christmas gift to my sister, Leona, and my Mom.

This was my 6th time at the Secret Garden, but my first time for High Tea.

Many years ago, I discovered the Secret Garden by having breakfast with two church friends,

Verna and Patti. I loved this place! I've been coming back on and off, and each time is special.

The photo above shows the goodies we had for tea!

Here is the happy group of ladies.

My Mom is on the left, and I'm behind her.

To my left is my friend, Helen, who I've known for 35 years.

Next is my sister Leona, and Linda, my doll collecting friend, is on her left.

My Mom and I, enjoying dessert.
Me and Helen.
We had a marvelous time. The tea is expensive; $26 per person, but well worth it.
Here is the Secret Garden's website:
http://www.secretgardentea.com/hightea/default.asp
I will blog about my other Secret Garden experiences in another blog post.

Strange how a teapot can represent at the same time the comforts of solitude and the pleasures of company. ~Author Unknown