Curiouser and Curiouser

During last month's Ottawa trip, I visited The Tea Party in ByWard Market.

The Tea Party had a hipster vibe with its retro furniture and cute Alice in Wonderland-themed chalk artwork. There wasn't enough time to try out its afternoon tea, but I did purchase one of their specialty blends.

The only ingredient that I could identify in the "Curious Concoction" was chamomile tea, but the fruity scent was so enticing that I couldn't resist bringing it home!

Within seconds of its infusion, the Curious Concoction took on a pinkish hue.

I steeped the herbal infusion in my Alice in Wonderland mug that was designed by Paul Cardew to commemorate the classic novel's 150th anniversary this year.

The Curious Concoction had a berry tart taste. It would make a great iced tea during the summer!

I don't have the matching Cardew teapot (yet!)...but last year, I found at a local thrift store this cute, decorative teapot featuring Alice, the White Rabbit and the Mad Hatter (loved how it formed the spout!). There is no manufacturer's mark.

"This is the most curious tea party I've ever been to," said Alice.

I'm joining the following parties this week:

Tuesday Cuppa Tea

  Tea in the Garden
  Mosaic Monday

Bridal Shower Revisited

Last year, I attended a bridal shower for one of my childhood friends. The summer weather was perfect for an outdoor tea party!

The bridal shower tea party was held in my friend's backyard oasis.

The head gardener looked like he could use a drink.

The sight of these beautiful teacups lined up in a row made me swoon.

More pretty teacups

Now I had assumed that this yummy spread was the main course...

...but later on, MORE delicious food was brought out for us to feast on!

My stomach barely had room left for the scrumptious desserts.

My green tea definitely tasted better in this gorgeous gilded teacup!

The cute wedding dress cupcakes tasted as good as they looked!

The tea party was the perfect way to shower the beautiful bride-to-be with love and good wishes!

I'm joining the following parties this week:

Tea Time Tuesday

Tuesday Cuppa Tea

  Tea in the Garden
Tea Cup Tuesday
Mosaic Monday

In Search of a Rose

I've always admired Sandi's beautiful rose chintz tea set. This pretty pattern has eluded me for years so I was thrilled when my treasure hunting finally paid off at a church yard sale last May.

The four sets of dinner plates, salad plates, teacups and saucers, 3 bowls and sugar bowl cost me a grand total of $15!

The set had sat in a china cabinet so all the pieces were in mint condition.

The Rose Chintz backstamp with green markings.

The Pan Am Torch travelling through Hamilton where the football (soccer) games were hosted.

Our office tea social was held on July 24th and celebrated the end of the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games and International Self-Care Day. 

These cute Ikea mugs were a Christmas gift from a friend.

The herbal infusions and green teas were perfect for the summer weather.

Our tea time treats covered the essential food groups: fruits, vegetables, grains and chocolate.

I'm joining the following parties this week:

Tea Time Tuesday

Tuesday Cuppa Tea

  Tea in the Garden
Tea Cup Tuesday

Tea on the Lawn of the Billings Estate

During our stay in Ottawa, we visited the Billings Estate Natural Historic Site, the historic home of one of the first settlers in Ottawa--Braddish and Lamira Billings.

After the last generation of the Billings left the 200-year-old house, the estate was converted into a museum where visitors can view the local artefacts and learn how the Billings helped shaped our capital's early history.

Lamira Billings was a well-respected healer who was highly sought for her effective herbal remedies. Naturally, she enjoyed a cup of tea while working at her desk!

The back entrance of the Billings Estate and its beautiful flower gardens.

True confession time: The real reason that we visited the Billings Estate was to partake in the "Tea at the Lawn" service offered during the summer months.

The tea tent was located behind the house and overlooked the beautiful gardens.

Visitors were also welcome to bring their own food and enjoy a picnic on the emerald green lawn.

 

The mismatched cups and saucers.

Of course, I had to try the Billings Blend: "a blend of black tea and rose petals inspired by Lamira's gardens" (from the menu description).

The afternoon service for two. 

The delicious finger sandwiches and scones were so filling that we had no room left for dessert and brought the leftovers home with us.

Enjoying tea on the tranquil grounds of the Billings Estate was definitely the highlight of my Ottawa trip!

I'm joining the following parties this week:

Tea Time Tuesday

Tuesday Cuppa Tea

  Tea in the Garden
Tea Cup Tuesday
Mosaic Monday

Canada's Capital

After our stopover at the Crossroads Tea Room in Perth, we continued to Ottawa.

Peace Tower (left), Entrance Gates (top right), East Block (bottom right)

 Our first stop at our nation's capital was Parliament Hill.

Centre Block

If you're a Canadian resident, you can request the flag that has flown on the Peace Tower...but be prepared for a looooong waiting period: 54 years!

The World of Tea store is also located in downtown Ottawa, a few blocks away from Parliament Hill.

The Asian-style teapots and tea accessories.

I captured so many images on my camera that the store keeper, who granted me permission to take photographs, asked if I was planning to open up my own tea store. I wish!

The next day, we visited The Tea Store at ByWard Market.

I loved the idea of picking and mixing your own teabags (left image).
The Tea Store also had tables for patrons to sit and enjoy their cups of tea (not pictured).

I could have spent hours browsing through the different types and brands of teas!
I was good and limited my purchase to only three teas.

I brought the Sweet Watermelon Oolong home with me because of its heavenly scent.

The Sweet Watermelon Oolong tasted sweet and juicy--the perfect fruity tea to quench your thirst in the summertime!

LANG mug

Tea Time

Instant wisdom brewed here

Just add water

I'm joining the following parties this week:

Tea Time Tuesday

Tuesday Cuppa Tea

  Tea in the Garden
  Mosaic Monday

Crossroads

Last month, we stopped for a light meal at the The Crossroads Tearoom on our way to Ottawa.

The Crossroads Tearoom is a Victorian tea room located in the heritage district in the town of Perth (approximately 1 hour away from Ottawa). 

 When you enter the tearoom, you are greeted by this "hostess" dressed in 18th century fashion

 Guests were welcome to try on the dainty hats hanging on the walls.

Some patrons can't resist sitting tickling the ivories on the vintage piano.

 I selected Twinnings' Pomegranate and Raspberry herbal infusion from the tea chest.

The pink hue of my herbal tea matched this pretty black teacup perfectly. The "Alberta Rose" design is part of Royal Albert's Flora series.

The soup of the day was served on another cute teacup.

I wasn't hungry enough for the high tea so I enjoyed the cream tea instead.

 Perth's vintage tearoom is definitely the "crossroads of good taste"!

I'm joining the following parties this week:

Tea Time Tuesday

Tuesday Cuppa Tea

  Tea in the Garden
Tea Cup Tuesday
Mosaic Monday