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Monday, October 30, 2017

Plenty of Pumpkins!


A few weeks ago I shared with you my mom's 
glass pumpkin collection. That was just the tip of the iceberg! Here are the rest of her fabulous pumpkins. She has tureens, 

 stained glass, alabaster, 

 a little candle nestled in a bird's nest, 

 copper, brass, pewter, 



carved cinnabar, 

linen, 

 wooden pumpkins  and dried gourds, 

vines, 

 and lots of ceramic!

 My favorite is her hutch full of french Quimper and assorted small pumpkins.





 And of course she has some "real" pumpkins and gourds peeking out the front window. 


  
What are your favorite pumpkins to collect?

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Monday, October 23, 2017

High Tea at the Grand America


Have you ever treated yourself to High Tea? This month was my mother's 85th birthday and my sister-in-law suggested we treat her to afternoon tea at the Grand America hotel in Salt Lake City. What fun! 

The lobby of the hotel was warm and inviting with a fire blazing and comfy chairs arranged in small groups around beautifully set tables. A harpist was playing soft music.

Strawberries with Chantilly cream was at each place setting with a menu of beverage selections. They offer several varieties of green, black and herbal teas plus four different flavors of hot chocolate. The almond coconut hot chocolate was to die for! 


Have you ever seen a hot water flower bloom?  Our server placed one of these brown pod looking things into a wine glass and then poured hot water over it. In a few minutes it bloomed into...

this! It's a green jasmine tea.

Then came the scones and finger sandwiches served with raspberry jam,  lemon curd and clotted cream.

Each sandwich was a little savory morsel of roasted meats, vegetables and cheeses.

Before the dessert course everyone who was celebrating a birthday was brought a special plate with chocolates and the largest rose bud I have ever seen.

Now for the sweet treats!

There was an assortment of  tarts, madeleines, macarons, and shortbread cookies and a
 little cup of chocolate ganache.


The staff was top notch and brought out a special plate for my sister who is gluten intolerant.

It was such a delightful way to spend an afternoon and as wonderful as all of the treats were the best part was relaxing and spending time with family!

I highly recommend tea at the Grand America or find which hotels or tea shops in your area offer High Tea. It's a lovely way to celebrate a special occasion.

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