Tag Archives: christmas

One of the coolest things I got to do on my recent trip to Charlotte, NC was going to Christmas Tea at the Ballantyne Hotel with my college roommate Rebecca.

Had to do a quick selfie with my pretty dress and my festive flower crown on; you can’t see it here obviously, but I am also wearing a really kick ass pair of peep-toe booties from Poetic License. I’ve had them for years, but I hardly ever get the chance to wear them. The Ballantyne was holiday perfection, rich elegant seasonal pieces adorned most every surface, and the tea room, right off the lobby, was perfectly appointed yet cozy and inviting. While perusing the tea selection, we were offered celebratory class of cranberry accented champagne.  I’ve been to plenty of afternoon teas of all shapes and sizes, and there has been some really great food, but this was without a doubt the best afternoon tea spread I’ve ever encountered. Everything we ate was delicious and left me wishing for just one more piece. Since there were two holiday inspired teas in addition to their usual offerings, we each selected one to try. Rebecca went with the cranberry tea, and I had the Christmas spice blend. Just to say we tried everything, we each sampled a cup of the other’s brew; the cranberry was poppy and wonderfully fruity, but it couldn’t hold a candle to spice blend. The only thing I can say to describe the spice blend was that is tasted like Christmas. It was dark, with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg with just a hint of citrus. I would drink it for the entire month of December, from now til forever if I could. I think this is how most people feel about the PSL. Oh yeah, and there was a harp player playing classics and Christmas carols. A. HARP. PLAYER. Does it get any fancier than that?

After finishing our tea, we took a leisurely stroll around the hotel to enjoy the decorations and check out the Gingerbread Lane contest they do every year. Meh on the gingerbread houses, but we decided that at least one of Rebecca’s daughters needed to get married there. Also, that she would need to start saving for that now.