Isadora Reiko at Tea

Isadora Reiko at Tea (2), originally uploaded by confections.

The Blythe dollies went to tea at Tea-upon-Chatsworth for the first time on Saturday and they had a most enjoyable time. Isadora Reiko (Frosty Frock) was joined by her cousin Mademoiselle Rosebud, and they indulged in the following incomparable High Tea:


Summer Tea Menu

Baked Brie with Cherry-Peach Compote
Roasted Vegetables & Cheese Strata
Sweet Onion Chicken & Mint Chiffonade Tea Sandwich
Artichoke Provencal Tart
Fire-Roasted Pepper & Cheddar on Raisin Tea Sandwich
Apples & Oranges Tea Sandwich
Chatsworth Scone & Cream with Rose Petal Jam
Watermelon Gazpacho
Wedding Tea Cake
Lemon Basil Square
Mocha-Almond Torte

Paris and Apricot Teas

Bird's Eye View of Tea Table

Bird's Eye View of Tea Table, originally uploaded by confections.

It's been a while since I took you all along on a tea date. And high time I scheduled another one! Here are some recent photos of a holiday high tea at my favorite tea shop (and San Diego's favorite one, too), Tea-upon-Chatsworth.

The three-level server that Joy or Carol brings to the table is a delight to the eye and the taste buds. The bottom tier typically contains warm savories and tea sandwiches of the most delectable sort; the middle tier has scones and fruit; the top tier has more sumptuous sweets.

The pots of tea just flow! My current favorite is Apricot, complete with pieces of fruit mixed in with the flavored black tea, and a close second is Paris, with a hint of vanilla.


"Each cup of tea represents an imaginary voyage."

♥ Catherine Douzel

Vintage Effanbee Doll 3/4 View

Vintage Effanbee Doll 3/4 View, originally uploaded by confections.

My 5-year-old niece and I found this forlorn-looking vintage Effanbee doll last month at the Salvation Army Thrift Store. We had been to tea earlier in the day, and Grace had brought her American Girl doll, Elizabeth, along to the festivities. When we entered the thrift shop, she made a beeline to a group of dolls which included this well-loved charmer.

I did a little research about the doll and it seems she was made circa 1913 to 1917. She's a nonogenarian! I love the little strand of beads around her neck. Someone loved her and decked her out in her time. I'm going to make her a little calico dress soon and take her along to the next tea party. I'm sure she's been the guest of honor at many such gatherings in the past.