a diamond jubilee tea party

This June, the Queen of England celebrates 60 years as Monarch and Head of the Commonwealth. To mark the Diamond Jubilee, a number of show-stopping events took  place in London and abroad over the Central Weekend from June 2-5.  
  

And there is no more fitting way to mark Her Majesty’s 60 years on the throne than the quintessentially British culinary experience of afternoon tea.  
  
I was one of thousands who celebrated the Queen's Diamond Jubilee state-side at a Diamond Jubilee Tea Party hosted by another entertaining enthusiast, Jennifer. I thought it would be fun to share a few details about her tea party with you.  So please join me . . . 
  

Jennifer's courtyard welcomed guests with a table hosting an array of memorabilia dedicated to Her Majesty. My favorite piece was the beautiful black hat adorned with diamonds . . . so appropriate for the occasion.  

  

~ I simply love the pin "Queen Mom" ~

    

Did you know that when the Queen is at Buckingham Palace, she likes to be in her suite by 5pm to be served a spread of scones, sandwiches, and cakes? Although her ordinary subjects may not always have time to do the same, the tea party tradition that swept into fashion in the 19th century is making a comeback . . . and Jennifer's tea party captured just that . . . 

good company

beautiful hats

linens

china

petite delights 

. . . and tea, of course

The menu featured a variety of delights most appropriate for an afternoon tea. Along with her menu, she served a special Queen's Diamond Jubilee blend of tea from beautiful antique tea pots. A glass of sparking cider with floating raspberries awaited each guest at their place setting as well.  

I'm a fan of details, and appreciate the time Jennifer spent  

when setting the tables for her tea party.

~ Fun fact ~   

Keep Calm and Carry On   

was a poster produced by the British government in 1939  

 during the beginning of the Second World War,  

  intended to raise the morale of the British public in the event of invasion.

~ I'm smitten with these beverage napkins! ~

~ Queen's Crown sugar cookies ~

Good food and good company seem to be at the top of most people’s lists, and the Diamond Jubilee is the perfect time to enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea with the people closest to you – and perhaps meet some of your neighbors and build community links over some delicious cake and tea or lemonade. 

For me, I am grateful for the opportunity to meet such a wonderful group of women. 

Thank you for the invitation, Jennifer! 

I had a wonderful time!