WIGZ Garden Party 2010

Being American, the closest I’ve ever come to attending a Proper English Tea Party was by visualizing the Boston Tea Party in high school history class. Sad, I know. So when I heard murmurs of big froufy hats, Pimms and scrumptious lady snacks, I eagerly awaited my facebook invitation. ‘Click’ – I’m attending.

The day of the party couldn’t come quickly enough for me and when I arrived to a room full of floral-print dresses and perfect high heels, I knew my anticipation was justified. (Fascinators were also on the list of appropriate high tea attire, but since I still have no clue what those are, I cannot attest to anyone actually wearing them, but I’m sure they were lovely.)  I was greeted into Anita’s home with a glass full of Pimms which I can fully describe with three words; tasty, girly and dangerous. After one…..okay two glasses of Pimms, all of the ladies meandered into the wonderfully decorated backyard. Fragrant lilacs, meticulously arranged table settings and the roar of chatter filled the space. Hurray, my first English Tea Party, I thought to myself.

When we sat, the ladies brought out a dainty tray full of treats, and then another tray…and then another. Oh wow, I wished that I wouldn’t have had that big bowl of cereal for breakfast –I NEED to try it all! We all started with the savories at our table – mini quiches, mini sandwiches, mini sausage rolls and mini vegetarian choices all perfectly prepared and delicate.  Then onto the sweets – there were so many to name, but amongst my favorites were the scones with clotted cream and lemon curd, the decadent toffee treat covered in chocolate and the débuted mini cake with rose filling and sugared lilac garnish.  If you’re thinking that this all sounds luxurious and delicious, you’re right, it was.  I can only imagine the time and energy put into this affair by the dynamic duo Michaela Pizzey and Carol Wattel, founders of the company Two4Tea, along with Carol’s lovely daughter and assistant, Annalicea.

So thank you WIGZ for organizing this event so that I could experience this very English tradition and thank you Anita for opening your home. I left with a smile on my face and a belly full of treats because, yes, I did try every little bite.

Rachel Schwallier

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