The Things I Love...for tea

Last week I went to tea with my mom, sister, and aunt to The Things I Love in Manassas, Virginia. The Things I Love is a wonderful home décor and gift shop.  My favorite time to visit the store is Christmas time, when the owner, Joanne, transforms it into a winter wonderland with dozens of themed Christmas trees.  A couple of years ago she started serving tea in the garden room area in the back of the shop off the patio.

Here is a picture of the garden tearoom:

Here is a view of the room facing towards the rest of the store.  There is a wrought iron gate separating the tearoom from the rest of the store--it makes you feel like you are crossing over into a separate room.

Each place setting had a teacup in a different pattern with a clear glass plate.  I thought that was a great idea to be able to use all the different beautiful teacups.

(this one was mine.  It was really pretty, but very difficult to drink from--the flower at the top was right where I wanted to drink from.  I thought about switching the cup to my left side and drinking with my left hand).

The tea was a Summer Blend by Tea for All Reasons.  It was delicious!

Here is the entire place setting:

A favor was at each place setting as well.  In the pretty bag was this bracelet:

As you can see, the presentation was wonderful.  We snacked on our fruit cups while we waited for the first course.  Here is the menu:





First, our waitress brought out the creamy tomato basil soup:

(Delicious!)

Then she brought out the plates for three tier stand waiting on the table.

I really need to work on adding garnishes to my three tier stand--so pretty!

First the sandwiches:

(pimento on crostini, cucumber flower sandwiches, deviled eggs, and ham and swiss on a potato roll, kabobs with mozzarella and tomatoes)

Then scones:

(cranberry orange, with cherries)

Dessert:

(lemon pound cake with strawberries, chocolate almond bark, and lemon squares)



This was probably one of the best tearoom experiences I have ever had.  The food was delicious and beautifully presented.  After eating, we enjoyed walking around the shop checking out some of the great merchandise. 

I'm joining these tea parties this week:

 Tea Time Tuesday at Rose Chintz Cottage

 Bernideen's Tea in the Garden

 Tea Cup Tuesday ~ http://www.marthasfavorites.com/
Tuesday Cuppa Tea~ http://www.antiquesandteacups.info/