Saturday, March 21, 2009

Tea at the Ritz...an obviously "Prissy Day"!

It was 75 degrees and another beautiful day in South Florida. Tea at the Ritz. On the beach...in Naples...it was obviously a "Prissy Day" y'all!

The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, Florida

Here's "What I Was Wearing"...
A simple black skirt from Talbot's, a green shantung silk blouse from who-knows-where (definitely from a Southern store though), my pearls, and a cute petite Ferragamo pocketbook.

I love this little Ferragamo pocketbook...it doesn't hold much...but it's tres cute!

My trusty Ferragamo pumps (I promise I do have other shoes y'all...), gold Rolex watch, pearl earrings and bracelet, and my Cartier wedding band.Let's go inside for tea...in the Lobby Lounge of the Ritz. Needless to say, everything is beautifully appointed down to the last detail! Afternoon Tea at the Ritz-Carlton is a ritual steeped in tradition since the hotel opened in 1985. Tea is served using fine Wedgewood china, decorated in the delicate "India" pattern. Every detail of the service and its presentation is attended to with the utmost care to ensure that each experience at the Ritz becomes a treasured memory.
Of course, there was a pianist playing soft music on the baby grand...just perfect for Afternoon Tea. Now y'all know this gentleman never tires of watching all the prissy ladies strolling through the Lobby of the Ritz!


The simple, yet elegant tablesetting. Notice the crisp white linens, and that the cup handle is placed in the 4 o'clock position and the fold of the napkin is closest to the plate.
I chose to take the Traditional Tea Service, which consisted of freshly steeped loose leaf tea and a selection of dainty tea sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and fruit tartlets and pastries. Two teas were served whith this service--the very professional server Dominique suggested the Vanilla Rooibos and I chose the Thunderbolt Darjeeling. The Rooibos is a caffeine-free herbal infusion, not a tea. The vanilla beans gave the rooibos just the right sweet taste. The Darjeeling (champagne of teas) was a very brisk tea with a hint of muscatel. Here's the tiered tea tray with all the goodies...just for Miss Janice! While enjoying my tea, I practiced every dining etiquette rule I've ever known and I must say, it was so nice to be surrounded by others who were doing the same! It goes without saying...there were no pinkies raised in this place!
The Ritz even has their own logo of the lion and crown on the tea tray!
Sugar cubes, a must for Afternoon tea...
Devonshire cream and fruit preserves were served with the scones and although I did not taste the preserves...aren't the little containers just too cute!
Now y'all know I simply must award the Ritz-Carlton "Five Silver Spoons." Thank you to the waitstaff for your impeccable customer service!


Congratulations to the Ritz-Carlton, Naples, Florida...

Miss Janice's "Five Silver Spoons" Award

If you are ever in Naples, Florida, please Make it Memorable and phone up a reservation for Afternoon Tea at the Ritz. Afternoon Tea is served in the Lobby Lounge from 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. at the Ritz-Carlton, 280 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples, Florida--or visit the Ritz online here.

Thank you so much for stopping by today...remember to "Take Time for Tea"!

39 comments:

Lou Lou said...

That just looks lovely! I enjoy vicariously living through your experiences via blog! :)

Sue said...

Oh, I love the Ritz-Naples. Wish I could join you there, it is snowing here in Michigan....Love your outfit, perfect for Tea at the Ritz.

Anonymous said...

That is the first time I have heard Darjeeling referred to as the 'Champagne of Teas' - you are so right! I love first flush leaves - still green, wonderful! Have you tried Ridgeways 'Her Majesty's Blend' - it is LOVELY - my tea of the moment! You must try it!

Carol said...

How lovely! So glad you got to enjoy tea at the Ritz!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

What a fabulous tea at the Ritz. Your outfit for the occassion was stunning as well as the wonder tablesetting and menu. Just lovely. Hugs, Marty

Anonymous said...

Ms.Janice,I would so love to go to tea with you.You are the total idealic image of a real southern lady.
I have a question.What did you mean when you said,no pinkies up in here?Thank you...Ann

Her Preppiness said...

Tres magnifique!!!! glad that you enjoyed it

Miss Janice said...

Ann,
It's considered an affectation to raise one's pinky while holding a teacup...like you are "putting on airs" and acting uppity...kinda gangster-ish also!

Suzanne said...

It looks lovely, thank you for sharing.

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

It all looks lovely! A most delightful visit to the Ritz. Thank you for guiding us on the tea tour.

^..^Corgidogmama said...

May I be you, or at least shrinkie-dink down to be able to ride along in your pocket?
I would give you the 5-spoon award for that lovely outfit you wore!

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

Delightful! I agree with Lou Lou...this living vicariously is pretty fun! :-)

Anonymous said...

Thank you Ms Janice.I will have to watch it,my pinkie just automatically goes up.oops!...Ann

Southern Savvy said...

Welcome to my part of FL Miss Janice! Hope y'all are enjoying your stay! Looks like you had a wonderful time at the Ritz. Now, what I want to know is if the Naples hoity toity crowd gave you any strange looks for all of the pictures you were taking? ;)

Bo said...

Aha, Miss Janice...I've learned something else from you...the cup handle should be placed at 4:00...
I'll bet you were the loveliest lady there that day... ;-) Bo

Teresa Jane said...

What I know about you that all your blogging friends might not is that you take tea and dine alone a lot and always take your camera. Believe me if when I've gone to tea with Miss Janice I always feel like I'm doing something wrong. Hmmm-mm do I care. Uh...not really. Ha! You do know girlfriend that your hubby and I do it on purpose sometimes just to get a rise out of Miss Priss.
Love ya mean it,
BFF - Teresa Jane

Tootsie said...

wow!!!! this is super!!! thanks for sharing

Blondie's Journal said...

Miss Janice,

I look forward to having tea at the Ritz Carlton in Naples someday soon. As you may know, my son spent the winter in Naples as a Professional Golf Instuctor at Twin Oaks Country Club. We visited over Christmas and had a wonderful time. He is now back in Chicago for the summer and we are so happy to have him back. I do hope that he is positioned back in Naples this fall as we had such a great time visiting!

Thank you for a wonderful post as always!

xoxo
Jane

"Blossom" said...

Our niece leaves in Naples; I will have to have her to take us there when we vist her this year. What a lovely outfit and I hope you enjoyed your self.

Tardevil said...

Looks like a fun day!

Christine said...

I want to put on a Tea Party. Can you suggest or show us beginners how and where to begin?
Didn't know about the napkin or teacup handle, either.

Christine

Kathy's Red Door Welcome said...

There is something so elegant about having tea at the Ritz! You must have looked gorgeous in your party clothes.

Nanette said...

What a fun outing. It is always such a pleasure to get pampered for just a little while. My little companion and I were having the "pinkie" discussion just the other day. I may have some more convincing to do on that score, not sure if she totally believes me yet that it is not princess-like to raise your pinkie! Ha
Valerie

PAT said...

Wonderful post, Miss Janice!

Susan @ The Good Life! said...

I loved going there with you! That was excellent fun! Thank you!

Sit A Spell said...

Looks like you had a lovely time at afternoon tea...a favorite of mine! Did the Rooibos make you sleepy? I also enjoy a good cup of Darjeeling tea...with milk please. I am always interested in the type of scone places serve...what did The Ritz serve? OH, love your green top!

Thanks for sharing your afternoon with us...Shell

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

I know I told you that I lived in Naples for years. I always went to Brambles for tea and never the Ritz! Now I see what I was missing!

Designs on 47th Street said...

What a fun time you must have had. sigh.... nice experience. I really enjoyed looking at your outfit. It was really pretty.

Miss Janice, how are you enjoying living in Florida by now? Does it seem like home?

Melissa Miller said...

How beautiful!
What a lovely way to spend an afternoon.

Miss Janice you are so in style with your gorgeous clothing.
Love the purse.

Happy Spring to you!
~Melissa :)

Kara said...

I just spent the weekend scrapbooking an album of all my "tea parties" with you., and I have missed this experience. I hope you enjoyed it double for me.,
What fun and how elegant..Tres Chic!

playsdolls said...

What a wonderful Tea Party,and I adore your outfit,it was quite prissy.You always have such wonderful Tea Parties.

Miss Janice said...

Christine,
All of my January 2009 posts were devoted planning a tea event and the Etiquette of Afternoon Tea:)

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

OOOO! How pretty! It sounds lilke such a lovely afternon. Love that shirt you wore. laurie

Prim Rose Hill ©2008-2020 said...

Dear Miss Janice,
I enjoyed seeing tea at the Ritz! What a dream! Maybe one day I will be as fortunate. Until then, I do enjoy your blog so much. Hope you have a wonderful week!
Hugs,
Sheri

Princess Freckles said...

My father lives in Olde Naples! I LOVE it there and the Ritz is just the best. My close friend and her husband are actually staying there this week! My fiance and I are spending part of our honeymoon there, we will have to attend tea!

Preppy Pink Crocodile said...

I love your photos!! Everything is so beautiful- from your outfit to the amazing tea service!

Marilyn *Pink Martinis and Pearls* said...

I love your posts Miss J and your jewelry vignettes! Very original, clever and artistic. To quote Rupert Everett in My Best Friend's Wedding, "Love the bag, love the shoes, love everything". :)

Suzanne said...

Ohhhh Miss Janice. I can't believe you were in my neighborhood and I missed seeing you, again! See, if i went to tea at the Ritz more often, I might have run into you:-) I'm sure you were the most beautiful and gracious lady there...even snapping pictures for your "scrapbook".
Smiles, Suzanne

Belle (from Life of a...) said...

A Prissy Day sounds delightful. I need to plan one soon!