Anyone for Tea?

Delicate treats were displayed with care at the mother-daughter tea, including assorted mini tea cakes topped with candied African violets.

Fresh blackberries were served with a side of cream.

Fancy finger sandwiches including smoked salmon “fleurettes” were served on traditional green Majolica, provided by Rose Roberts Interior Design.

Traditional currant scones with double devon cream, strawberry jam & lemon curd were served with fresh fruit.

The perfect setting for afternoon tea is the Fleur-de-Lys Mansion. Bearing the symbol of St. Louis, the historic home has been beautifully restored by owners Jan and Dave Seifert. The Tudor Revival envelops visitors with the genteel elegance of another era. Its grand presence hints of white-gloved ladies and parasols, although Jan says with a chuckle, “There’s not a Victorian bone in my body!”

Even without the benefit of Victorian insight, the lady of this house exudes the same grace and welcoming spirit as her award-winning bed-and-breakfast. Opened in the spring of last year, it has been described by visitors as “heaven on earth,” making it an enchanting locale for a polished tea party hosted by three generations – Mary Cox, Sarah Rice and granddaughter Olivia.

Personal chef Dawn Landes, owner of Dinner Belle, was invited to create a memorable, delectable menu. Dawn prepared an exquisite repast that began with fresh blackberries and cream. Her culinary training (including a course of study in the South of France) was beautifully evident in the currant scones, smoked salmon “fleurettes” and white chocolate mousse tarts that followed.
Rose Roberts, ASID, owner of Rose Roberts Interior Design Inc., fashioned the elegant table settings, mixing traditional green Majolica china with unique pieces, including a Portuguese platter in a hard-to-find shade of soft yellow. She fashioned the graceful floral arrangements from tea-party-perfect gerbera daisies and long-stemmed yellow roses. “It’s all about creating a life-long memory, and all the details add a personalized touch to any occasion or holiday gathering,” says Rose.

“It’s so important to bring in the younger generation and pass on the tradition of entertaining,” says Mary. Even for the most casual of occasions, consider using your best linens and china, as you would for a more formal gathering.” Daughter Sarah admits, “A mother-daughter tea allowed us to host a party with beautifully set tables and artistically presented food in a wonderful setting. It was a picture-perfect day for an afternoon tea with one divine treat after another.”

“It’s all just too pretty to eat!” declared Olivia, the youngest of the generations, who was clearly enchanted by the colorful and tempting offerings. Her delighted observation echoed Dawn’s conviction that “you eat first with your eyes.” This credo applies especially to the visual surprises prepared by Dawn – like the candied African violets she crafts by hand, painting each tiny flower with pasteurized egg whites and sprinkling with sugar. The organically grown petite flowers offered a charming accent for the edible treats and provided the “something lavender” suggested by Jan, who has an eye for magical details.

Jan recruited Dawn as the in-house chef even before the property was purchased. Introduced by their husbands, the two gourmets share a love of cooking that is appreciated by their guests. (More than one visitor has swooned over almost-famous caramelized French toast and strawberries on the breakfast menu at the Fleur-de-Lys.) The sumptuous tea party buffet also featured delicate cucumber sandwiches and the perfect finish – strawberries stuffed with ganache.

Author Henry James may have described it as “an agreeable hour,” but young Olivia summed it up with simple eloquence, “It was fun!”

Tea Party Tips
Inspired to host a tea party of your own? These tips from Dawn Landes, owner of Dinner Belle, will make your tea party picture-perfect:
•    Make it festive – Encourage your guests to come dressed in their Sunday finest.
•    Be creative – Don’t own any tiered serving pieces? Stack plates on vases or bowls for layered presentations. 
•    Bring out your best – A tea party is the perfect opportunity to enjoy your good china!
•    Enjoy the theme – Arrange flowers in a teapot.
•    Surprise your guests – Create personalized place cards that double as parting gifts.

Try these teas at your own celebration (Recommendations from the London Tea Room, 1520 Washington Ave., 314-241-6556, www.thelondontearoom.com):
•    English Breakfast – A classic black tea.
•    Plumberry White – A white tea blended with succulent plum and wild forest berries.
•    Earl Green – A green tea with the bergamot influence of Earl Grey.
•    Organic Tangerine Ginger – Juicy, sweet and a little spicy.

Mother-Daughter Tea Party Menu •    Fresh Blackberries & Cream •    Traditional Currant Scones with Double Devon Cream, Strawberry Jam & Lemon Curd •    Smoked Salmon “Fleurettes” with Ginger-Lime Cilantro Butter •    Cucumber Tea Sandwiches with Sun-Dried Tomato & Chive Crème Fraiche •    Crab & Shrimp Deviled Egg Salad Tartlets •    Assorted Mini Tea Cakes: Lemon, Chocolate & Almond •    Fresh Fruit & White Chocolate Mousse Tarts •    Chocolate-Ganache-Stuffed Strawberries

Personal Chef Dawn Landes, the Fleur de Lys Mansion