I have wanted to visit the Ritz Paris for afternoon tea for quite some time now, so I was delighted when my husband surprised me with a reservation for my birthday. If you have followed me for a while now, you'll know that not only am I obsessed with Afternoon tea but with my favorite city too, Paris! 

Despite visiting Paris frequently over the last few years we have never actually visited The Ritz Paris before. For the last few years it has been undergoing renovations, so I was really excited to see it in all of its renovated glory. After all, if it was good enough for Coco...

Incredibly regal and traditional in its styling, it definitely sets itself apart from its competition from other hotels of its caliber in Paris. Iconic royal blue upholstery dominates the hallways, with delicate pink ranunculas florals softening the ascetic.   

We were shown to our table Salon proust for tea time 

Unlike most afternoon tea's we have experienced, there is no savory course here, its straight into the sweet stuff... much to my husbands absolute delight. 

We selected our teas with help from the Tea sommelier. For le homme, The ritz -Signature tea Ripe berries lend a malted sweetness to this blend of black teas, which is fragrant with notes of vanilla and warm spices. 
For myself, Vervienne -Slightly lemony with relaxing and digestive properties.

It all start's with an amuse bouche (again another afternoon tea first) 
A tiny Madeleine (remember, Salon Proust!) with some creamy milk poured over.

Sponge fingers, tuile cigarettes, florentines, sugar tarts and buns with cocoa nibs and chocolate chips followed 

​How cute are these iconic Ritz teddy bear biscuits!

And just when we began to worry that we were going to appear incredibly wasteful and not managing to finish such wonderful treats, we were asked if wed like to take the remaining biscuits and cakes with us. Well, who in their right mind would turn down a doggy bag from the Ritz! 

To add the icing to the cake, the lovely staff at the Ritz presented me with this gorgeous birthday treat. Now I really was feeling very spoilt

Isn't it all just too beautiful!?

Belle 
Xx

Christmas to me is about celebrating with friends and making time to appreciate each other. So we get some of our favorites together, and have a Christmas soiree. This year we hosted an afternoon tea. 

I created a winter whites table tablescape with a touch of gold, which I an change up a little to become the Christmas day tablescape.
As it was Christmas week, I added in fresh roses to the chandelier (They are in oasis foam so they will stay fresh for a few days)  and I also add fresh roses into some of the glass balls hanging from the chandelier with fishing wire or nylon thread. I also added in some sparkly snowflakes to cement the Christmas theme. 

I kept the floral's white and cream with lots of green foliage. I used Ecuador roses in polar white and vendela along with amaryllis and cream spray roses. For the bottom vases I grouped white chrysanthemums together.  

For the table setting, I use my white tea set (as its neutral, its a great set to have as can be used with almost anything). 

We served finger sandwiches in a variety of fillings. Turkey and cranberry, cheese and chutney, roast beef and cream cheese and cucumber. We also found mini goats cheese and cranberry parcels and the cutest festive sausage rolls.  If your making sandwiches the ahead of time, keep them sealed in Tupperware and refrigerated.
For sweet treats we served mini mince pies, stolen bites, gingerbread cookies and cupcakes and Bavarian desserts. 

And of course it wouldn't be Christmas without Christmas cake.

Are you planning any holiday partys? Id love to hear all about them in the comments below

Belle
Xx

For more Christmas inspiration see HERE and HERE 

During our festive trip to Edinburgh, we stopped by The Balmoral hotel for afternoon tea at the Palm court 

I think this afternoon tea gets the award for the sparkly est afternooon tea iv ever been too. The palm court is absolutely beautiful, and as its Christmas its dressed to its very best.   

I was delighted when we were shown to our table and saw the sparkly backdrop. I am all about the sparkle, especially at Christmas time. It was almost as glittering as the glass dome and Venetian chandelier hanging above 

And than we were served a divine selection of sandwiches and savoury's along with fresh out of the oven scones served with clotted cream and Jam 

And than came the handmade pasties from the pastry chef. Each one as delicious as it looked. The addition of a super cute ice cream cone shaped treat was the icing on the cake. 

Such a lovely festive treat, and the perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon 

Belle 
​Xo