Saturday, December 12, 2009

Une Fête de Thé de Noël and a Crown Give-away

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Entrez Mesdames et Messieurs into the Grand Lobby of La Maison de Thé



where your path will be lit by the finest of chandeliers, dripping with delicate morsels of mesmerizing wonderment





that will lead you to the most opulent of tea rooms of your choice





or to more relaxed and casual salles that gently beckon you to listen to the silence in cool backdrops of winter white





while you delicately sip your tea from sweet little cups made of fine china.



On your way to your table, there are looking glasses to peak into



to see if your feathers are on straight.



If your have forgotten your gloves



no worry; along the way there are little dresser drawers filled with lovely last minute accessories to complete your ensemble.











If you want to be fresh for the festivities, stop by one of the chambres et faites une sieste.



When you arrive at your table, you will have your choice of fine teas



or Chocolat Africain, one of Paris' best decadent wonders. African hot chocolate is everyone's top pick, but hot white chocolate is available as well, which is served with chocolate whipped cream and is just as unforgettable. Whatever your choice, the beverage of the gods arrives at your table in a generous pitcher of the highest quality chocolate melted into a silken cream, rich and heavy enough to be eaten like pudding with a spoon.



Save room however, for the pièce de resistance.



What makes this little cake a wonder is the first bite through the flaky outside layer, which if made properly, is chewy and dense. The treasure inside of a cannelé should lightly reveal a moist, golden miette, like the inside of a fresh bread pudding that you can excavate with a delicate little spoon.



After you have had your fill, come with me around the Christmas tree



and become a child again



and dream. It was lovely having tea with you, but before you dance off my dear queens



stop and take a Tea Trivia quiz to enter my Christmas Give-Away.

What was the former name of Audrey Hepburn's favorite Paris tea salon now known as Angelina's?



Was it:

a. Le Stübli
b. Carette
c. Rumpelmayers
d. La Charlotte de L'isle

Choose one answer when you comment. If you answer correctly, you will be eligible for the drawing. I will draw a name on Thursday, December 24, Christmas Eve and will post the winner. The winner will receive a miniature metal crown specially embellished by moi.



A la prochaine mes amies et Bonne Fête!

51 comments:

A Bit of the Blarney said...

I had such a grand time this visit! I feel I have rested in the lap of decadence!

I choose Rumpelmayers only because I have no real idea and I can pronounce it. I know no French.

Thanks for this little journey! Cathy

Marie said...

It's quite a shame I love food so much. Really. I loved all the pictures posted but when I read "flaky outside layer, which if made properly, is chewy and dense. The treasure inside of a cannelé should lightly reveal a moist, golden miette, like the inside of a fresh bread pudding", I nearly jumped out of my chair to run to the kitchen and eat....anything!

Merry Christmas to you and your amazing husband. God Bless.
Elizabeth

The Dutchess said...

Simply grand....marvelous and enchanting...thank you dearest..

The Dutchess said...

And I believe its Rumpelmayers.. a very funny name..:))
Like Heinzelmann..I don't know why Rumpelmayer reminds me of Heinzelmanchen...o..I do..rumpelstiltskin...I believe he was a heinzelmann drinking tea at Rumpelmayers..In some regions, kobolds are known by local name of the Heinzelmännchen..a little Gnome told me..;)

BonjourRomance said...

Oh thank you for this lovely Fête de Thé de NoËl. I'll need to take a bit of a nap on that glorious bed after indulging in all that African hot chocolat - my favorite. In fact, I've been drinking so much of the stuff I'm not certain I'll squeeze into my Christmas dress!
Seriously, I wish you and your family a lovely Christmas.

desde my ventana said...

Ma chère:
Votre histoire est vraiment charmante et les images adorables.Vous avez bien travaillé,elle est un présent de Noël pour nous....merci bien.

Angelina , le plus célèbre salon de thé parisien aujourd'hui est , je crois, le même salon fréquenté pendant la Belle Époque par Mademoiselle Chanel et Monsieur Proust: le Rumpelmeyers.Il faudra donc attendre le réveillon de Noël pour savoir......

Feliz fin de semana,

DMV

The Dutchess said...

And there is a star heading your way dearest...I believe seven to be correct...:)

Such a Wondrous Place this Faery Space said...

I feel enchanted. That was beautiful. Blessings.

The Victorian Parlor said...

What a lovely visit! I so enjoyed the tea and desserts:). You have really outdone yourself this time:)! The chandeliers are a delight, the rooms divine, and the company is the best!

Blessings,

Kim

KeKe said...

Anita, what a lovely post. And, being a fan of Audrey Heprburn I too will go with the answer Rumpelmayers~Audrey and CoCo Channel are known to have frequented it, thus making it popular.

KeKe said...

P.s. Your little crowns are adorable!!!!

Tristan Robin said...

as always, a fab post!

let's get business out of the way first: Rumpelmayer's of course!!!! Those miniature crowns are just exquisite!!!

Is that enchanting Cinderella theatre one of yours? It's just wondrous - so magical and detailed and beautifully crafted.

Speaking of beautifully crafted, I adore those cups with the Edwardian couple on them. Very dignified, aren't they?

Can we put one of those chandeliers in the room with that lavish day bed? Then I can take a nap and feel I've lived a complete life!

Happy happy holidays to you - and thanks for the extravagant post!

julie said...

How absolutely beautiful. i love the chandeliers of course and the globes are so pretty. Of course you would wear gloves. All very decdent.
I think the name of the tea room was Rumpelmayers. Have a great weekend...julie

Bunnym said...

I will say "C" and I just love chandeliers...My MIL has one in her dining room and I actually wanted one too but I think they are a little too much for me. Where do you find your images? Anita Wonderful as always...love bunny

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Dear Anita
I hope I am not late! I was
looking for Jasper’s bow tie.
~smile~
When I entered the grand lobby the chandeliers took my breath away! It was truly mesmerizing…and the tapestries on the walls in the tea room! Oh Anita, so difficult to make a choice. I checked my hat in the mirror, I am wearing a beautiful white hat with a soft rose colored feather, and yes, my feather is straight. I have borrowed the beautiful white lace gloves and will return them on the way out. I stopped in to see the chambers et faites une sieste, but how could I rest now with all the excitement! I decided to take a seat at the ~winter white~ and rest my feet on the beautiful rose patterned rug.. The tea and cake was perfection! Chocolat africain was my choice. What a joy is was to sit with you under this magnificent tree! It was such a pleasure to have tea with you and your dear friends.. Thank you for inviting us. How I loved Audrey Hepburn… I had no idea what her favorite tea salon was, or that it had a former name, so I will just go with Rumpelmayers. I have replaced your gloves.. Thank you so much for inviting us to such a ~lovely tea~ Jasper was such a good boy.

Merry Christmas Anita!
Loving thoughts,
Penny

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

Oh Sweet Anita....EVERYTHING just toooo yummm-o! I adore the chandeliers...one of these years I WILL own one for my very own! And, those gloves with the little half-bow? How beautiful. I would wear those in a heartbeat if ladies still wore gloves? Why don't we? My hands could use a nice little cover-up!....They were fabulous, weren't they? A simple little black dress and white gloves.....it just couldn't get any better. You always take us on the best little trips....

Now, I do believe it's Rumpelmeyers........ ;-)

Huggies and Lovies Dear one...

xoxoxo
S

claudie said...

WOW that was beautiful Anita. You have a way with story, and photo's that amazes me to no end. You are such a splendid writer. I'm so happy to call you my friend...mon amie...
I usually do not enter give a ways, but something from you dear friend would be an honour.
Merry Christmas from Canada
Love Claudie
xoxoxoxo

My Feathered Nest said...

I so enjoyed scrolling through your blog posts. I am pretty new to blogging and have started my own and invite you to visit sometime. I love Audrey also and the correct answer is Rumpelmayers. Happy Holidays! hugs from Andrea at
My Feathered Nest

Fete et Fleur said...

Where do you find these amzing photos? Your posts are GORGEOUS, my dear.

I know what the name is, but I will refrain as I am family.

Blessings to you and Mr. B. Wishing you a magical Christmas!!

xoxo
Nancy

Anonymous said...

Ah, you weave such a magnificent scenario, always so enchanting and I just adore visiting - thank you!

And... the answer to the question is c. Rumpelmayers.
Enjoy a wonderful week!
♥Sharon

Rita said...

My dear friend Anita, thanks for stopping by and inviting me over for tea.
I was truly looking forward to your next post and I've enjoyed your magic tour from beginning to end. thank you so much for the royal treatment - you did make me feel like a queen surrounded by all that grandeur.
Thank you for being the wonderful person you are. having gotten to know you thru your amazing blog really means a lot to me and your immense kindness and loving heart are very precious.
I guess the answer is Rumpelmeyers. Hope i got it right.
have a blessed Sunday and a wonderful holiday season.
XOXOXO
Rita

deb famularo said...

Bonjour dear amie,
What beautiful photographs! As for your trivia, my answer would be C. Rumpelmayers!I would love to go there one day and experience their hot chocolate! I'll keep dreaming!!!!
Have a wonderful Christmas week, lots of love, deb xOxO

Woolytales Miniatures said...

Anita~ the truth is I have NO idea and I feel terrible to read up and guess the same. Ohhh, ths is soooo beautiful and enchanted... like you my dear.... enchanted!Love you~

koralee said...

What a lovely post...you have done it again my friend..I so so love visiting you for I know I will find enchantment and magic everytime. I am going to guess Rumpelmayers. Those crowns are so so sweet. Sending you lots of Christmas blessings..

Kirsten Steen said...

Another lovely post, Anita! And I have to guess Rumplemayers as well!
Wishing you a lovely holiday and Happy New Year, Anita!
Kirsten

Unknown said...

Oh heavens to Audrey, I must go against the flow and say "D" just for the fun of it. What an enchanting world you make come to life with the sparkles, the word choices...it's such a delight to share tea with you. Tah Tah...

Ulla said...

Such a fun post! I love all the details. Whoever wins will be lucky indeed!
Kisses
ulla

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Warm Greetings Anita!
Oh My! Thank you so much for stopping in after the tea party and leaving such a great post! It was fun yes?
Blessings, Penny

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

Bonjour my Dear Anita from Le Mer (I hope I have my little bit of French right LOL)...The chandeliers are mesmerizing...oh!!!The tea rooms divine...the fine china...I have just straightened my feathers in the looking glass!!! Chocolat Africain, how can I resist, especially with that piece de resistance...a wonderful wonderful evening...Thank you so much!!!
Wishing you a beautiful Christmas...Dzintra♥x
And oh, I will go with the flow...Rumpelmayers

Edie Marie's Attic said...

I've got it! I've got it! Rumpelmayer's!! And I knew it myself! Please please enter me in your incredible giveaway!!

Love to you ma chere! Sherry

Simplement ... said...

Merci pour votre si gentil commentaire !
Je suis passée avec un extrême plaisir sur votre blog si raffiné.
Je vous souhaite le plus joli Noël qui soit dans la paix et l'amour.
A Bientôt.
Marie-Ange

Rosemary said...

That was a fun post Anita!!!
Loved it! Sorry it took me so long to visit you this time. We were so busy this weekend. You are the best!!
I wish you the very Merriest of Christmas's in your kingdom.
You have a magical time.
Chat soon,
Rosemary

deb famularo said...

I want to wish you a JOYEUX NOEL my dear friend! Much love to you and your family this Christmas!!!! xOxO

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful christmas tea! I felt like I was there. Thank you so much. What a relaxing and fun post. Your posts are always so special Anita. Just like you are. I have enjoyed so much coming here and getting to know you through your wonderful and charming blog. I wanted to pop in to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I am sending tons, tons of blessings your way. I have no idea what the answer to your question is but it seems like everyone agrees the answer is Rumpelmayers. I also like the sound of La Charlotte de L'isle. athough I think that might be the name of a person LOL Merry Christmas Anita ♥

Sandi said...

I believe the answer to be Rumpelmayer's!! Your blog is lovely, so glad to have found you through Ulla!!!

Simplement ... said...

Oui c'est ma maison ...
Je vous souhaite un joli mardi et vous embrasse.
Marie-Ange

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

Thank you for your visit dearest Anita...you are too kind!!! I have had the most fabulous evening sipping Earl Grey and delighting in Canalee!!!
Many Blessings to you in your wonderful Castle...Happy Christmas to you and wishing you a Prosperous New Year...Love, Dzintra♥x

BonjourRomance said...

Merry Christmas Anita!
Thank you for stopping by with all the information and details on all your delightful blogs, perhaps after the holidays...
I have so enjoyed getting to know you through your gorgeous blog and all the sweet comments.
I wish for you and your family many wonderful Christmas blessings my new friend!

claudie said...

Bonsoir belle Anita. Every-time I say your name I think of my mother. I spoke to her on the phone tonight. She is travelling by train to Oakville, Ontario with her 89 year old sister. My mama is 90.
You asked what program I use. I'm a MAC girl and use web.me. I pay yearly. I started using it over a year ago. As I look back I have, or should I say my hubby has, taught me sooooo much. I'm teaching myself to explore with all the options. It's worked out nicely for what I was looking for.
Wishing you a beautiful pre-Xmas Eve.
Love to you and your hubby.
Love Claudie
xoxoxox

claudie said...

Oh I forgot to tell you. If you get a chance to see "Avant Coco Chanel" you must. It was fantastic.
xoxox

Fifi Flowers said...

GORGEOUS post!!!
Merry Christmas... ENJOY!
Fifi

Country French Antiques said...

Bonjour Anita,

Beautiful, enchanting post!
Love having tea with you.
Anxious to visit your writing blog also.
Merci for visiting my blog.
Joueux Noel et Bonne Annee!

deb famularo said...

Good Morning ANita!! Yes, one more day! I can't believe how fast Christmas snuck up on us, and how fast it will go! Your picture here is gorgweous Anita, you are a stunning lady! I wish you a fabulous Christmas filled with lots of joy & love, and wishing you a Happy and Healthy New Year as well. I am so happy I 'met' you in blogland, you always make me feel positive, and that's a genuine gift you have! Joyeux Noel mon amie! bisous, deb xOxO

Anonymous said...

hello anita, I hope you have a lovely christmas! Peaceful and quiet and restful......I hope to see you in the new year!!! Miss you!
your friend julie

Twyla and Lindsey said...

Anita, I wanted to drop in and wish you a very Merry Christmas. How delightful that you are giving away one of your lovely creations. The answer is Rumpelmayers. Twyla

Barbara Jacksier said...

C'est Rumpelmayers!

I grew up in NYC, where the American branch in the St. Moritz hotel was THE place to go for hot chocolate. It came with a tiny bowl of fresh whipped cream on the side.

Joyeaux Noel
Barbara

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

Dearest Anita...thank you so much for your very generous comment about the beautiful story, this thrilled me no end!!! I hope you find your Chesnut Creme...Love and Peace...Dzintra♥x

Marsha @ Tattered Chick said...

Oh, WOW, what eye candy! I don't know where to start!! But I have to say Audrey is my favorite, such a lady . . and the answer is Rumpelmayers :)

Love the miniature crowns and as I scrolled down through your blog to take in all the beauty my caught the pink boudoir!! Ah, a girl can dream!!!

Wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas!!

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

Dear Anita...your special turkey is perfect...your Bouef Bourgignon I'm sure will turn out to be a special meal for your Husband another time...Bon Appetit, Dzintra♥x
A gorgeous pic of you...and Happy 1st Anniversary of your Blog!!!

Edie Marie's Attic said...

I LOVE your bio photo! You are so tres bonne!!

Merry Christmas ma chere!!

Grosses bisous, Sherry

Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita said...

What a charming post! And a lovely give away ... I have a few small crowns given to me as a child that have been saves all these years ... my mother was to call me Anastasia, but when I was born, she said I had such a "glorious crown of curls" that she named me Stephanie (for the Greek, stefani, a crown of laurels) ... so to earn a little crown ...

Rumplemayers! Merci!