Woodland Whimsy

Photography by Jim Bathie • Photo Styling by Courtni Bodiford and Melissa Sturdivant Smith • Food Styling by Kathleen Kanen • Recipe Development by Izzie Turner

Welcome guests to a fanciful fall feast inspired by the spellbinding Black Forest. Opulent china and a combination of warming teatime treats create an entrancing atmosphere ideal for a cozy afternoon gathering.

Enrapture guests with a trio of magnificent infusions to accompany the courses of this enticing menu.

Scone Course:

Begin your afternoon tea with a batch of our Ginger-Pear Scones and a pot of Spiced Pear Herbal Chai from Plum Deluxe.

Savories Course:

Next, treat your guests to a trio of tasty savories, including Shrimp & Butternut Squash Crostini, Roast Beef & Tarragon Tea Sandwiches, and Fig, Pancetta & Blue Cheese Savory Tartlets. These bites pair perfectly with The Tea Shoppe’s Star of India Black Tea.

Sweets Course:

Conclude your gathering with The St. James Tearoom’s Black Forest Fable Black Tea paired with a platter of these delicious sweets: Petite Pecan-Orange Cheesecakes, Miniature Apple Napoleons, and Blackberry-Swirl Meringue Cookies.

Resources:

Coalport Hong Kong teapot, flat cup and saucer set, dessert plate, and cake plate; Royal Crown Derby Red Aves dinner plate, creamer, covered sugar bowl, 13-inch oval serving platter, handled cake plate, and oval dessert dish; Oneida Silver Golden Michelangelo modern hollow knife, salad fork, and teaspoon from Replacements, Ltd. Antique wooden bird cage and planter stand from Adams Antiques & the Potager. Antique napkins, monogrammed napkins, table overlay, silver tart server, vessel for flowers, footed glass bowls, demitasse spoons, and decorative pumpkins from private collection.