5th Annual Valentine's at the Ballantyne

Good afternoon my dears.

We recently celebrated our 5th annual Valentine's at The Ballantyne. Its always delightful to have an excuse to dress up; chit chat over pots of loose leaf tea, nibble on delectable tea sandwiches, and taste tasty treats. You'd be surprised at how filling a three-tier cake stand can be, we didn't make it to the top tier - the third course. 

After tea, we asked for someone to take our picture under the arbor. The view overlooks the golf course and all the beautiful trees in bloom. One of my favorite things about the south, is that you often see rocking chairs under arbors or on front porches.  

We enjoy having traditions. Once you establish traditions it becomes effortless to think about what to do on certain holidays. I'm so thankful to live in this beautiful state, where there's so many places to dress up and go for tea. It reminds me of my childhood days in the heart of England. 

1st Annual, 2nd Annual, 3rd Annual, 4th Annual 

- Video -

Wishing you and yours a happy Valentine's Day. 

Tell me, do you have a tradition of how you celebrate?

-Kiki Nakita-

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3rd Annual Valentines At The Ballantyne

Good afternoon my dears,

A few weekends ago we had our 3rd annual Valentine's high tea at the Ballantyne. We go to the Ballantyne every month or so, so we know recognize a lot of the staff, and they recognize us. I guess that's the benefit of living in one town for three years. It was delightful, as always.

Then, on Valentine's Day we went for dinner at Brio's, at the Piedmont Town Center. I had a delicious chicken and sweet potato risotto, and we shared tiramisu for dessert. Afterwards, we went to Pier One and Kirklands to peek at the Spring décor. It was a lovely evening.

We've just come back from visiting hubby's family in Texas, so I'll update my blog, and you soon.

Have a blessed week,

~ Kiki Nakita ~

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Queen Elizabeth's 90th Birthday Tea

Last week, was Queen Elizabeth's 90th birthday. Anyone who knows me, knows I'm very fond of the royal family, and enjoy celebrating special royal occasions.

This year, is the 20th anniversary since I met the Queen when she opened St. Michael's Hospital in Warwick, England on November 8th, 1996. I was a ten year old in middle school at the time, back when we didn't have cell phone camera's, or digital camera's, oh how I wish I had a picture. She wore a woven purple coat, with her black gloves, handbag and shoes - much like the ones in this commemorative picture.   

Prince Charles, Queen Elizabeth, Prince George and Prince William.

To celebrate, we went for a tea at one of our favorite hotels in Charlotte, North Carolina - The Ballantyne Hotel. The hotel is akin to country club quality, and we brunch there often. It's also where we have our annual Valentine's tea.

- My date -

-Us, with Queen Elizabeth -

- We were served loose leaf herbal teas, and used a tea strainer before pouring into our tea cups -

Our delicate, and delicious courses. I learned, back when I was younger that you start from the bottom, and work your way up. That way you start with the savory courses, and end with the dessert courses.

We had a delightful time, and enjoyed talking about the royals. Did you have a celebration of Queen Elizabeth's 90th birthday, too?

Have a delightful week,

Kiki Nakita

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2nd Annual Valentine's At The Ballantyne

Firstly, I'd like to wish you and yours a happy Valentine's Day.

On Valentine's Day we went to go get our picture taken at a studio.

Cheesy!

We get our picture taken a few times a year. I think we'll appreciate looking back over the years.

Do you get your picture taken?

Then we drove a few minutes to the Ballantyne. It's a upscale hotel in the south of Charlotte, and somehow both grand, and simple at the same time. This is the architectural detailing above the stairs, with a crystal chandelier.

Maybe it's the interior designer in me, but I appreciate all the architectural details.

A girl's got to twirl...

I especially appreciate all the floral arrangements. These were orchids with greenery.

The walls adorn artwork, from various artists as you navigate yourself through the hallways.

Which do you prefer?

This is the entrance to The Gallery, a gourmet restaurant we eat at on occasion. We also like to come for Sunday brunch, and surprisingly it's as affordable as IHOP (for brunch that is).

Outside has lot's of balconies that overlook the golf course. Perfect for wives whose husbands like to play.

Now for the sweet part. Our tea. We came here last year for Valentine's and declared it a tradition. We make a reservation in advance, and enjoyed a few hours by the fireplace. I enjoy people watching, and seeing couples, families, or even moms with their daughters getting dressed up and pretending we're in an episode of Downton Abbey. We can dream, right?

The lobby floral arrangements, darlings.

After we were seated, we were offered a glass of bubbly. We seldom drink, so having a glass of champagne with a berry and sugar rim made it special.

Cheers!

Our table.

We were served a pot of loose tea, with three layers of treats. An English lady knows to start at the bottom, and work your way up.

We had ten different treats.

If you got through all those pictures, your a champ.

How did you celebrate with your sweetheart?

Blessings to you and yours,

Kiki Nakita

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