Cory's 38th Birthday in Richmond, VA & Colonial Williamsburg, VA

Good afternoon my dears,

We recently celebrated Cory's 38th birthday in Richmond, Virginia and Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia. While there we stayed at Virginia Crossings, the same hotel we stayed at during our 2016 trip to visit with my college friend, Rachel, whose husband was training for the National Guard. 

Afternoon Tea at The Jefferson Hotel

Richmond as a city is a little bit tired compared to other southern cities such as Charlotte, Raleigh, or Charleston. However, one of their historic gems is The Jefferson Hotel, which dates back to 1895. We had made reservations for an afternoon tea, and it didn't disappoint. 

Cory standing with the statue of Thomas Jefferson.

Edgar Allen Poe Museum

Edgar Allen Poe was a colorful character. He led an interesting life marred by many losses and mental health disorders. We toured the Poe Museum, which is housed in one of the oldest houses in Richmond, Virginia. 

Colonial Williamsburg

On Cory's birthday we made the short drive to Colonial Williamsburg. We took a tour of the Governor's Palace and afterwards spent several hours trying to find something - anything to eat. A lot of the restaurants are closed on Mondays, or until 5pm, so we kept being told there'd be over an hour wait. We eventually found a restaurant, but they ended up not having the ingredients needed for my fish lunch, so we ended up waiting over an hour anyways. Long story short, I'd highly recommend bringing a picnic and eating on the lawn overlooking Governor's Palace.  

My favorite part of the day was when the light started dappling.

Wilton House 

On our way home from Richmond, Virginia we had a delightful tour of the Wilton House, built circa 1753, by William Randolph III. It was here they hosted social and political figures, including George Washington. 

Video

Our home video from Cory's 38th birthday weekend.

Kiki Nakita 

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Sweetheart Tea and Dining Room Tour

Good afternoon my dears.

We recently hosted a Sweetheart Tea in our formal dining room. You are cordially invited to join us too, please pick a seat. We served Earl Grey tea from Harney and Sons, in this teapot (technically a coffee pot) from Bavaria, which we acquired around the time of our engagement at Farm Chicks in Spokane, WA.

Tea I acquired from London, England during the summer of 2017.

Fresh floral arrangements from the farm and market.

My favorite sweethearts. My parents on their wedding day on August 10th, 1985.

We served lemon curd tea sandwiches with twisted lemon, vanilla meringues with strawberry preserve, and strawberry shortcakes with fresh strawberries and mint. 

We had the most splendid time.

- Video -



When did you last host or attend a tea party?

-Kiki Nakita-

You can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Bloglovin' or YouTube

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-

You can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Bloglovin' or YouTube

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 ~

You can follow me on Instagram, Pinterest or Bloglovin'.

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

You can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest or Bloglovin'

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