The porch is always decorated to match the monthly theme. This month is "Holidays at the Homestead" featuring Currier and Ives.
Upon entering the tea room, you are greeted by costumed servers. Brenda is on the left and you can catch a glimpse of Sara behind the flowers.
They have a lovely gift shop.
You will find a variety of items available.
More goodies
The fireplace mantle is always decorated to match the theme.
We were greeted with a cup of wassail. The recipe is in their cookbook. Packets of the spices and sugar, along with the directions were also for sale.
Warm Cranberry Orange Scones
Their scones are the best. I have taken their scone making class twice. It has certainly helped my scone making skills.
Our tea was served on the Currier and Ives themed china. Sara shared with us that the dishes were part of grocery store promotions years ago.
Creamy Potato Soup
Tea Goodies
Cucumber Tea Sandwiches
Turkey with Cranberry Tea Sandwiches
Mushrooms with Sage Stuffing
Savory Corn Pudding
Ginger Molasses Cookie
Date Nut Cake
Final Dessert
Sweet Potato Pie topped with Pecan Crumble and Whipped Cream
Raven, the harpist, entertained us during our tea time. Angels We Have Heard On High, The First Noel, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Here We Come A Wassailing, Frosty the Snowman, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, and Hark the Herald Angels Sing were just a few of the songs she played.
Sara shared a bit about Currier and Ives as part of the program. They brought art to the common people to use in decorating their homes. The hired artists specialized in a specific styles of art - still life, snow scenes, portraits, etc. The print above is not one I would have connected with Currier and Ives. I was more familiar with style on the mantle. Several other prints were displayed through out the tea room. I always find the programs very interesting. I come away from tea at Sweet Shalom not only relaxed, but with a tidbit of new information. The tetris teapot was filled with Hot Cinnamon Spice and White Christmas tea by Harney and Sons.
