Besides our weekend getaways, sometimes we like to take a normal event and turn it up a bit. Think outside the box and find a way to make it special. A perfect example of that was when the Downton Abbey Exhibit came to Boston. We received tickets last minute from a friend and loved the idea of going. We all were great fans of the show. Maureen was away so it was just the three of us. We thought we’d make a day of it and enjoy lunch in Boston while we were there. We could have easily grabbed a bite from any restaurant and been perfectly satisfied. Anywhere in Boston would have been a treat and the day still would have been special.
But we were going into the city to see an exhibit about Downton Abbey – grabbing a bite to eat just didn’t seem fitting . . .
Afternoon tea!
If we were going to the Downton Abbey Exhibit then of course, it had to be afternoon tea. Brilliant!
Finding the Perfect Spot
Searching online we soon discovered Boston has a surprising amount of places that serve high tea. Every location looked so lovely that we had a little trouble choosing. In the end, we narrowed it down to three choices:
3 – The Courtyard Restaurant at the Boston Public Library
All three looked beautiful and any one of them would have made the day special – but in the end, we chose The Courtyard Restaurant. I think it was the library setting that made it particularly fitting for the occasion.
Utterly Delightful
Our reservation was before the exhibit and we arrived at the library on a beautiful September afternoon. The Boston Public Library’s 19th-century building has an interior garden which The Courtyard Restaurant overlooks, adding to it’s already beautiful surroundings. It wasn’t long before we found ourselves sitting in the elegantly appointed room at a table decorated with white linen and china. We placed our napkins on our laps, ready to enjoy our time there.
The menu is fixed and arrived nestled between the pages of an antique book. You have your choice of fine loose-leaf teas that all sounded delicious and didn’t disappoint. Kathleen and I marveled at Sarah’s perfect pinky extension and came to the conclusion that it must have been in her DNA. 😂
A glass of champagne was offered, and accepted before a 3-tiered cake stand was brought to the table. The stand was laden with a variety of tea sandwiches, fruit scones, whipped cream and lemon curd, as well as tarts and cake. It was so perfect that I expected Downton’s butler Carson to show up at any second to make sure everything was acceptable. My words cannot do the setting or presentation justice so I’ll let the photos speak for themselves. It was simply beautiful.
After finishing we lingered around the beautiful library admiring the murals and architecture. We walked over to the exhibit and to kill a little time, popped into the Park Plaza (which was just across the street from the exhibit). We had a few martinis (of course we did! 🤪) which continued with our Downton themed day – they were always having cocktails before outings or dinner, so we thought, when in Rome . . .
Memorable Moments
When I look back and think about that particular afternoon I find that going to the exhibit was a treat, but enjoying tea before the exhibit elevated the experience and made it memorable. In fact, I think I enjoyed Afternoon Tea more than the exhibit. It was unique. Something that isn’t done every day. And I love doing stuff like that. That’s what makes the memory. So I encourage you all – next time you have a special event planned, think about what you can do to elevate it and make it memorable. Because trust me when I tell you, it makes all the difference in the world. It’s just a matter of thinking a little creatively.
– Darlene
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