Tea at the White House

First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden were hosting an afternoon party for military mothers, grandmothers and children at the White House in Washington on Thursday, May 9, when a “surprise” visitor showed up.

Prince Harry, a Captain in the Army Air Corps in the British Armed Forces -- on a weeklong visit to the U.S. – showed up in the East Room to pay tribute to the guests.

The First Lady's guests responded with cheers and applause from seats at round tables for ten containing an elaborate menu of sweet and savory treats, including finger sandwiches, intricately decorated cookies and mini cupcakes sprinkled with confetti, and "White House Garden" tea made with chamomile grown in Mrs. Obama's Kitchen Garden.

The Tea menu was a contemporary version of High Tea:

Smoked Salmon

Pickled Red Onion and Creme Fraiche on Pumpernickel Toast 

Smoked Chicken Salad on Reggiano Puffs

Corn Madeleines with Jalapeno and Cheese

  

Watercress, Tomatoes, and Radishes on Wheat Thin Bread

  

Vegetable Spring Wrap in Jicama Paper with Red Wine Vinaigrette

  

Assorted Cookies

  

Chocolate Bonbons

  

Mini-Cupcakes with Confetti Garnish

  

"Black Dahlia" Darjeeling Black Tea with Floral Notes

  

"Confetti Fruit" Strawberry And Peach Tea, Balanced with Citrus and Rose

  

"White House Garden"Light, Herbal Blend Featuring Chamomile From The Kitchen Garden

A military harpist played as guests enjoyed honey harvested from the White House beehive. Rose petals were scattered on each table. Butlers constantly replenished the treats and re-filled glasses.

Pastel tablecloths covered the tables set with the cream with gold border Clinton State China, the only Presidential set that features an image of the White House rather than the Presidential eagle.

Floral arrangements were different on each table – some featuring low arrangements of yellow, cream and green blooms with ivy, including tulips, roses, and ranunculus in square vases.  Other tables featured bright pink, magenta and purple blooms with ivy.

Mrs. Obama said the prince has focused on honoring the sacrifice and service of veterans and military families and when he heard about this tea and all of you he wanted to be here to personally thank you for your service. 

The 28-year-old bachelor Royal arrived at the White House party after visiting the U.S. Capitol, where he'd caused an outpouring of excitement on Twitter, and swooning among mobs of female staffers. His visit includes promoting the anti-landmine charity the HALO Trust, continuing the work of his deceased mother. 

(All photos and information from the Obama Foodorama website here.)