Thursday, May 16, 2013

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.)



9 comments:

  1. What a good choice of things to eat,especially from Mrs O's garden.
    Heard on the news Harry has taken the US by storm,you guys seem to be very impressed by our royals.

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    1. It seems Harry has been a big hit all over. He has been all over the States; participated in so many events.

      Yes, it seems Americans ARE impressed by your royals. Perhaps because we don't have any of our own!

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  2. Please excuse me if I do not drink tea but that is one tea party I would LOVE to attend. And yes, because of Prince Harry. He has to be the cutest Captain ever!!! I do have an affinity toward the English mannerisms and of course accent that makes the English language sound royal as well. I will just set aside all of the Prince's so called indiscretions and blame it on his youth as others have because the little clips I have heard and seen of him are delightful. And I would say Ida is right in my case I am very impressed by all the English Royals. I wonder why?

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    1. He is a cutie, isn't he? He seems like a genuinely nice fella too. Maybe we shouldn't have fought the War of Independence and they would be "our" royals too, wouldn't they? (just kidding!)

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  3. Now you have made me feel really hungry.

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    1. That sounds like some special food served at the tea party.

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  4. Wow, what a wonderful tea party, and I too would love to have been there. The food looks spectacularly good, and the flowers exceptional as well. Thank you for showing us, I had no idea Prince Harry was visiting Washington!

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    1. Prince Harry spent a full week in the U.S. and was involved in many events, including a polo game; made him feel right at home I'm sure!

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  5. Another beautiful tea...I could have tea day every day and not get tired : )

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