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Rose Tree Cottage gives its visitors the quintessential English experience of afternoon tea.
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Host Heidi Bohay says that the tradition of afternoon tea has recently enjoyed a new popularity in America. It's a lovely way to entertain and is perfect for birthdays, showers and Mother's Day. In this episode of Party at Home, a mother/daughter tea introduces an old tradition to a new generation of young women. This party is an opportunity for mothers and daughters to share a special time of their lives together, and it can be as formal or as informal as the hostess wishes it to be. Teaching us the finer points of enjoying an afternoon tea are Edmund and Mary Fry, proprietors of the charming Rose Tree Cottage in Pasadena, California. Rose Tree Cottage is actually a historical monument -- a grouping of three little English cottages built in the 1920s. The gardens, courtyard and buildings are covered with roses and are surrounded by spacious lawns that face the San Gabriel Mountains. In addition to serving a proper English tea complete with cakes and sandwiches, the Frys share their own collection of unique and antique teapots, cups and saucers, and they provide a variety of teas and accessories that are available for purchase in their gift shop. When you come to Rose Tree Cottage, says Edmund Fry, you come to experience a little piece of England and to be transported, if only temporarily, back to a romantic and nostalgic time. The music, fireplace and candlelit decor preserve the traditions of England while creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere that even children can appreciate. The Frys received an accolade from a special guest when His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales visited and pronounced the Rose Tree Cottage a "sterling sight." A Short History of Tea Five thousand years ago, the emperor of China accidentally dropped a leaf from the Camellia sinensis bush into a pot of water. Later, the Portuguese found the tea growing in China and shipped it to the West. In fact, it was brought to America before arriving by clipper ship in Europe. The tradition of afternoon tea started with the Duchess of Bedfordshire. One afternoon, knowing she would be having a late dinner, the duchess decided to have a cup of tea, so she called downstairs to have a pot of tea made and served along with sandwiches and cakes. Queen Victoria found out about this, and the rest, as they say, is history. Guests: Edmund and Mary Fry
Rose Tree Cottage
824 E. California Blvd.
Pasadena, California 91106
Phone: 626-793-3337
Fax: 626-793-8125
E-mail: RoseTreeCo@aol.com
Web site: www.rosetreecottage.com
Catalog $3.00
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