Afternoon Tea, Surprises & Pastels

If you've been following me on Twitter you'll know I've had a surprise planned for my best friend since last week. We usually go for coffee or for lunch somewhere but I thought we'd do something different this week and booked us in for afternoon tea at our very own 5* hotel right on our doorstep, The Celtic Manor (also the host hotel for the NATO conference - welcome, Mr Obama, my love). Those who know me I'm much more Primark than posh and struggle to pay my rent each month rather than putting away the credit card but the Spring menu looked so delicious and it's not too badly priced either. Plus there's the fact that neither Christina nor I had ever been for afternoon tea.

I chose the white peony tea and with two cubes of brown sugar it was absolutely perfect to the point where I need to hunt some down for my home stash. The food was delicious and rather filling. When I looked at it I thought it wouldn't be a problem epecially between the two of us but once we'd finished and were told citrus infused scones with lemon clotted cream and jam were coming out to us soon we both looked at each other in a moment of mild panic. We did manage to finish them but even now six hours on I'm still satisfied and full. We'll definitely be going back both to try out the spa and for another afternoon tea session because while it is expensive it's also an experience in a delightfully bright and warm room overlooking the front of the hotel's grounds which look gorgeous even on an overcast day with soft piano music in the background. It's no more than I'd pay for a meal for us both either so it ticks all the boxes for something a little special.

I think sometimes we all forget what's just on our doorstep and what it has to offer. We had such a lovely afternoon and it's something I'd love to do again for a special occasion plus sometimes it's just nice to dress up a little smarter than usual for fun. I wore a mint green dress with black heels, a blazer, satchel and a silver spiked necklace. I felt a little uncomfortable in the dress all day as it's new and the material is clingier than I expected when I ordered online but for a pop of colour it's really beautiful even if my tummy is more on display than I'd normally opt for in clothing.

PS. Thankfully Christina loved the surprise!