I have a penchant for tea parties and beautiful hotels. My love for tea parties began when I was a child. I always enjoyed watching the tea party scene, in Disney’s Alice in Wonderland (1951). It was so delightful and I loved looking at the various teapots, cups and saucers in the movie. Fast forward to Disney’s Alice in Wonderland 2010 and I was enamored with the table filled with a delectable assortment of cakes, sweets and goodies. Besides tea parties, I now enjoy hotel hopping. It’s my newest hobby. Beautiful hotels make me smile. I love learning about a hotel’s history and the treasures held within.
The Ritz-Carlton located on Canal Street here in New Orleans holds a lot of history. The building use to be the Maison Blanche Department Store for a very long time. Both my grandmother and mother shopped at Maison Blanche. As a teenager, I remember purchasing a designer outfit from the popular department store to wear to a high school dance. So, this place has a lot of history for me and my family. The Ritz-Carlton converted it into a hotel in 2000 (source). I stayed at The Ritz-Carlton in 2016. It was delightful. I highly suggest you (at least once) stay Club Level, so you can access the Maison Orleans Club Lounge. There are so many perks, staying at that level! I stayed in the Club King Suite.
I’ve never had tea at The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans. So, I thought why not attend their Papa Noel (Christmas Tea). I made reservations via Open Table. I received a telephone call directly from The Ritz confirming the reservation. I arrived an hour early, because as you guys know I love taking pictures and video. The hotel was beautifully decorated with garland, Christmas trees, and both red & white poinsettias. There was a beautiful installation in front of the check-in counter. It was a beautifully lit tree, that had branches extended to the ceiling with colorful bulbs. Their outside courtyard had two oversized lit snowflakes. I could sit all day in this courtyard. The fountain is so tranquil and peaceful. I love hearing the trickle of water. It’s so soothing. Also, don’t miss the cute miniature streetcar installation. You guys know I love anything Gingerbread! Well, The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans had a Gingerbread Steamboat on display. Isn’t that different? It was beautifully decorated with gingerbread men, candy canes and gum drops. The iconic Mr. Bingle sat perched atop. I was really impressed with their decorations. Be sure to take a look at the Christmas decorations at another popular hotel here in New Orleans … The Roosevelt Hotel.
The Papa Noel Tea was located in The Davenport Lounge. It’s really nice. A harpist played beautiful Christmas music throughout the tea. Every family that attended had their own table. It was really organized. We were served champagne. There was an assortment of tea offerings. My mom had the Rooibos des Vahines and I selected one of their holiday teas, the Organic Sugar Plum Fairy. There were 3 courses: appetizers, scones and dessert. Everything was delicious and we ended up bringing our dessert home. The food was both pretty to look at and also eat. Papa Noel greeted each table and handed gifts to the children. He was a very nice man. My mom and I really enjoyed our time there. With all the hustle and bustle going on in the outside world, it was nice to attend an event so peaceful. I plan on visiting other Christmas tea offerings next year. I want to quickly mention, since this was a Papa Noel Tea, I wore my Santa pants. I don’t buy a lot of novelty clothing, but about two years ago I fell in love with these navy blue pants with Santa’s running. These pants just sat in my closet with no where to go (sometimes our Christmas’ are hot). Well, the weather was a cool 48 degrees and this was Papa Noel Tea, so I got to wear them. I received the cutest compliments. A child even wanted my jingle bell earrings.
I want to take this time to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. May God Bless You!
