We had originally been going to a local country house hotel...but they called me during the week to say that they had accidentally overbooked. I thought about it, and decided that at such short notice the best thing would be to serve it here at home...much better value & it meant we could take as long as we wanted too without being chivvied out to make way for the next sitting!
The keyword was miniature. I started the day before with these tiny, sparkly vanilla meringues...
and then on Sunday morning I baked a batch of little Buttermilk Scones...
which I warmed up before we ate them with creme fraiche and a choice of...
lemon curd, raspberry jam or fresh blueberry compote (or all three!)
I made heart-shaped sandwiches...smoked salmon pate, cream cheese & cucumber....
and baked some crisp strawberry tarts, filled with vanilla pastry cream
I did succumb and bought these beautiful burnished gold, bronze & silver macarons from Marks & Spencer to go with the fingers of brownie & caramel shortbread on the pressed glass cakestand...
So pretty! I tied the cutlery with grosgrain ribbon & used my spring flower napkins from Emma Bridgewater
The prosecco was chilling in the fridge & it was time to put the kettle on! The girls arrived at 3...and we started with a glass of sparkly bubbles before being sensible & moving on to Lapsang Souchong or English Breakfast tea!
Outside the rain & wind battered against the windows...but inside, we were warm and cosy...Alice lay under the table as we talked & laughed & ate for a glorious few hours. Friends are the best, aren't they?
A perfect way to spend the last Sunday afternoon in April. And today, suddenly it's May! Where is the year going?
I hope you have a fabulous week...make sure you indulge yourself in some small way...it doesn't have to be too extravagant but it makes all the difference!
xoxo
.jpeg)
