A Rawther Fancy Tea

Being a mom and living in NYC, I have an on-going bucket list of things that I must experience with my kids. We live here on a daily basis and our everyday schedules usually get in the way, so sometimes I make it a point to enjoy all of the iconic things that NYC has to offer. We still haven’t checked everything off the list, but I am happy to say we have already experienced so much. Adventures like going to the Top of the Rock, visiting the Statue of Liberty, and ice skating in Central Park are some activities that we hope to enjoy this year. Another must-do, that has been on my mind since I found out I was pregnant with a girl, was to visit the Eloise shop at The Plaza Hotel, and enjoy the iconic Rawther Fancy Tea.

In our house, we love the Eloise books, and I always had a soft spot for the little girl running around a hotel. When I was growing up, my mom worked across the street from The Plaza Hotel, at another iconic hotel, The Sherry Netherland. It was my mom who first introduced me to NYC living, by taking the family and I to the hotel regularly, and we even spent the nights there. For my 16th birthday, she invited a group of my friends into the city, and we stayed the night. The hotel rooms were all so exquisite and it was memories like those that sparked my love for New York City, and my determination to eventually live here.

I have to admit, that when I received an invitation to visit The Plaza Hotel with Siella, I might have been a tad more excited than she was. With a fun filled afternoon ahead of her, she picked out her favorite pink dress, and we headed uptown after school last Friday. The moment we walked through the door, Siella’s eyes lit up, and she was truly in her glory. She wandered around picking up almost every doll, toy, and book in the store. And with every item, she squealed “this so beautiful!”

Eventually, we were invited to sit for tea with a small group of others, mostly out of town-ers. When the sweet girls came over and asked if she wanted some tea, she immediately replied YES! We then had the most perfect little tea sandwiches, accompanied by fruit and sweets. She took her time and tried every single sandwich. It was the first time I’d ever seen her eat that much, and I knew she felt so special.

The hosts asked the little girls questions about Eloise to see how much they really knew. It was pretty funny they all seemed to know every single answer about her pet names, where she lived, and even knew that she just celebrated her 6th birthday! They then were able to write her a letter, in Siella’s case she drew Eloise a picture. They delivered their letters to the mailbox and then sat in the library section and for some story time. When tea time was over Siella insisted we get a mini “Weenie” (Eloise’s dog), which I happily obliged to and it hasn’t left her side since. We also came home with goodies for Ryder and Gemma too!

The afternoon could not have been any cuter. I loved every minute of it as did Siella! I think this excursion will definitely go down as one of her most favorite childhood memories.

Thank you to The Plaza Hotel  for hosting us. All opinions, as always, are my own.