If you can’t get to the Ritz … you bring the Ritz to you!
That’s what resident Barbara Swaine’s two daughters did — they set up a proper British afternoon tea for their mom, a resident at Arbor Terrace Burnt Hickory, and joined her virtually, all the way from London!
“Afternoon tea is a great British tradition and a great luxury with Tea at the Ritz being a must-do,” said Swaine’s daughter Jenny Lightfoot. “A few years ago, we celebrated our mom’s birthday with Tea at the Ritz in Atlanta. The team at Arbor Terrace Burnt Hickory helped us to recreate this special occasion for our mom.”
Shanny Burge and other members of the Culinary and Engagement teams prepared delicate cucumber sandwiches as well as Swaine’s special recipe for “fairy cakes” – similar to American cupcakes but a little smaller and drizzled with icing, rather than topped with big piles of buttercream.
Swaine is originally from London, so a proper high tea brought back memories of her home “across the pond.” (And if you happen to meet her, she will be sure to tell you that she is the same age as Queen Elizabeth of England – 94.)
“We were so happy to share this virtual tea party with Mom on a Zoom meeting,” Lightfoot said. “I am sure Mom enjoyed the surprise of the special treats and the time with her daughters every bit as much as she did at the Ritz!”
Already, the three ladies are talking about their next event: a virtual afternoon sherry!
