I must say, I am a fan of novelty. As a technically "white" person, who comes from a more "ethnic" background, the notion of centering a whole evening around tea-drinking is about as novel as you can get.
So of course, I was intrigued to be invited to a birthday party at the illustrious Windsor Arms Hotel. A place so fancy I couldn't even find it though I walk by it almost every day (the implication being that overly classy joints are invisible to students whose school occupies the same area- the reality closer to me being very directionally-challenged), so swanky that I wore heels in its honour. A place so fancy that their "Twilight Tea" service cost more than I usually spend on a three-course meal.
The verdict? I had a smashing good time, and was endlessly amazed by the master-crafted and elaborately-displayed finger sandwiches, warm scones and Devon cream, and how much I actually loved the tea I chose (Tibetan Tiger-- did I mention I don't drink tea? Cuz I don't.). It was beautiful and classy and unbelievably filling for the type of fare offered.
Though my WASPiest friend swears that her mom creates spreads like this on a regular basis, I honestly have never experienced anything like it, and truly am looking for an excuse to do it again.