Tea Time At Camellias In Charleston
Tea time at Camellias in Charleston holds a special place in my heart. Not just because it’s a spectacular experience, but because it reminds me of my Grandmother. I’m sharing a bit about the woman who helped raise me, and the experiences I had with her as a child.
Southern Ladies With Charm
There are certain women that make an indelible mark on our lives and I’m sure a few immediately came to your mind when you read that. I’ve shared about my mom, but another woman I’ll always admire is my Grandmother. She was a Southern lady, always proper and always appropriate. She had been a fifth grade teacher for her entire career, so the possibility of using incorrect grammar in front of her was out of the question. I’m certain she would find things to correct in my writings now, and at 35 I’d still work to get her seal of approval. She was from a generation so far from where we are today that many of her practices seem antiquated and peculiar, though I’m grateful to have learned from her.
During the week while my siblings were in school and my mom was at work, I got to spend quality time with her. We’d pull weeds from the garden, and she’d take the opportunity to teach me about hummingbirds and hydrangeas. Afterwards we’d sit on her covered porch sipping Country Time lemonade (I always requested the pink lemonade! How about you?). I remember one day in particular that we put out my play tea set and ate her homemade shortbread cookies while sipping tea. I felt like royalty to be honest, and it’s one of those memories I’ll always cherish.
A Special Place To Create Memories
While I don’t have kids of my own, I’ve thought a lot about ensuring that the little girls in my life feel special and have moments just like that. There is a hotel in Charleston that has a tea room and lounge, Camellias, where they do the most fantastic afternoon tea. It’s the sort of place that you dress up and make an event. Every inch of it is posh and pink, with the most spectacular crystal chandelier. I’m certain if I had walked in as a child I would’ve thought it was the height of all things beautiful, because I still feel that way about it now when I get to visit.
When they reached out to me about an upcoming launch of their specialty tea blend in partnership with Tealeaves, I was delighted to share my experience at Camellias. If you find yourself in Charleston, make a reservation to visit. You’ll be greeted by the warmth of Southern hospitality as soon as you enter the Hotel Bennett. I’ve included a few images from the launch party of their specialty tea, as well as shots from inside Camellias on each board. It’s certainly a magical place that I hope you all can experience at some point.
