Tea Time at the Villa Terrace!

A few weeks ago, we hosted a wonderful tea at the Villa Terrace Museum, envisioned and executed by our talented Ann Steinbach.  A variety of cupcakes were served, which were beautiful and turned out to be the highlight of the day, prompting us to change the name to the "Cupcake Tea" the next time around.  An assortment of Rishi Teas were also served.  Ann graciously took pictures and provided a write up in much more eloquent detail than I could ever do, and I have included both pictures and her description below.  Be sure to keep an eye out for the next Cupcake Tea!  It is certainly not to be missed!

From Ann: 

On February 19, 2011, when tray after gorgeous tray of cupcakes were whisked briskly into the Villa’s side door, through kitchen and pantry, to the Great Hall, everyone in their path lost eyeballs and jaws.  It was as if exquisite dishes were waltzing fast, past castle staff, on their swift way to a king.

Each passing tray was more inventive, more fantastical, than the last.  Meant for mortals gathering for tea, these lavishly adorned cakes were fit for gods.  Beautiful, ornamental, monuments.  Little Taj Mahals. 

There were tiny cream puffs and mini éclairs nestled into mountains of butter cream atop some.  There were sugared fruits, candies, sparkle dust, wedges of white and dark chocolate on others.  Cakes topped with teapot-shaped cutout cookies, their spouts dipped in chocolate.  Cakes crowned with intricately molded chocolate teapots and hearts.

There were pastel colors and black and white checks, papers ruffled to resemble flowers, ribbons, and bows.  Every single detail schemed and fashioned from the imagination, the magical mind, the deft hands of artist/baker Marianne Olson. 

Guests also enjoyed three flavors of Rishi Tea: Wild Rose White, Raspberry Green and Cinnamon Plum. 

In addition to exploring the Villa Terrace mansion, guests also visited Formed, the new ceramics show and the Villa’s permanent collection of metal works by renowned sculptor Cyril Colnik.  Complimentary hand messages were given in the formal dining room by Wanda Beals and Marilyn Heckert of the Milwaukee School of Message.

It was a grand affair!