A BRITISH BIRTHDAY BASH

Our little mama-to-be is turning thirty-three, and decided to go Full English in honor of the occasion. When we met there last it was a long drive south from their home up in north Austin, but now it's only five or ten minutes from their new house!

Lex invited four of her girlfriends to join us, but Austin and Areej ended up with house guests this weekend, so Areej couldn't make it. Good excuse to do it all again soon with her, right?

As you can see, this is not your mama's Hoity-Toity-High-Tea at some fancy-schmancy hotel. Which makes it all the more fun and relaxing.

There were freshly made scones with cream and jam...

assorted sweets, including a scrumptious Guinness Chocolate Cake...

and a variety of finger sandwiches, such as English Cheddar & Chutney, Ham & Mustard, and Cucumber Vinaigrette.

Plus, we each got our own pot of tea, in the flavor of our choice. All for just $15 each! (If I remember correctly, the Driscoll in downtown Austin wanted $40 or $50 each for their Christmas teas) We ate and sipped and talked and ate and sipped and talked for over two hours, and still managed to fill three take-out containers when we left!

Not a bad way to celebrate a birthday, or just while away a dreary afternoon, wouldn't you agree?

P.S. They also do Full English Breakfasts, Pancakes and Pasties all day long, plus Fish 'n Chips on Friday evenings, and are just an ideal little neighborhood hangout any time of day, with free wi-fi and a variety of great coffees, teas, and lattes.