Rosemary and Thyme High Teas to hold First Annual Hearts & Heritage Valentine’s Tea at Casa Serrano Adobe
Rosemary and Thyme High Teas to hold “First Annual Hearts & Heritage Valentine’s Tea” at Monterey History & Art Association's Historic Casa Serrano Adobe
January 2025. Monterey, CA. The recently launched Rosemary and Thyme High Teas is holding a special Valentine’s Tea at Monterey History & Art Association’s historic Casa Serrano Adobe in historic Downtown Monterey.
At a Glance:
What: Rosemary and Thyme High Teas, “First Annual Hearts & Heritage Valentine’s Tea” at Monterey History & Art Association’s Casa Serrano Adobe in historic Downtown Monterey
Celebrate the season of love with friends and family in an afternoon steeped in elegance and history at Monterey’s charming Casa Serrano adobe. Delight in a Valentine-themed High Tea featuring delicious heart-shaped delicate petit sandwiches, freshly baked heart-shaped scones with cranberry morsels, cookies and petit fours all accompanied with authentic Devonshire cream, and steaming hot tea prepared in true English style.
Hosted by Dot Findlater, London-born founder of Rosemary and Thyme High Teas, the afternoon includes a fascinating glimpse into the history and traditions of High Tea.
Perfect for all ages, this unique and delicious event blends timeless tradition with heartfelt celebration. Reserve your spot and make Valentine’s memories to treasure!
There will also be a Silent Auction with three Rosemary and Thyme High Teas Gift Baskets at the event. All proceeds from the silent auction will benefit the Monterey History and Art Association, a 501c3 non-profit organization.
According to Dot Findlater, “As someone born and raised in London, the tradition of High Tea holds a special place in my heart. It's not just about the tea and treats, but the joy of coming together, sharing stories, and creating cherished memories. Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to celebrate love and connection, and I wanted to bring the Valentine’s elements of a timeless British tradition here to Monterey. Hosting this High Tea at the beautiful Casa Serrano allows me to share a piece of my heritage with others while supporting the preservation of history. It’s a sincere pleasure to blend the elegance of this tradition with the warmth of community, and I hope it brings as much delight to you as it does to me."
Date and time:
Saturday, February 15, 2025, from 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm PST.
Doors open at 2:50pm.
Location:
Casa Serrano Adobe
412 Pacific Street
Monterey, CA 93940
Tickets:
$65 Per Person
For tickets, go to www.rosemaryandthymehighteas.com
For more information, email hello@rosemaryandthymehighteas or call 831-888-4036.
Nearby paid parking: Paid parking at the Calle Principal Garage or the City of Monterey Municipal Upper Lot #7 at 442 Pacific St Monterey, CA 93940n
About Dot Findlater: Bringing the Elegance of British High Tea to Monterey: Rosemary and Thyme High Teas
Discover the perfect blend of tradition and charm with Rosemary and Thyme High Teas, recently launched by London-born entrepreneur Dot Findlater. Having lived in Monterey for five years, Dot is delighted to share the timeless elegance of traditional high tea with the community.
Rosemary and Thyme High Teas is more than a tea service, it’s an experience. Whether you're planning a wedding or baby shower, family reunion, friends’ day out, children’s tea party, fundraiser, or a spouse outing during a conference, Dot offers an unforgettable way to celebrate special moments. Her bespoke service caters to gatherings large and small, either in the comfort of your own home, office, or at one of the stunning local venues where she has established partnerships.
“I’m thrilled to bring a touch of British culture and tradition to Monterey through bespoke high tea experiences,” Dot shares. “My goal is to entertain and delight, offering a taste of England’s grace and charm right here in this beautiful region.”
Enhance your gathering with personalized touches and a carefully curated selection of British treats. Rosemary and Thyme High Teas also produces a variety of beautiful tea-themed gift baskets.
And for those looking to elevate the occasion, Dot also offers talent booking services through her other venture, Mirror Images Global Entertainment. With access to over 1,500 lookalikes and performers worldwide, she can help create a truly one-of-a-kind event.
Experience the magic of British high tea with Rosemary and Thyme High Teas—a delightful escape that promises relaxation, sophistication, and memories to treasure.
About English High Tea
High Tea is a cherished English tradition, typically enjoyed in the late afternoon or early evening. It features an array of savory sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and delicate pastries, all accompanied by fine tea. This delightful ritual offers a perfect blend of elegance and comfort, bringing people together to savor delectable treats in a timeless setting.
At High Tea, guests indulge in a carefully curated selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and exquisite pastries, paired with tea served in the finest tradition. It is more than a meal—it is a refined social gathering that celebrates both flavor and grace.
The History of English High Tea
The tradition of English High Tea flourished during the 19th century under the reign of Queen Victoria, becoming a fashionable social occasion that bridged the gap between lunch and dinner. Its origins trace back to the Duchess of Bedford, who introduced the concept of afternoon tea to stave off hunger in the late afternoon.
What began as a private ritual quickly evolved into a grand affair. Guests were treated to tiered stands filled with delicate finger sandwiches, scones served with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of pastries, all presented with an emphasis on refinement and presentation. Served between 4 and 6 PM, High Tea became synonymous with elegance, conversation, and culinary delight.
Today, this beloved tradition endures as a celebration of British culture and hospitality, offering an opportunity to enjoy fine tea and light refreshments in a setting that embodies sophistication and warmth.
About the Monterey History and Art Association’s Casa Serrano
Founded in 1931, the Monterey History and Art Association (MHAA) is dedicated to preserving the rich and diverse histories of the people, stories, and places that have shaped Monterey. Over the past several decades, MHAA has partnered with the City of Monterey, the California Department of Parks and Recreation, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and other organizations to ensure the protection of Monterey’s historic landmarks. MHAA’s primary mission is to preserve the irreplaceable artifacts of Monterey’s heritage, such as the Casa Serrano Adobe. In collaboration with local and state entities, MHAA has successfully restored more adobes in Monterey than anywhere else in California. It also manages extensive collections of historical items, including furnishings, paintings, photographs, costumes, books, manuscripts, and other significant artifacts.
MHAA’s initiatives and properties include:
• Casa Serrano Adobe (1843): One of the oldest adobes in Monterey, Casa Serrano was built in 1843 and is a prime example of early California architecture. It now serves as an event space and is central to MHAA’s preservation efforts. Casa Serrano also hosts various educational and cultural events, including fundraisers, wedding receptions, parties and more for up to 50 people. • Doud House (1868): A charming wooden frame house, the Doud House is a prime representation of the Victorian era. Its preservation allows visitors to step back in time and experience 19th-century Monterey life. • Mayo Hayes O'Donnell Library (1876): Originally a church, this 1876 building now functions as a library. The library contains images and documents from Monterey’s extensive historical collection, providing valuable resources for historians and researchers alike. • Stanton Center: Currently featuring Bounty of the Bay, an exhibition by the Italian Heritage Society. The Stanton Center is also home to the works of notable artists such as Jo Mora, Paul Whitman, and more.
For more interesting insights into this timeless practice of British High Teas, visit www.rosemaryandthymehighteas.com
To reach Dot Findlater to arrange a tea, call 831-888-4036 or email [email protected]
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