Tea time at The Four Seasons Hotel in Florence
What girl doesn’t dream of feeling like a princess, even if just for one day? I used the verb to “feel”, and not to “be”, because it is not necessary to have blue blood or marry a royal scion to feel like a princess (even though, if I had to choose one, I admit I have a soft spot for Carl Philip of Sweden, but I do not think I can compete with his current girlfriend).
Last Saturday I felt like a princess, even though on a very low budget. I enjoyed a high tea at the Florence Four Seasons Hotel. It is a fabulous hotel, a Renaissance palace with one of the largest gardens in the city, just a few steps away from the Dome. It is possible to book an English afternoon high tea for just 22 € per person. It was just the three of us, happy, excited, even slightly intimidated. Here is how I spent the afternoon with my friends.
The tea is served in fine Richard Ginori china cups, specifically designed with the logo of the hotel’s park temple. The tea list is very long and could satisfy even the most discerning palates. We chose a simple yet fresh and fragrant Earl Grey tea with milk. Immediately after the tea the finger sandwiches were served, and they were impeccable: cucumber, ham and mustard, crème fraîche and salmon and scrambled eggs.
The sandwiches were delicate and refined, but the following sweet moment left us speechless. The freshly made scones were served warm, with clotted cream and strawberry jam. They weren’t plain, but enriched with candied orange and citron, so soft and fruity that they dissolved in your mouth.
Next it was time for the sweet pastries, decorated in vivid colours, made with different textures and baked with unusual combinations. This sort of event really brings out the child in you, and I dare you not to be moved with joy at such a sight. Every bite was anticipated by the excitement and desire to discover a new, untried flavour. Everything had been prepared especially for us and this, undoubtedly, made me feel like a princess.
Before walking out into the pale evening light of Florence, we went for a peaceful stroll in the hotel parkland, to enjoy its beauty and to walk off all the calories we had eaten.
Raise your hand if you fancy a wedding in that temple in the photograph? White wooden chairs, grand architecture and delicate flowers, once you have arrived at the Four Seasons, it’s impossible to stop dreaming!
I have been able to feel like a princess with so little money, considering I did not eat dinner after all that was included in our high tea. So ladies, what is your favourite way of being made to feel like a princess?
Contact Details
Giulia Scarpaleggia’s website: www.julskitchen.com
To follow Giulia Scarpaleggia on Twitter: @Julskitchen
Four Seasons Hotel Florence: www.fourseasons.com