<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magslhalliday/27590572/sizes/m/in/photostream/"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-555" title="tea" src="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/tea-300x224.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="224" /></a></p>

<p>There is nothing more deliciously civilized than Afternoon Tea. </p>

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<p>I was introduced to this tradition years ago through a friend from Scotland.  We would try different tea houses around the city and disappear for hours and hours on end.  Afternoon Tea can be a real time vacuum.  This is perfect for people like me who have a hyperactive brain and don't sit still for very long.  Tea forces you to stop and smell the tea leaves.   </p>

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<p>So what better time to resurrect this tradition than my birthday week when I launched a blog and barely slept for the past month? </p>

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<p>My friends gathered at the Front Porch Tea Cafe run by the sweetest, motherly ladies.  When I made the reservation on the phone, I knew that we were going to be spoiled rotten when the owner addressed me as "honey".  Not in a syrupy-obnoxious sort of way, but in a warm-fuzzy sort of way. </p>

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<p>And we were indeed spoiled and honeyed with both the service and the treats:  apple cinnamon scones with cinnamon Devonshire cream, 3 different kinds of tea sandwiches, countless desserts, and the main attraction of Tea. </p>

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<p>We were even allowed to pick our own tea cup.  Dahlings, how could you not relax in a setting such as this?</p>

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<p>Have you ever been to an Afternoon Tea?  Or has it been a long time since you have indulged in one? </p>

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<p>Invite your friends to escape for an afternoon of loveliness.  Or if you are the entertaining sort, host your own Autumn Tea Party.  Google "Autumn tea" for bountiful ideas. </p>

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