What better way to celebrate 60 years of HRH's reign than a summer afternoon tea party?

We are so blessed to have creative and hospitable neighbours.
Last week, we were invited to attend a tea party to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Queen Elizabeth's reign (come as you are, but you must wear a hat!).
 While Canadians are generally ambivalent about the monarchy, there is a strong fondness for the Queen.
She has been part of our culture for (many of our) whole lives.
I remember as a girl crowding onto a downtown street to see the Queen pass by and wave her awesomely restrained and regal wave, dreaming about being one of the lucky little girls who got to pass her a bouquet of flowers.
Waking up early to watch Charles and Di's wedding was a childhood highlight.
My Grandmother spoke of Diana's boys as if they were her own grandsons.
We were up early, fascinators on, for last year's Royal Wedding.

We were tickled to see HRH play act with James Bond for the Olympic opening and felt a pang of concern as she looked so worn out and uncomfortable upon her arrival at the event.
The ups and downs of the Royal Family are part of the fabric of our lives.
 As the women gathered for tea, we oohed and aahhhed over the hats and fascinators.
The little girls bounced about excitedly, big eyes on the scones, sponge cake and beautifully delicate tea cups and saucers (a weakness of my own, I'll admit!).
There was an air of properness... something about donning a hat and thinking about the Queen makes one feel terribly polite and polished.

Our hostess did a beautiful job of decorating with fresh flowers from her own amazing gardens.
She added Union Jack's and scattered Royal themed coffee table books about (a staple in many Canadian homes of UK descent!).
There were tarts and preserves, scones and shortbread.
And there was, of course, tea!
(or pink lemonade)
 What a lovely interlude on a summer afternoon.
(Shared by one unhappy dog in a 'hat' and other nature friends)

We raised a tea cup (and our pinkies) to Elizabeth, that lovely, strong and resilient lady.
Proud to call her our Queen. ♥♥