Puttin' on the Ritz

My girl and I stepped out for a new holiday tradition, Teddy Bear Tea Time at the Ritz Carlton. The Ritz is a hot spot anytime of year, but during the holidays it’s particularly perfect.

A few weeks ago while at my hairdresser’s, my stylist (and great conversationalist) asked me what my holiday tradition was with my girl ... that special something just she and I did together every year. “Uh, um, hmm, let’s see … it’s a, well ... ” Apparently I didn’t have one! How could that possibly be? I don’t know, but I didn’t, never even thought about it. So when she said her and her mom always went to the Ritz for tea, it sounded delicious. Special and refined, girlie and something sure to look forward to.

I called the Ritz and sure enough, the last Teddy Bear Tea of the year was December 20th and they kindly invited us to attend.

From the first valet salutations to the inspired views in every direction, the day made for a gorgeous, charming, princess-like outing. At the Tea, fluffy white pillows lined the floor for the kids and red-checked linens lined their tables. Magic took the stage to wow and entertain. Cocoa, cookies, finger sandwiches and a brunch assortment were elegantly served for all (and Mimosas flowed moms and dads). I could almost see my girl’s invisible tiara, as she fully embraced her special day and Mommy and Me time.

After the show, we walked the hotel, took in the décor and the amazing life-sized surf gingerbread house, then relaxed outside by the koi ponds. There was an extra special Ritz touch and holiday pizazz.

We left refreshed, entertained, treated and I left with a new tradition. While my girl and I will outgrow our Teddy Bear Tea time in the next few years, I suspect we will graduate to a cup of tea and inspired conversation at the restaurant overlooking the ocean. The pomp and circumstance set the stage for years ahead of rich time together.

Do you have an annual one-on-one holiday tradition? I’m still in need of one with my little guy.

More Ritz hot happenings ahead on their site calendar.

More here on tea and conversation and cast-iron tea sets (very hot right now).