Tea at Laduree

I was invited to join my soon-to-be-married friend Natasha and her close friends and family for tea at Laduree at 10 AM on Sunday, April 23rd.  

It’s an upscale bakery chain with Parisian origins, apparently specializing in french macarons. I decided to bring my camera along to document this event, which was really a more intimate/informal part two to the bridal shower (this time hosted by her family).

What do you think of the exterior decor? The window display almost  reminded me of a child’s nursery with the flower decals, the butterflies and the rabbit, etc. Simple, and whimsical.

I was very impressed with how elegant the inside of the bakery looked, particularly the immediate space you step into. Right in the front with a long glass counter with treats as far as the eye can see in an amazing assortment of sizes, shapes, and colors.

A quick shot of the wall opposite the counter.

Once the hostess came back, I asked if I could take photos for my blog. She told me no cameras but that a phone picture was okay. I couldn’t help but sneak a picture of the dining area on my way back from the bathroom 😁 Beyond the general dining area is a beautiful light-filled tea room which is where we were at.

When I stepped through the french doors, I was surprised just how airy and spacious the room was. It felt really open and comfortable, and was just a gorgeous hideaway that I never knew existed in Soho. There was even a backyard patio area that was really sizable, perfect for entertaining guests during the warmer months. Natasha (bride-to-be) told me that she would try to get us flower crowns, so I expected she would be wearing one. She and her mom, Susanty, are photographed below looking lovely.

Natasha and her groom Tom.

Tea time for 9 please! Natasha’s dad is out of the photo because he took this picture. As you can see all the girls are wearing elastic headbands with mini rosebuds attached. We were also requested to wear flowery clothing. I made do with my floral crop top from Hollister and a poofy circle skirt.

A toast to the bride and groom!

Onto the table decor. The table was scattered with different photos from Natasha’s engagement, bachelorette party (which took place in New Orleans), family dinner with her parents and Tom, etc.

Polaroids taken on Natasha’s polaroid camera!

Now onto the food. The towers of pastries were so elegant and I dug right into the croissants. At the bridal shower (which had taken place a couple weeks prior) there wasn’t a ton of food ideal for picky eaters but this was right up my alley. The wrapped spreads would probably make a foodie light up like a Christmas tree but I ate mine plain.

The Tea Time Menu started with a fruit salad. I believe this was comprised of banana slices, blue berries, pineapples, mango, raspberries, and coconut shavings.

Nicole clearly enjoying hers!

We had a very specific menu to choose from, so I decided to get the brioche with an avocado spread and poached eggs on top. I like bland foods and the complex flavors were foreign to me but I appreciated it all the same.

How cute are the teapots? They had an impressive menu of teas but I just got fresh orange juice.

A rather shadowy picture of me and Nicole.

I wanted to capture the corners of the room I hadn’t really photographed, so please excuse this rather lame photo of the exit into the outdoor area but I wanted to share the space with you.

The outdoor area through the glass window.

When we finished, the waiters packed up the remaining pastries in lovely boxes and bags for us.

And that’s it! When we got our turn in front of the camera, it was ladies’ choice. Me, Natasha, and Nicole are the original three of our group and I’m so happy we’ve remained friends since 2004.

(Insert sassy head tilt)

All the ladies in a group shot!

A final photo of Natasha, Tom, and her parents.

Thanks for reading this post! I hope you enjoyed reading about the event, and I can’t wait ’til the wedding!

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