My mom and I typically go to tea during our girls’ shopping weekend, but we couldn’t get a reservation when we were in Phoenix this year, so we decided to go in Michigan instead.

We actually really lucked out when someone canceled their reservation at the Royal Park — an absolutely gorgeous hotel in Rochester Hills. We’ve eaten brunch in their dining room, and Toby and I stayed there the night of our wedding, but I had never had tea there.

We were seated at a table in the galleria area, with lots of windows and a view of Paint Creek. The table already had glasses of pink champagne and a tea caddy full of sandwiches, scones and desserts when we sat down — and then they brought two hot appetizers. There were several options for the actual tea; I ordered pear caramel black tea, and my mom had blue peacock black tea.

Everything was delicious, but I had to keep taking breaks because there was so much food! We ended up bringing most of the desserts home in a box… but the ones we tried at the hotel were fantastic. I’d definitely rank the Royal Park as one of the top three afternoon teas we’ve had so far.

Since we went on Christmas Eve Eve, I figured it was a good time to wear this Christmas-y outfit, and was excited to be able to wear my cape (I’m kind of obsessed with it) — even though it’s not as cold here as I thought it would be. I hope y’all are enjoying your holiday season, and that you get a chance to sit down with some hot tea (or coffee, if that’s more your style) and some cookies!

My outfit: Sweater: J.Crew, Skirt: J.Crew factory, Cape: Irish Traditions (similar) Boots: Boden, Earrings: Anthropologie (no longer available), Lipstick: Clinique “Angel Red.”

My mom’s outfit: Sweater: Talbots, Skirt: Talbots (no longer available), Heart necklace: Betsey Johnson (similar), Snowflake necklace: Metropolitan Museum of Art store