Afternoon Tea at the Ocean House, Rhode Island

Afternoon Tea or other wise known as High Tea is popular more so in Europe, however you can still find places to visit in New England who carry out the tradition. One thing that I (Stylish Mama) have noticed when visiting different places for High Tea is that every place has their own special menu and way of serving it. Most do provide the traditional scones served with jam and cream, sandwiches, desserts, and a pot of tea.

Afternoon Tea at the Ocean House did not disappoint with their selection of teas and food for high tea.  They offer afternoon tea on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons from 3-5 pm.  A sample menu can be found online of what to expect when attending.  We requested half of our food to be dairy free and they did meet that dietary request beautifully.  Our selections were a little different form the menu but the basics still applied....and all was YUM!

We were comfortably seated at a love seat in their "living room" at Ocean House.

Deciding on tea, Stylish Mama chose Earl Grey and Organized Chica chose a pomegranate tea.

China was beautifully set for us.

   

Tea Time!

Scones and in house made raspberry jam with cream

Dessert plate -home made candies, marshmallows, and chocolate covered strawberries with real gold flecks.

Our View across from our table, each oil lamp was lit

Remember ladies, pinky's down, not up.  Its actually not cool to raise your pinky.  You are welcome!

We can't wait to come back.  Already discussing a time to come again for a girls night.  Or maybe just another "working lunch" for us!  Thanks to our server as well, she was unbelievably attentive and made us feel right at home.

Love, Stylish Mama & Organized Chica

Our first visit to Ocean House, RI

We have admired this beautiful resort on our visits to Watch Hill, Rhode Island.  Ocean House has every reason to be admired for its beauty and charm. We likened it to an European seaside resort that you would most likely see in the U.K.  This local resort has accomplished many things including being the only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five-Star hotel in the state of R.I.  

When you walk into the Ocean House, there is something elegant about how you are greeted right away by the staff all impeccably dressed and groomed.  The decor is definitely conservative;however not pretentious. This hotel also has a rich history background in Rhode Island being that its been open since 1868 just after the Civil War.  And when you walk in and around the hotel and its property there is a feeling that you are walking through history.  If only those walls could talk...

We were surprised to find out that along with the hotel rooms for the public to use there were also rooms that were privately owned to residents who reside at the Ocean House.  When we were asked if we would like to tour the Club Room used for private functions and for dinning for the residents at the Ocean House we were delighted.  

Stylish Mama's personal favorites of the Ocean House:

I was amazed as to how the Ocean House had a Parisian twist to it, it houses a gallery of murals and drawings from the story book Madeline.  The Ocean House is the home of two original Madeline drawings from the story "Madeline and the Bad Hat." If you visit this resort you must take a walk to the lower level to admire all of the art.  

I also enjoyed a glimpse of Paris when sitting outside on the veranda,  I noticed the wait staff are all dressed in navy and white striped shirts and navy shorts or pants.  Very Persian.  Being that I dream of vacationing in France one day....this will do for now.   

The veranda also is a beautiful place to enjoy a cocktail.  The day we went was still on the warmer side so we took advantage of being a little early for our dinning reservation and decided to have a drink outside while overlooking the ocean.  Definitely a must if you visit during the summer or warmer months.

Organized Chica's personal favorites of the Ocean House:

There is just something about being at the ocean, hearing the waves crash and breathing ocean air.  It gives me serenity.  That alone is one of my favorite things of Ocean House, it's location.  

I fell in love with all the architectural details that Ocean House has as well. Here are just a few that caught my eye.  The molding used on the walls as you go down the stairs or the large pine doors used for a room. Each area has its own flair.  If you follow us on Instagram, I shared with you the ladies room because it displayed paintings of ladies fashion throughout the earlier years. Also, when you step outside and use their stairs, you will notice the cutout detail on each riser. They didn't miss one detail in their interior or exterior design.  

Ocean House also has the cutest little shop, Below Deck, where you can find an assortment of old fashioned candy, fresh made donuts, gelato and beverages.  I couldn't leave without buying half a dozen of donuts with their cinnamon sugar on them. 

Ocean House has become one of our favorite destinations and now that we were able to experience it, we understand why guests keep on returning and why some call this home.  We highly suggest that you add this to your summer list.


Love, Stylish Mama & Organized Chica xox

Make sure to check out our next post on enjoying High Tea at the Ocean House....

Remembering Summer: Watch Hill, RI

I figure that if I reminisce of my awesome summer it would be my way of holding onto it a little bit longer before it leaves.  We have been very fortunate here in New England to still have warm weather days before summer ending so we are squeezing every ounce of it.

This week I will be sharing a few of my summer highlights with you as we wave summer goodbye. Let's kick off Summer memory lane with Watch Hill, RI.

I've had this area on my bucket list for a couple of years now and I finally was able to visit it this summer. I'm sure you all have heard that Taylor Swift owns a home here and I can see why.  This area may be small but so big in its beauty.

As soon as you arrive you are greeted with an ocean view and one of Rhode Islands finest resorts, Ocean House. It being listed as one of the top 100 hotels in the world.  I was in awe of it's beauty outside. I admit, I have not had the chance to go inside but I hope so one day and at least get to enjoy one of their restaurants.  A girl can dream and Ocean House will always be on my bucket list.

As you drive down into town you will pass by Taylor Swifts beach home.  No traffic is allowed to stop and take pictures and for a shorty like me, I was able to admire her bushes a lot.  You continue going down a hill where you will find a small strip of shops and restaurants.  Take the time to visit each one since they all have their own flair.  My favorite shop is called WH2O.  They have the best home decor and gifts in my opinion, and best part is that you get greeted by their doggie, Bogey. Girls who work there are friendly and feel free to ask them where they recommend grabbing a bite to eat.

Watch Hill has two amazing beaches that should make your summer list next year.  I loved the area so much that I had to share it with Stylish Mama. We ended up enjoying our yearly Girls Beach Day at Watch Hill, sunbathing at East Beach Access in August.

I can't wait to visit this area again because there is so much still I need to see and explore. Watch Hill Point Lighthouse and Napatree Point are a must for me next time.

Needless to say that the views were breathtaking.  I could stay in front of the ocean all day and feel at peace.  Hope you enjoy these images and make Watch Hill, RI a must for you. It is perfect for a romantic getaway or a girls only destination. 

  

Let's see where my Summer memory lane takes us next...I envision an island, perhaps. Hmmm.......

Happy Summer, 

Love, Organized Chica xox