LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lakeport English Inn is in preparation for the 11th annual Victorian Christmas Fair and high teas.
Innkeeper Karan Mackey, her mother Ruth, and Karan’s sisters Jill and Marlene present this year’s event between Nov. 23 and Dec. 22 at the bed-and-breakfast inn, 675 N. Main St., Lakeport.
Guests this year will be treated to a “Festival of Lights” in the displays throughout the inn. Dozens of fully-decorated trees fill the rooms and halls at the inn during the annual fair.
A world class, traditional English High Tea is presented by the three sisters and staff. Delicious scones, tarts, tiny sandwiches, Devonshire cream, desserts, shortbread cookies, all prepared with care and attention to detail, complement the tea.
“It is like having tea at the London Ritz,” said Marlene.
For a preview of the tea menu, visit http://lakeportenglishinn.com/high-teas/christmas-fair.asp .
“Come enjoy a glimpse of England,” said Mackey, who takes pride in presenting her English High Teas in traditional fashion.
She has visited many tea rooms in England, and she is unrelenting in making her tea experiences as true to the English tea as possible.
Only a few tea rooms exist in Northern California, and she visits those when she has the opportunity.
Lakeport is within a two-hour drive from Sacramento, an hour and a half from Santa Rosa, and approximately two-and-a-half hours driving time from the Bay Area.
“We invite Lake County residents and visitors to ring in the holidays with us. We look forward to opening our inn to guests during this special time so that they may enjoy strolling carolers, shop rooms of ornaments and decorations, smell and taste edible creations, and join friends for a proper English Victorian Tea,” said Mackey.
The Victorian Christmas Fair is open to the public from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays, except Thanksgiving Day.
High tea is served to the public every Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday during the Christmas Fair. Seatings are at noon and 3 p.m. However, groups of more than 15 people may schedule tea on other days during the run of the holiday fair.
A three-tier platter of “scrumptious delights” is planned for the “Mad Hatter Tea Party.” For reservations, call the inn at 707-263-4317.
The innkeepers and tea servers invite guests to enjoy the celebration of Christmas traditions of long ago.
“You will be transported to a different era as the staff and carolers dress in Victorian style and stroll throughout the inn's Christmas Fair and tea rooms serenading visitors,” said Mackey.