I’m currently in the throes of making sure the final details for my wedding are all set (I can’t believe it’s coming up SO soon)! Sometimes it feels overwhelming, since it’s SUCH a big day. But then other times I’m so excited to finally live the day that I’ve been planning for two years. It’s been a roller coaster of emotions these last few weeks, so I’ve made sure to make time to see my friends and take a mental break from all of the coordinating.

On Sunday I planned an afternoon that was exactly what I needed. Kendall, Jess, Ann and I began by seeing the Downton Abbey film in theaters. I just love all things Downton, and it’s impossible for me to exaggerate how excited I was for the movie.

After it was over, Jess, Ann and I wanted to discuss it further, like a book group but for movies. So we walked a few blocks through Gramercy Park until we reached a building with a small teacup plaque by the door.

We walked up the steps and confirmed that we were at the right place: Lady Mendl’s Tea Salon!

The outside may be nondescript, but the inside is anything but. We were ushered into a strikingly-blue drawing room to wait for our table.

When it was ready, we were escorted into Lady Mendl’s two dining rooms, both with rich, wood paneling and gold details. It felt like we’d stepped inside Downton Abbey itself!

We began with tea, which is not surprising in a tea salon. I love that Lady Mendl’s allows you to try different teas as you enjoy your afternoon. They can also do a tea pairing with each course, much like wine pairings at dinner (but much better for you)!

You begin with a seasonal soup or salad. Because the weather still says summer even though the calendar says fall, we were served fresh watermelon chunks covered in feta cheese.

Then it was time for classic tea sandwiches, including salmon, egg salad, and cucumber (separately, not all together)! Lady Mendl’s will bring you as many sandwiches as you can eat, so no need to worry that you’re going to leave hungry.

Next you’re served warm scones with Devonshire clotted cream and fruit preserves.

And the best part of the meal, in my opinion, is the dessert!

The first dessert course is Gâteau de Crêpes, a cake from Lady M Confections that is quite possibly the best cake ever made.

Then you’re also served plenty of petit fours, macarons, and chocolate covered strawberries, as a dessert to your dessert.

It was such a lovely afternoon, and Lady Mendl’s is now one of my favorite afternoon tea experiences in New York City.

To find our more information on Lady Mendl’s, or to make a reservation, click here.

Thank you for joining me, ladies. The next time I see you will be on my wedding day!

~A

P.S. My dress is by Tanya Taylor. You can shop the designer here. My purse is by Furla and you can buy it here, and my flats are by Tory Burch and you can buy them here.