A story recently published about the Art Tea at the Merrion Hotel in Dublin brought back a wonderful memory of my own visit to this Hotel in 2016. As a surprise, my husband, Jack, planned a visit to Dublin as an wedding anniversary trip. We stayed at the Merrion and as part of our stay, Jack had reserved their Art Tea for us to enjoy. It was October and the fireplace was lit in the sitting room of the hotel where our tea was set up.

After being served Champagne, a beautifully presented tea was set before us. The design and flavor of the pastries served were inspired by pieces in the Hotel’s private art collection. Ever changing, ours were influenced by the paintings, ​Futile Defense by John Boyd; Saurin Elizabeth Leech, Self Portrait; and ​Path Mo’orea ​by Pauline Bewick. It was magical and romantic and unforgettable.