Tea at The Drake

Today, Lola and Mommy started what I hope will be a tradition for years and years to come...We had tea at Chicago's iconic Drake hotel. We arrived almost an hour before our reservation, so we could enjoy all it's beauty beforehand. We marveled at the beautifully decorated tree and Gingerbread Village in the main lobby, before heading up one level to explore. I showed her the room where Preston's Mommy & Daddy had their gorgeous reception. We then spotted a baby grand and of course I let her indulge in tickling the ivories. We went to explore some more and stumbled upon an open, smaller ballroom. We headed right for the window to soak up the natural light and a great view of Lake Shore Drive. She enjoyed the Labyrinth-like carpet and made a game out of it. It was almost time for our reservation, so we made a quick stop into the Powder Room to primp like the proper ladies that we are.

We were seated promptly at 11 and the special Christmas carolers began singing some lovely tunes. Lola was captivated by their voices and the familiar songs. They even stopped by our table to play a special request (Rudolph, of course.) She took her eyes off them only to sip her "tea", which she did so perfectly and proper. We enjoyed our tea sandwiches and I marveled at what a sweet little lady she is--and had to pinch myself to make sure she was, in fact, mine. She was an angel for a half-hour straight. But then she announced, "Ok, I'm done now." and started to get antsy. So instead of waiting for the waiter to come by and repeat a dozen times "Lola, please sit down. Lola, please turn around.", we got up and stopped at the hostess stand to pay our tab. But not before the Ladies That Lunch at the next table over and several of the staff commented on what a sweet, well-behaved girl she was. We did have a conversation before hand about how important it was to be polite and use our manners--"Ok Mommy, I undestand.", she responded. But it was only a matter of time before that wore off and Bull-in-a-china-shop Lola showed up :) Our tea ended at the perfect time and I'm happy to say we'll be welcomed back next year!

Enjoy the pictures!

Tea at The Drake {2011}