Monday, February 6, 2012

Greenbrier High Tea

The Greenbrier is nestled in West Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains and has been referred to as "America's most historic resort". The resort opened in the late eighteenth century and is known for it's sulfur spring, stunning decor, spa, health clinic and esteemed golf course...just to name a few things. The Greenbrier also played a role in the Civil War and WWII in addition to housing a bunker/bomb-shelter for the U.S. government.

After WWII The Greenbrier was redecorated by the late great Dorothy Draper. Dorthy Draper had a love of color and was responsible for starting the very first interior design company in 1923.  

The upper Lobby is one of my favorite spaces because of the blue & white lamps. I love the contrast of the black & white floor and the floral prints. Draper's design philosophy was that a room doesn't have to match in order to work.

Dorothy Draper's protege Carlton Varney took over the interior design of The Greenbrier. Varney is an acclaimed designer and the president of Dorothy Draper & Co. Inc.

 Tea is served daily at 4:15pm in the upper lobby.




4:15pm for my mother meant cocktail time so I joined her in the bar area. We had a relaxing time chatting and listening to the piano player.

One of my two favorite prints is Dorothy Draper's Rhododendron which was redone with a mint background by Carlton Varney.

21 comments:

Clare C. Whitaker said...

There is no place like the Greenbrier! I love the selection of pictures and your outfit is so perfect! When my family stayed at the resort a few years ago, my mom and I would always make it to high tea...the food and the music were superb! Hope you have a wonderful week.
Toodles,
Twirling Clare
twirlingclare.blogspot.com

Knot Just Nautical said...

Awe, high tea at the Savoy in London is my favorite memory of spending time alone bonding with my late mother. Seeing your pictures of high tea makes me miss her, but at least you're lucky and able to do these things with your mother. xxx enjoy!

Annie said...

I was wondering when we were going to get to see pictures! Looks like a lovely time and right up your alley!

Portuguese Prepster said...

looks lovely! I've always wanted to make a trip to the Greenbrier!

Anonymous said...

Lovely, and you look adorable, as always!!

Anonymous said...

There is another place like The Greenbrier - The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, MI. It also has high tea, and is also decorate very similarly by Carlton Varney (and has the same china patter).

And the scarf and necklace is too much going on. Pick one.

Let The Tide Pull Your Dreams Ashore said...

I am familiar with The Grand Hotel and hope to visit in the future. I dress for myself and not for anyone else and I like my scarf and necklace combo...different strokes for different folks. xx

JMW said...

Ah, nothing like tea time at the Greenbrier. Hubby and I would hit 4:15 p.m. tea, refresh in our rooms and head back down to the adjacent bar for a drink and game of backgammon. Looks like you had fun!

Anonymous said...

Must put this place on my hotels in the US 'to do list' - very American!

elseinwmsb said...

Thank you for your post about your visit to the Greenbrier. What a nice time it must have been for you and your mother. I, too, love the upper lobby with its blue lamps
and the bold prints. Carlton Varney decorated a hotel a friend owns in Ft. Lauderdale, The Lago Mar. Please keep dressing in your own special style. You are an inspiration.

Dee Stephens said...

I've never been there but it's on my list!

Let The Tide Pull Your Dreams Ashore said...

I just checked out The Lago Mar’s website...the hotel looks gorgeous! Maybe I can convince JCW we need a little vacation...here’s hoping! Thanks for your sweet remarks. xx

Anonymous said...

I agree that 4:15 is more of a cocktail hour (especially while away on a trip). Your Mother is a smart lady!

Alexandra Bee Blog said...

How beautiful--I have to remind myself that things don't all have to match to work in a room!!

MLS said...

Beautiful photographs! I just love the teacup and saucer sets. However, I must also agree that I would prefer cocktails over tea at 4:15!

Kerr said...

So gorgeous! I am dying to go back and visit, it has been too long.

Sarah Brooke said...

You look so pretty!

Adventures in Food said...

When I think of BLS, I think White Russians. This Manhattan business is craziness!

Knot Just Nautical said...

Pfffrrrshhht, that comment regarding necklace and scarf had to be from someone anonymous, right? Don't let anyone cramp your style, you're classy in and out, witness your elegant response xxx

Let The Tide Pull Your Dreams Ashore said...

You are pretty much right on the money when it comes to BLS’s cocktail of choice but they were Black Russians...this Manhattan thing is totally new! xx

Why thank you NJK! xx

The Pink Pagoda said...

Gorgeous photos! I've never been to the Greenbrier, but have wanted to for so long!