British High Tea Celebrations for my Parents 35th Wedding Anniversary

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND

TUM JO AAYE - RAHAT FATEH ALI KHAN

I am always excited to celebrate special moments with my parents. I remember running around Calgary ten years ago to finalize their big silver anniversary celebrations, where they renewed their vows and hosted a banquet for 100+ people. Now, a decade later, my mom and dad celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary in Calgary, and unfortunately, I could not be there in person on that day. But as fate would have it, a few days later they traveled across the world to Scotland to meet our extended families for Christmas celebrations. So naturally Monika and I also made the trek from Berlin to Glasgow to join in the Christmas fun.

But of course, this was also our perfect opportunity to take some time to honor and celebrate their great milestone. And what better way to celebrate when in the United Kingdom than with a proper, elongated British High Tea? The famous Patisserie Valerie was the venue we selected, and we were not disappointed!

Although it was a rainy day in Glasgow (shocking!), the venue was warm and inviting, with rich wooden tones and opulent chandeliers. Since my parents got married exactly seven days before Christmas, everything around us is always in full festive mode when we go to celebrate. Which I have no qualms about! So we happily ordered the "Festive High Tea" and waited while our quintessential three tier platters of sweet and savory goodies were prepared.

Fresh baked scones with clotted cream and jams, mini sandwiches, and the most decadent holiday baking, all served with personally steeped British tea. My parents really loved the experience, and it also gave us a great chance to take a breather in all the hustle and bustle of Christmas.

sweets on sweets

But in lieu of an extravagant gift, we instead gave my parents a Love Lock, for them to leave somewhere along their travels. They will be leaving from Scotland and heading to Singapore a few days after Christmas, to re-visit the country where they first honeymooned 35 years ago. And so we asked them to lock up their love somewhere in the world, and throw away the key! It was a great celebration, and we are so glad we could spend this special time with them.