The Dress Code for Afternoon Tea

smart casual

If you’ve been following me on Instagram, you know that I spent Christmas in Madeira. And this is what I was wearing on Christmas Day, for afternoon tea at a posh hotel…

Afternoon tea at Reid’s Palace has become sort of a Christmas tradition for me and my husband, and we always look forward to it as the highlight of our holiday. And of course I would like to share a few pictures of the decor in the hotel lobby and the lounge, as well as the magnificent Christmas tree.

Reids Palace

Madeira Christmas

The dress code is ‘smart casual, no jeans or t-shirts’. It sounds easy enough, but as the weather can be quite unpredictable, it can get a bit challenging. For instance, last year it was really windy, and I was just freezing on the terrace (where the tea is served). And this year? Well, I could have done without the jacket…

Anyway, this is the first part of a series of posts on my ‘holiday capsule wardrobe’: how to pack as little as possible yet be prepared for, well, anything. This means that I should be able to come up with a range of outfits with the same few items. For example, the next time you see this jacket it will be dressed down, for a more casual look.

smart casual

I’m wearing:

jacket: Gerry Weber / trousers: Pure / top: Esprit / sunglasses: Prada / 

bag: Chanel /necklace: Masriera / shoes: Clarks

For more posts on Madeira, go to Bad Tourist in Madeira

Tiina
FOLLOW:

PS: Have you seen the latest DILETTANTE ARTIST post yet?

Linking up with: 

Not Dead Yet StyleElegantly Dressed and StylishGaray TreasuresHigh Latitude StyleSydney Fashion HunterThe Pleated PoppyStyle ElixirGet Your Pretty OnHappiness at Mid-LifeA Labour of LifeDoused in PinkCurly Crafty MomFashion Should Be FunRachel the HatSincerely Jenna MarieMore Pieces of MeColor and GraceNot Dressed As LambStyle Nudge, Coco et La Vie en Rose

26 Comments

  1. Melanie
    31 December 2015 / 6:24 pm

    Great outfit, Tiina. What an elegant place for tea and a grand tradition. Happy New Year! It was a pleasure meeting you in the summer.

    • Tiina L
      1 January 2016 / 1:03 pm

      Thanks, Melanie. It's a fabulous hotel, in a slightly charmingly old-fashioned way, and a great place to visit. I enjoyed meeting you, too, last summer. Happy New Year!

  2. Jessica Jannenga
    1 January 2016 / 10:36 am

    Love the color choices and the fitted jacket! I must visit there,as one, I love tea, both mom and I are big tea drinkers, its quite elegant, and lastly, my maiden name is REID. Have a happy new Year!!Jessxxwww.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

    • Tiina L
      1 January 2016 / 1:05 pm

      Your maiden name is Reid? Great! You should definitely visit Madeira and this hotel. Happy New Year!

  3. No Fear of Fashion
    1 January 2016 / 11:37 am

    Looks like a fun place to live, Reid's Palace. Do I understand it right that you go on holiday every year at Christmas? You look very nice with this jacket. Lovely colour combination.Happy New Year Tiina.Greetje

    • Tiina L
      1 January 2016 / 1:11 pm

      We've been to Madeira at Christmas the past 3 years. We've never actually stayed at Reid's Palace, though. It's a bit out of the way, in a very touristy area, and we prefer something more central and low-key (= a boutique hotel with a roof terrace and a spa, adjacent to a shopping centre). But Reid's Palace afternoon tea is a great experience, and has sort become a tradition by now. Happy New Year, Greetje!

    • No Fear of Fashion
      4 January 2016 / 7:35 am

      And a very happy new year to you too Tiina.

  4. Suzanne Carillo
    1 January 2016 / 6:18 pm

    Oh my…that place looks lovely! Just my kind of spot : ) Happy New Year!bisousSuzanne

    • Tiina L
      1 January 2016 / 6:25 pm

      Happy New Year, Suzanne!

  5. Coco
    1 January 2016 / 9:26 pm

    You look fabulous dear! Hope you'll join my linkup here: Coco et La vie en rose fashion blog – End of year fashion LINK UP Buon anno, Happy New Year from Italy!

    • Tiina L
      1 January 2016 / 10:23 pm

      Thank you, Coco! I'd be happy to join the link-up. Happy New Year!

  6. Mica T
    2 January 2016 / 3:24 am

    Love your striped blazer, and that top is such a nice colour on you.Hope you had a merry Christmas, and happy new year!Away From The Blue Blog

    • Tiina L
      2 January 2016 / 12:34 pm

      Thank you, Mica, that's so sweet of you to say. Happy New Year!

  7. Coco
    2 January 2016 / 1:29 pm

    Thank you so so much for linking up dear Tiina! Baci, Valeria – Coco et La vie en rose fashion blog

  8. Patti
    2 January 2016 / 1:34 pm

    What a gorgeous place! A wonderful tradition for you. xo-Pattihttp://notdeadyetstyle.com

    • Tiina L
      2 January 2016 / 8:16 pm

      Yes, it's a wonderful place, I always look forward to having tea on the terrace.

  9. Dawn Lucy
    3 January 2016 / 1:19 pm

    Gorgeous hotel and cute outfit! Thanks so much for sharing with Fun Fashion Friday & wishing you all the very best in 2016!OXOXDawn Lucy http://fashionshouldbefun.blogspot.com

    • Tiina L
      3 January 2016 / 1:26 pm

      Happy New Year, Dawn!

  10. Petite Silver Vixen
    3 January 2016 / 8:52 pm

    What a beautiful setting for afternoon tea and I love that you have that as a tradition! Wow, I see what you mean about the tree. That's quite eye-catching!Lovely jacket – perfect for afternoon tea.http://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk/

    • Tiina L
      4 January 2016 / 9:40 am

      Thanks! Yes, the setting is spectacular, the decor is traditional yet modern at the same time. And the view from the tea terrace is impressive, too.

  11. A Dash of Midlife
    4 January 2016 / 2:36 am

    Love your outfit and the setting is beautiful.

    • Tiina L
      4 January 2016 / 9:41 am

      Thank you! And Happy New Year!

  12. Jill James
    4 January 2016 / 9:06 am

    Looking perfect for afternoon tea in that striped blazer. Stunning setting, no doubt a very pleasant afternoon tea.

    • Tiina L
      4 January 2016 / 9:44 am

      Thanks, Jill! Yes, the setting is stunning, and it's quite an experience to have tea there.

  13. Andrea
    4 January 2016 / 11:27 pm

    What a lovely place to have tea! Your outfit is very nice! Great jacket! Looking forward how you styled it next!

    • Tiina L
      5 January 2016 / 11:17 am

      Thanks, Andrea! It's a very versatile jacket. And of course, it's navy and white stripes, so I love it…

Leave a Reply