High tea is

one of the most civilized traditions to cross the big

pond.

long-standing custom among the English-born, taking tea

has been embraced by Americans who opt for a cup and some

biscuits in four-star hotels and quaint bed and

breakfasts.

The

Culpepper House in Senoia offers a delicious

interpretation of high tea with four courses of perfectly

prepared and presented delicacies through February.

Guests are

greeted at the front door of the gracious Victorian house

partners in Culpepper House, a bed and breakfast that has

three antique-filled bedrooms a front parlor and small

dining room.

With a

welcoming smile, Armstrong briefs guests on the history

of the house, which was originally built in 1871 by Dr.

John Addy, a returning Confederate soldier. The

structure, as it now stands, was built by Dr. Wilbur

Culpepper, who used what is now the parlor as his

examining room. Stained glass windows, pocket sliding

doors and heart pine floors accentuate the residence.

Once seated

at the tea table, Armstrong introduces her guests to a

pot of Good Earth tea from California, a smooth herbal

blend. The steaming tea, to be sipped from delicate china

cups, is soon joined at the table by a serving of Storm's

warm, fluffy scones. Accompanied by strawberry jam and

freshly whipped cream, the flaky biscuit-like triangles

disappear rapidly.

The scones

are followed by a nutty-tasting wild rice soup.

Next comes

the sandwich and fruit tray. Banana nut bread garnished

with a tiny sliver of banana, finger sandwiches of herb

cream cheese, pimiento pinwheels and deviled eggs topped

with a dollop of caviar are carefully placed on the plate

with slices of orange and cantaloupe.

Guests are

invited to tour the upstairs between the sandwich and

dessert course.

Barb and

Maggie pull out all the stops when it comes to the

desserts. Scrumptious bites of heart-shaped fudge, petite

slices of lemon cake, apple pockets and powdered lady

fingers defy anyone's diet.

The entire

ritual takes about an hour and a half. Tea takers

enjoying a recent Saturday visit hailed from the big city

and Peachtree City.

The menus,

assembled by Storm and Armstrong and executed by Storm in

the house kitchen, are a compilation of the best of the

best.

Their

travels across the United States and abroad have yielded

unique combinations of foods which are punctuated with

their own originality.

The two

women met while living in Minnesota. "Maggie was the

choir director at our church," recalled Storm, who

is actually a native of Coweta County. When Storm's

husband's job was completed in Minnesota, the couple

moved back to Georgia and were eventually joined by

Armstrong, who teaches music at the International School

in Atlanta. Together they formed a business partnership

which has flourished for about six years.

In addition

to serving tea in their less hectic months, such as

February and August, lunch is available Wednesdays

through Fridays 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. They also cater

special events such as showers, small dinners and

parties.

The

Culpepper House is at 35 Broad St., Senoia. Reservations

for tea are required and can be arranged by phoning

770-599-8182. Hats and gloves for ladies are encouraged.