High tea at the Amstel Hotel

Lime duster coat

silver high heeled ankle bootsYes, I know the title of this blog post is “High tea at the Amstel Hotel”. And when you see Marijke and me like this, we don’t exactly look like the clientele suitable for the Amstel (5 star) Hotel. They let anybody in these days  😆  Our group of friends, the BVA girls, have been featured on the blog many times. This Saturday we were celebrating several birthdays with high tea. The idea was to go Dutch, but Marianne insisted on treating us, her friends, and paid for all of us. Thank you Marianne.

Not in the photos are my flat boots, I am only showing you these silver high heeled ankle boots. Now brace yourself… lots of pictures to get through. I will introduce you to the girls again as I think I took some pretty nice pictures.

Below: Marianne who decided to go grey. It doesn’t matter how she wears her hair or what colour it is, she always looks good. A classic beauty.

Marianne

Below: Jilke, a very photogenic woman.

Jilske

Below: Claudia, our bubbly laughing face.

Claudia

Below: Marianna. She hates her picture being taken, but I got permission to use some photos.

Marianna

Below: Marijke, the most optimistic person on earth.

Marijke

We gathered at Marianne’s house in the afternoon which gave me the opportunity to take some head-to-toe shots of the girls in the garden.

Below: Marianne, always very well dressed.

Marianne

Below: And she is cheeky as well. Showing her tights…

Below: Marijke in a beautiful green trouser suit with printed top.

Marijke

Below: Jilske, casual and stylish. Love the patent leather boots.

Jilske

Below: Claudia wearing cute boots as well.

Claudia

Below: Close-up of the cute embroidered boots.

Ankle boots with flowers

Below: Marianna. Her bright blue cardigan looks very good with her dark hair.

Marianna

Below: Marianna was wearing comfortable boots.

Black suede boots

Below: And me, wearing my lime duster coat with green top and leggings. I keep putting my leg with the swollen knee forward as it is easier to lean on the good leg. However, this is not a case of “putting your best foot (leg) foremost”.

silver high heeled ankle boots

Below: Close-up of the silver boots (brand: Hoss Intropia), several years old. Sometimes they look golden, sometimes they look silver. Believe it or not, but I can walk on these, Knee and all. As long as I don’t have to walk more than a couple of metres.

silver high heeled ankle boots

Below: After a lot of chatting, we drove to the Amstel Hotel for our high tea. A magnificent building. I had the standard lense on my camera (for indoor photos), which means I could only photograph this teeny little part of the building. If you want to see more, click this link to Amstel hotel photos.

High tea at the Amstel Hotel

Below: Jilske, halfway on the magnificent stairs.

Jilske at the Amstel Hotel

Below: And the fun began. Lovely waitresses serving us tea. I was a spoilsport as I don’t like tea. No problem, I got as many cappuccinos as I liked.

High tea at the Amstel Hotel

Below: I tried to take Marianna and Jilske, but Marianna hid behind her phone, taking pictures of me.

Marianna

Below: Which resulted in this rather blurry action photo.

Below: Tea and coffee are nice; however, Marianne decided: champagne first. Which is about the only wine I like. Dangerous though, alcohol on an empty stomach. I get loud….

High tea at the Amstel Hotel

Below: The ambience was terrific.

High tea at the Amstel Hotel

Below: Big smile, wearing “black” pearl necklace and matching earrings.

High tea at the Amstel Hotel

Below: Some food examples. In this cute “thing” sandwiches were hidden. Of course without crust.

High tea at the Amstel Hotel

Below: A couple of tiers with scones (clotted cream and jam were provided, so very English), macarons (French) and treacle-waffles (very Dutch). No idea what that yellow thing was, but it tasted great.

High tea at the Amstel hotel

Jilske and I started wandering through the hotel, taking several pictures.

Below: Jilske in front of typical, classic Dutch art. The vases will probably be Delft blue with Chinese influences.

Jilske at the Amstel Hotel

Below: This is not at all posed, is it? (Good grief… terrible!). By the look of my red cheeks I say, this was right after the champagne. See that the boots look more golden now?

Below: Some history lessons.

Amstel Hotel

Amstel Hotel

We had already seen there was a wedding going on with lots of guests. Photographer and all, everybody on the stairs and most of the ladies in evening gowns.

Below: We caught a few of them in the ladies room haha.

Amstel Hotel

Amstel Hotel

Below: And this cute girl, opening the door with her foot.

Below: Three examples of beautiful lamps.

High tea at the Amstel Hotel

High tea at the Amstel Hotel

High tea at the Amstel Hotel

Below: Dessert! Oh my… we couldn’t eat another thing.

High tea at the Amstel hotel

What happened in my life this week

Low interest things
Had the tires changed on my car. Winter tires are on now.
Cleared the kitchen from all sorts of stuff that was taking up space and completely superfluous. Also cleared a drawer or two. Creates a tidy feeling in my head as well.

Had a jolly good time with Kitty while photographing next week’s outfit. It will be a skirt again. And on Friday there was another photo shoot, this time with Loes.

Not much else this week really. Sorry. Just boring stuff like bills to pay and trying to find out which health insurance to take for next year.

Oh one other thing. Remember I told you last week, that there are people who actually want to be on my blog? Well, here is my colleague Morad, one of the two best dressed men in our department. He works out a lot so has big muscles. Nice guy.

Morad and me

Below: As Morad and I were on our way to take above picture, somebody pointed out that the ceiling in the lift was a mirror. Couldn’t resist the temptation of taking a snapshot.

As we are on the subject of the office anyway, below are my colleague Mascha and me. We were actually working, really. Granted I was also talking about her boots for a minute. I thought they were really nice.

Mascha and me

That’s it folks.

Greetje

No Fear of Fashion

72 responses to “High tea at the Amstel Hotel”

  1. Another wonderful and informative post Greetje. Your friends all look gorgeous, but I must say the most memorable item for me has to be those embroidered boots – I would love a pair like that as embroidery is so my thing! Your workmate in the suit looked very dapper didn’t he? And finally the last photo of you in that cowl neck leopard print top is wonderful – you look fantastic!

    1. And to think I was never able to style that skirt. Next week you will see more takes on styling that wide black midi skirt. I love that my friends also like dressing up.

  2. Heerlijke blog weer Greetje en wat een mooie, kleurrijke vriendinnen heb je.

    Al je outfits vind ik geweldig en heerlijk uitbundig.
    Naast jou voel ik me altijd zo kleurloos en saai. Je wilt niet weten hoeveel zwart/wit ik in mijn kledingkast heb hangen hahaha! Maar oké – that’s me!

    1. Meen je dat nou? Jij saai??? Verre van dat. Have no fear. En ik ben dol op zwart/wit. Mijn favouriete combinatie. Zo chic. Het is alleen wat hard bij mijn gezicht.

  3. love all the ladies and their fabulous outfits and attitude! You look fab in your yellow trench and golden-silver booties, Marianne looks lovely and she rocks those tights and plaid and I love particularly the green suit Marijke wore!, and there were also lots of lovely booties and smiles!. The tea looks really delightful, luxurious and elegant, what a gorgeous place and fab food!
    besos

    1. We had a ball. I sometimes wonder whether I pick my friends because of their ability to dress hahaha. No, I know that is not true. But they do look good.

  4. Sheila (of Ephemera) Avatar
    Sheila (of Ephemera)

    I love seeing all your friends, Greetje – they remind me of my own wonderful gals. Looks like a fun adventure – you all look smashing! I have several fashionable colleagues too – I should take some pictures of them some time.

    Love that lime coat, and the silver/gold boots! Happy week to you!

    1. And a happy week to you too. Every time I am reading your blog, I find you have wonderful friends as well. Living a very happy socially filled life. Good on you. Thank you for the compliments.

  5. You and your friends seem to have so much fun. What a beautiful place and all the girls are so nicely turned out. I love your friend Marianne’s hair, I have gray hair too and it is curly. I am taking the photo to my hairdresser to give me the same cut. The opening photo is a favorite.

    1. Marianne will be very pleased to hear she inspired you. The opening photo exudes so much fun I think.

  6. Great post, and definitely not too long! I enjoyed all the pictures of your lovely friends and the hotel. Having tea out is one of my favorite things to do!

    1. You did read that I don’t drink tea, haha? But cappuccinos are my tea, my favourite thing to do.

  7. What a sweet geste from Marianne! Lovely pics from all the girls! Including Marianna.
    You hang out with lots of stylish ladies!

    1. Thanks. I hope I don’t pick them because of that 😂

  8. What a sweet geste from Marianne! Lovely pics from all the girls! Including Marianna.
    You hang out with lots of stylish ladies!

    1. Thanks. I hope I don’t pick them because of that 😂

  9. Your first photo cracks me up! Your gang always has so much fun and you always look smashing when you go out. I love how you really dig into the environment wherever you go for photos, including your friends, the place you are, the history, and even other people around. So entertaining. And of course, style is always a star here. The yellow is brilliant!

    1. You described it very well. Thatis what I am after: a sort of report of the day (evening) with style being the star. My blog is evolving. I started with those “this is me in these trousers/dress/skirt” photos, taken in my garden to what I do now. Needless to say it is much more work, but I thoroughly enjoy it. I always wanted to be a journalist when I was young. Stupid fear of failure held me back. If you don’t try you have indeed failed. If I had tried, at least I had a shot at making it.

  10. Your first photo cracks me up! Your gang always has so much fun and you always look smashing when you go out. I love how you really dig into the environment wherever you go for photos, including your friends, the place you are, the history, and even other people around. So entertaining. And of course, style is always a star here. The yellow is brilliant!

    1. You described it very well. Thatis what I am after: a sort of report of the day (evening) with style being the star. My blog is evolving. I started with those “this is me in these trousers/dress/skirt” photos, taken in my garden to what I do now. Needless to say it is much more work, but I thoroughly enjoy it. I always wanted to be a journalist when I was young. Stupid fear of failure held me back. If you don’t try you have indeed failed. If I had tried, at least I had a shot at making it.

  11. Another wonderful and informative post Greetje. Your friends all look gorgeous, but I must say the most memorable item for me has to be those embroidered boots – I would love a pair like that as embroidery is so my thing! Your workmate in the suit looked very dapper didn’t he? And finally the last photo of you in that cowl neck leopard print top is wonderful – you look fantastic!

    1. And to think I was never able to style that skirt. Next week you will see more takes on styling that wide black midi skirt. I love that my friends also like dressing up.

  12. You make high tea look like so much fun. Your friends are indeed very photogenic and beautiful. Marianne’s tartan skirt is fabulous and I also love those pattern tights.
    Your coworker is indeed a very fashion forward man.
    You look wonderful in this shade of yellow. I also love the striped leggings. It’s sporty and very you!
    Take care of that knee!
    ❤️❤️❤️
    Elle
    https://theellediaries.com/

    1. “You make high tea look like so much fun”? Isn’t it? I consider high tea to be very, very nice. Usually there is too much food, but that is better than too little. In London I had problems getting coffee instead of tea. They could not provide coffee and looked at me as if I was an alien.

  13. You make high tea look like so much fun. Your friends are indeed very photogenic and beautiful. Marianne’s tartan skirt is fabulous and I also love those pattern tights.
    Your coworker is indeed a very fashion forward man.
    You look wonderful in this shade of yellow. I also love the striped leggings. It’s sporty and very you!
    Take care of that knee!
    ❤️❤️❤️
    Elle
    https://theellediaries.com/

    1. “You make high tea look like so much fun”? Isn’t it? I consider high tea to be very, very nice. Usually there is too much food, but that is better than too little. In London I had problems getting coffee instead of tea. They could not provide coffee and looked at me as if I was an alien.

  14. love all the ladies and their fabulous outfits and attitude! You look fab in your yellow trench and golden-silver booties, Marianne looks lovely and she rocks those tights and plaid and I love particularly the green suit Marijke wore!, and there were also lots of lovely booties and smiles!. The tea looks really delightful, luxurious and elegant, what a gorgeous place and fab food!
    besos

    1. We had a ball. I sometimes wonder whether I pick my friends because of their ability to dress hahaha. No, I know that is not true. But they do look good.

  15. CommenI love the look of Marijke, with that beautiful green suit! This woman is really elegant and attractive. All your friends are people with great personality and style. What’s wrong with your leg? I’ve lost some posts and I’m not aware, I hope everything goes well. I love your yellow coat, it’s cute. And I love your second look, accompanied by this muscular guy! LOL.t

    1. My left knee has a bad case of arthrosis since end of January this year. Very slowly it it getting better, but it takes a long, long time with no guarantee it will indeed heal completely. I am very hopeful though.
      You are right about Marijke but I think it applies to more ladies than her. Admittedly she is stiking. Next week I have a skirt for you scheduled.

  16. Name *josep-maria Avatar
    Name *josep-maria

    CommenI love the look of Marijke, with that beautiful green suit! This woman is really elegant and attractive. All your friends are people with great personality and style. What’s wrong with your leg? I’ve lost some posts and I’m not aware, I hope everything goes well. I love your yellow coat, it’s cute. And I love your second look, accompanied by this muscular guy! LOL.t

    1. My left knee has a bad case of arthrosis since end of January this year. Very slowly it it getting better, but it takes a long, long time with no guarantee it will indeed heal completely. I am very hopeful though.
      You are right about Marijke but I think it applies to more ladies than her. Admittedly she is stiking. Next week I have a skirt for you scheduled.

  17. Heerlijke blog weer Greetje en wat een mooie, kleurrijke vriendinnen heb je.

    Al je outfits vind ik geweldig en heerlijk uitbundig.
    Naast jou voel ik me altijd zo kleurloos en saai. Je wilt niet weten hoeveel zwart/wit ik in mijn kledingkast heb hangen hahaha! Maar oké – that’s me!

    1. Meen je dat nou? Jij saai??? Verre van dat. Have no fear. En ik ben dol op zwart/wit. Mijn favouriete combinatie. Zo chic. Het is alleen wat hard bij mijn gezicht.

  18. What a busy and lovely afternoon tea you all enjoyed, champagne as well, is there anything nicer? You all look fabulous in the outfits you chose for the occasion- I bet you were the best dressed there.

    Nice to see that your knee seems to be improving. Hope it is not too long before you are fully mended. I look forward to reading your next post – Jill x

    1. The champagne was risky. I always get loud and audacious when I drink alcohol on an empty stomach. Not the kind of behaviour you can display at the Amstel Hotel. Luckily we quickly got a lot of food. It wore off soon.
      Knee is indeed improving but at this rate it will take another half year to a year before it is completely healed. If it heals at all. Still to be seen. Having high hopes.

  19. What a busy and lovely afternoon tea you all enjoyed, champagne as well, is there anything nicer? You all look fabulous in the outfits you chose for the occasion- I bet you were the best dressed there.

    Nice to see that your knee seems to be improving. Hope it is not too long before you are fully mended. I look forward to reading your next post – Jill x

    1. The champagne was risky. I always get loud and audacious when I drink alcohol on an empty stomach. Not the kind of behaviour you can display at the Amstel Hotel. Luckily we quickly got a lot of food. It wore off soon.
      Knee is indeed improving but at this rate it will take another half year to a year before it is completely healed. If it heals at all. Still to be seen. Having high hopes.

  20. You do manage to squeeze a bunch of fun into one afternoon : )

    The hotel looked lovely.

    Look at the eye candy you get to work with! Lucky woman!

    Suzanne
    http://www.suzannecarillo.com

    1. We have a lot of eye candy at work. It is a good thing that I am such a faithful wife haha. (As if they would be at all interested..)

  21. Marilee J. Gramith Avatar
    Marilee J. Gramith

    The close-up shots of each of your darling girlfriends seemed like a bit of a tribute to these women that I know you love dearly.
    Such an elegant gathering! Girlfriends love, conversation, laughs and shenanigans are universally satisfying. Your documenting of these fun occasions are always delightful Greetje! The high tea experience is one I’ve had only once but it was memorable though not in nearly such a divine place as the Hotel Amstel. From the chandeliers to the wedding guests this was clearly an occasion.
    Your outfit is one of my favorites! I love the soft green/gold of the trench top and it looks very chic with those side striped pants.
    At a holiday party last night I met a woman from the Netherlands and spoke of you! I spelled your name for her and asked how it would be pronounced. Not at all what I anticipated! 🙂 SO WONDERFULLY DUTCH !!! ( of course :-))

    1. Hahaha… funny.. you inquiring after the pronunciation of my name. It is like “great” but with a growling G.
      I love the word shenanigans. It sound just like what it means. I am surprised you like the outfit that much but I gladly accept the compliments. The jacket/coat is a favourite. I have worn it on the blog a couple of times with boyfriend jeans. As I am shopping my closet, I combined it differently this time.

  22. You and your friends seem to have so much fun. What a beautiful place and all the girls are so nicely turned out. I love your friend Marianne’s hair, I have gray hair too and it is curly. I am taking the photo to my hairdresser to give me the same cut. The opening photo is a favorite.

    1. Marianne will be very pleased to hear she inspired you. The opening photo exudes so much fun I think.

  23. Sheila (of Ephemera) Avatar
    Sheila (of Ephemera)

    I love seeing all your friends, Greetje – they remind me of my own wonderful gals. Looks like a fun adventure – you all look smashing! I have several fashionable colleagues too – I should take some pictures of them some time.

    Love that lime coat, and the silver/gold boots! Happy week to you!

    1. And a happy week to you too. Every time I am reading your blog, I find you have wonderful friends as well. Living a very happy socially filled life. Good on you. Thank you for the compliments.

  24. You do manage to squeeze a bunch of fun into one afternoon : )

    The hotel looked lovely.

    Look at the eye candy you get to work with! Lucky woman!

    Suzanne
    http://www.suzannecarillo.com

    1. We have a lot of eye candy at work. It is a good thing that I am such a faithful wife haha. (As if they would be at all interested..)

  25. I didn’t recognize Marianne with her “new” hair color. It’s really very flattering. I love your get togethers with your girlfriends. You all seem to have such fun together.

    1. We do have fun together. I think in 23 years we only had one row and that was solved within the hour and no hard feelings at all. Quite the contrary, knowing we could get passed that, reinforced the bond we feel.

  26. Marilee J. Gramith Avatar
    Marilee J. Gramith

    The close-up shots of each of your darling girlfriends seemed like a bit of a tribute to these women that I know you love dearly.
    Such an elegant gathering! Girlfriends love, conversation, laughs and shenanigans are universally satisfying. Your documenting of these fun occasions are always delightful Greetje! The high tea experience is one I’ve had only once but it was memorable though not in nearly such a divine place as the Hotel Amstel. From the chandeliers to the wedding guests this was clearly an occasion.
    Your outfit is one of my favorites! I love the soft green/gold of the trench top and it looks very chic with those side striped pants.
    At a holiday party last night I met a woman from the Netherlands and spoke of you! I spelled your name for her and asked how it would be pronounced. Not at all what I anticipated! 🙂 SO WONDERFULLY DUTCH !!! ( of course :-))

    1. Hahaha… funny.. you inquiring after the pronunciation of my name. It is like “great” but with a growling G.
      I love the word shenanigans. It sound just like what it means. I am surprised you like the outfit that much but I gladly accept the compliments. The jacket/coat is a favourite. I have worn it on the blog a couple of times with boyfriend jeans. As I am shopping my closet, I combined it differently this time.

  27. I had a afternoon tea in Brighton last September with two British bloggers. It’s definitely something I love to do more often especially in grand hotels!

    1. Oh yes, definitely. I have had high tea at the Amstel Hotel twice now, and once in London (Debenhams or Harrods, cannot remember) and in New York at Saks on 5th Avenue. I tend to go to the expensive ones haha.

  28. Having high tea at the Amstel Hotel is on my bucket list. Thanks for letting me share in the fun through your blog! Lovely to see you wearing your great trousers (from that wonderful dark suit) at work by the way. Love, Lieske

    1. I had the trousers shortenend, but they might need some more. And the jacket has been taken in, soit fits better now. Luckily the heels that I have to wear with the trousers, seem OK with my Knee.

  29. Isn’t the Amstel Hotel fabulous? The staff there is outstanding too. Would love to go back.

    I remember that coat, the color suits you well. I love the metallic boots! (Just added a pair myself in a similar color. They go with everything!) Your friends are all so stylish, each in her own way.

    I really like the ceiling mirror shot, very artistic!

    1. Yes, metallic shoes and boots go with everything and always add a bit of pizzazz. The Amstel Hotel is fab. I was flabbagasted when I learned you stayed there. So chic.

  30. Great post, and definitely not too long! I enjoyed all the pictures of your lovely friends and the hotel. Having tea out is one of my favorite things to do!

    1. You did read that I don’t drink tea, haha? But cappuccinos are my tea, my favourite thing to do.

  31. What a wonderful event for you all!! I love how you all get together and enjoy each other’s company like this. The funny thing is we are going to high tea next Saturday too…although it’s my hubby, moms and a friend!! Hopefully with just as much laughter and fun!!
    XOXO
    Jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

    1. It is always special, going to high tea. And with your nearest and dearest it should be fun. Enjoy.

  32. I didn’t recognize Marianne with her “new” hair color. It’s really very flattering. I love your get togethers with your girlfriends. You all seem to have such fun together.

    1. We do have fun together. I think in 23 years we only had one row and that was solved within the hour and no hard feelings at all. Quite the contrary, knowing we could get passed that, reinforced the bond we feel.

  33. I had a afternoon tea in Brighton last September with two British bloggers. It’s definitely something I love to do more often especially in grand hotels!

    1. Oh yes, definitely. I have had high tea at the Amstel Hotel twice now, and once in London (Debenhams or Harrods, cannot remember) and in New York at Saks on 5th Avenue. I tend to go to the expensive ones haha.

  34. Having high tea at the Amstel Hotel is on my bucket list. Thanks for letting me share in the fun through your blog! Lovely to see you wearing your great trousers (from that wonderful dark suit) at work by the way. Love, Lieske

    1. I had the trousers shortenend, but they might need some more. And the jacket has been taken in, soit fits better now. Luckily the heels that I have to wear with the trousers, seem OK with my Knee.

  35. Isn’t the Amstel Hotel fabulous? The staff there is outstanding too. Would love to go back.

    I remember that coat, the color suits you well. I love the metallic boots! (Just added a pair myself in a similar color. They go with everything!) Your friends are all so stylish, each in her own way.

    I really like the ceiling mirror shot, very artistic!

    1. Yes, metallic shoes and boots go with everything and always add a bit of pizzazz. The Amstel Hotel is fab. I was flabbagasted when I learned you stayed there. So chic.

  36. What a wonderful event for you all!! I love how you all get together and enjoy each other’s company like this. The funny thing is we are going to high tea next Saturday too…although it’s my hubby, moms and a friend!! Hopefully with just as much laughter and fun!!
    XOXO
    Jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

    1. It is always special, going to high tea. And with your nearest and dearest it should be fun. Enjoy.

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ABOUT ME

Greetje Kamminga - No Fear of Fashion
 

My name is Greetje, I am Dutch, born in 1954. Married and living with husband Ron, dog Watson and cat Sophie. Pretty bonus daughter is married to a lovely man and they gave us two wonderful granddaughters.

This blog is my hobby. I hope to entertain you and make you smile or laugh with the content I publish. It is for everyone, but probably most appealing to women over 40, like me (oh, all right…I am way over).


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