Holiday tunes for festive teas

By Becky Bosshart

Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008 | midnight

Maria Russell said she never gets tired of playing "Jingle Bells" during the holidays. That's a good thing because it will probably be a top request at the annual Ritz-Carlton Lake Las Vegas Holiday Teas.

This will be the Las Vegas pianist's sixth year performing at the Firenze Lobby Lounge weekend tea events. She also plays for the Santa's Workshop Children's Teas, hosted earlier in the day at the same lounge.

"It'll be holiday music with the classic songs like 'Winter Wonderland' and 'White Christmas,'" she said. "And for the children's tea with Santa they have sing-along songs."

The children's teas are at 11:30 a.m. Dec. 6-7, 13-14 and 20-21 at the 1610 Lake Las Vegas Parkway resort. Children decorate gingerbread men and receive a hat or apron from Santa, Mrs. Claus or holiday elves. This is followed by storytelling and singing. Children are served a lunch of sandwiches and holiday treats. Parents can also have tea and relax while children play. The cost is $45 for children aged 2 to 12.

The Holiday Teas are from 2:30-4 p.m. Dec. 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, and 1-4 p.m. Dec. 27-28. The Ritz tea experience includes a glass of champagne along with the traditional tea and snacks. The cost is $55.

"It's a lot of fun," Russell said. "I love performing the holiday events. They are always something special."

For information on the Holiday Teas call 567-4700.

Becky Bosshart can be reached at 990-7748 or [email protected].