December Newsletter: Abundant Hospitality, Afternoon Tea, Merriness

Join us in our first year. Wellness of spirit and body beckon from Belden. Our rooms await with Frette linens, cozy places to curl up, many in the House with fireplaces, tubs and all with radiant heated bathroom floors and Wildsmith bath products. December is a wonderful time to reside with us in Litchfield. Explore our Town Guides.

We've planned Architectural Walking Tours on Saturdays*, there are delectable holiday meals to be had here in our restaurant and a White Alba Truffle Dinner at our sister-property Troutbeck.. See our Culture Calendar for ideas of what to do and to time your visit to Belden around. 

Open Daily For Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

A light-filled room to start your day and a cozy room in which to dine fireside, Belden's current dinner menu includes Cappelletti with local mushrooms in Parmesan dashi; Squid Ink Chitarra with 'Nduja & Razor Clams; Celery, Dates, Walnuts &Goat Gouda; Octopus with Honeynut Squash & Smoked Yogurt; and Braised Short Rib with Sunchoke & Persimmon (all pictured).

Beginning on Monday, December 1, Belden will offer Afternoon Tea from 2 to 4pm daily. Wood Dragon Oolong, Darjeeling, Lapsang Souchong and White Peony teas by local tea impressario In Pursuit of Tea, which sources the finest single origin leaves directly from farmers, ensuring its quality and purity. Tea service includes a plentiful array of savory and sweet items, such as traditionally inspired tea sandwiches (cucumber, boiled egg, curried chicken), scones with clotted cream & jam, and petite cookies.

Belden bathhouse beckons with steam, sauna, Ofuro tub for hydrotherapies, NOHRD gym equipment, private Pilates and personal training. Wildsmith wellness treatments, such as Radical Botany Facials, massages and scrubs, use circadian rhythms, helping you to adjust your internal clock to the changing seasons.

CULTURE CALENDAR

There's much merriment to be had this month, and we're also delighted to announce Architectural Walking Tours led by the Litchfield Historical Society, every Saturday in December except 12/27, leaving from Belden. Then on Sunday, 12/7 at 3pm, just after your long lunch at Belden, enjoy the annual Holiday Stroll and Tree Lighting, steps from our front door.

Don't miss the Troutbeck Holiday Bazaar on 12/6 and 12/7, when 20 thoughtfully curated vendors, such as sought after menswear designer J. Mueser, SantM shoes, and many more, will convene in Troutbeck's Ballroom to sell gifts for everyone you adore. 

CHRISTMAS HERE

Belden is officially decked with trees and wreathes to get us in the joyful, generous spirit. Join us for Christmas and receive hot cider as you arrive and a turn down treat.

Christmas Day Dinner, from 1-7pm will be a 4-course prix fixe with dishes such as winter chicories with pear and pomegranate, parsnip bisque and a choice of Holiday ham, with charred pineapple⁠; Roast chicken with quince & whole grain mustard⁠; or Honeynut squash with garam masala & cashew, with electable sides for the table to share.

NEW YEAR HERE

Join us for New Year's Eve for a prix fixe dinner ($175 per person with optional beverage pairing available for $75 pp).

Guests will enjoy Rosemary Focaccia; Shaved Fennel Salad; Onion Soup Gratin; Baked Oyster, with optional: Caviar Dip, with Creme Fraiche & House made Chips $15pp. Main course is a choice of: Prime Rib with White Pepper, Horseradish; Squid ink Chitarra with Lobster & Cognac; Glazed Trout with Maple & Trout Roe. Sides include Creamed Bloomsdale Spinach; Roasted Carrots, 5 spice, Labneh; Loaded Japanese Sweet Potato. Desserts for all are Citrus Ambrosia and Rum Golden Raisin Sorbet.