Please note - This is a Keepsake Story Box - all twelve letters will be mailed together in one package. This allows you to read the letters at your own pace.
If ordering as a Gift you will find a link to our Gift Certificate in your order confirmation email. This can be emailed or printed and given to the recipient, to let them know their gift is on the way. Orders are mailed within 7 business days.
THE LILY DARLING STORY
The year is 1923, and vivacious Lily Darling is working at Winstone’s Flower shop in the Block Arcade, her floral artistry and vast knowledge of flowers is much admired by the ladies of Melbourne.
While attending one of her floral appointments Lily meets Edward, Head Gardener at Ripponlea. Edward is fun to be around and they soon realise they share a profound connection with the botanical realm.
Lily’s beauty and her enthusiasm for freedoms of the era, attracts the attention of more than one suitor; alas not all men are of good intention. Invitations to soirees and bohemian cafes lead her to fascinating encounters with creative and inspirational women, all keen to mentor and protect.
Lily’s journey of self discovery is filled with adventure, romance and unexpected heartbreak. Ultimately, Lily must learn that to find her true calling, she will need to follow both her heart and her head to succeed.
Ilona W.
I bought this for my daughter and she said they are super cute and feel authentic..
Kaye C.
These are a really nice gift each month.
Susan M.
I received the Doris Mitchell letters as a birthday gift from my daughter & was so delighted reading her story that I decided to order & read Lily’s story next.
Lynette A.
Bought this set and matching box as birthday gift for my Mother
Nanette S.
The Tearoom Diaries morning tea with friends, reading letters from Lily Darling, all had a wonderful time . It will be a continued .
Elizabeth C.
A lovely concept I look forward to each delivery
Julie C.
So love recieving my letters ,so informative and enjoyable. I share them with my daughter and daughter inlaw. We have so much fun going over them. They are presented so lovely I will always treasure them. It's so nice to get mail now. I'm excited for my next letters to come. My tea and jam and cream scones are waiting.
I totally invite you to read these lovely letters.
Susan H.
My MIL loves getting her mail!
Pam M.
moving house and resultant general chaos.
Taking time out with the Letters bring some calm and sanity into my life.
Can't wait to sit down with a cuppa and really enjoy them in my new place.
Kareena S.
I bought the Lilly tearoom diaries for my best friend of 50 years. We grew up in central NSW together and met when we were 10 years old . My friend still lives in rural NSW wales and has always been interested in early Australian history. Lilly's story has captivated my friend and she truely delights in reading from that era through the eyes of Lilly. Thank you for this special gift.
Amanda S.
I ordered these letters as a present for my mother. She has loved receiving them each month, giving an insight into life in Australia during her parents youth. She also has fond memories of many of the places described in the letters.
Sonya B.
These are great. Like a little micro story with each delivery. Using the papers, letters and gifts as embellishments for scrapbooking. Perfect
Elizabeth B.
Daughter and I love reading about Lily and her friends life in early Australia.
Tracey W.
lovely stories
Pat L.
Receiving these letters every month brings a smile to my face. Following the girls through their daily lives is such a joy and so reminiscent of days gone by.
How lucky I've been to receive these subscriptions as a gift from a dear friend who has given me such lovely memories - just like our Tearoom girls.
Inger R.
This was a birthday gift to my sister in law - a follow up on last year’s gift of the Doris Mitchell letters I gave last yerar!
Carol H.
LILY DARLING LETTERS FROM THE PAST..
Reading these adorable loving letters from the old ways of sharing and caring for each other back in the older times of life are true blessings and each and every one I read brings a beautiful place in my heart.
I would often go to the Block Arcade in Melbourne during my working days as a Secretary to an Accountant and ponder through this lovely shopping complex and also went to the same Tea Rooms for an English breakfast tea and indulge in one of there fancy delicious petite cakes
Those were the days that I reflect back on when I now read these letters.
Thank you for bringing back to me also many of my past glorified memories.
I continue to look forward to receiving those many others that come my way each month from "Lily Darling Letters"..
I will also be passing these onto my daughter to read one day as she is a Pastor and Chritian Counsellor and I'm sure she will greatly reflect the same feelings that I do.
SO ABUNDANTLY GRATEFUL TO RECEIVE THEM
GOD BLESS !
Customer
I bought the tea room diaries for a very dear friend Nancy who is celebrating her 90th birthday. Nancy loves everything about Melbourne and loves to explore the city with the U3A group. She has really enjoyed receiving the letters , reliving Lilly’s stories.
I found out about the diaries from 2 other ladies who absolutely loved them too!
Brun F.
So nice to get letters from Tea Room Diaries and enjoy a good read with a cup of tea, my favourite thing to get in the mail. Love this❤️
David Y.
Bought for an elderly friend who lives alone. The monthly letters are a welcome distraction for her, which she loves to receive.
David Y.
Bought for añ aging female cousin overseas who loves receiving and reading the monthly ĺetters. There is something special in ģetting a letter through the letterbox occasionally.
Elke K.
Absolutely love these letters. They don’t come often enough for me, I look forward to the mail every month. I’ve been to the tea rooms in the Block Arcade, and imagine how it was back then in the girls time. Thankyou for creating these letters.
Jane T.
Thought it was the next part of the story, but its a story of its own. Love it
Colleen W.
Loved it.
Elsa G.
Charming!
Kay L.
My wife looks forward to receiving her letter each month.
Kerry T.
I bought the Doris letters for my sister to enjoy. Our mother's middle name was Doris and, being born in 1920, she would often pass by the Hopetoun Tea Rooms. My sister really enjoyed receiving the letters and extra bits every month, and loved rereading the letters in their entirety.
As she loved them so much I decided this would be a lovely treat for her 75th birthday, to enjoy the further adventures from the tearooms...Lilly's story. She has been delighted with the first two letters and eagerly awaits them each month.
A B.
Madonna G.
I get them for my Mother and she loves to read them. They are really nice with lovely cards with them
Vicki Y.
My Daughter and Grandaughter love it
Telecia L.
Got this for my sister for Christmas, she loves reading and getting stuff in the mail so this was perfect! Amazingly priced as well compared to other companies!
Irene N.
I ordered Lilly Darling for my mother for Xmas after she enjoyed Doris so much last year. She loves it and gets so much enjoyment from it. It’s the perfect Xmas gift for a lady that insists she doesn’t need anything for Xmas.
Sharon G.
This is the second series of letters I have bought as gifts for my best friend. She absolutely loves them, they give her so much joy reading them.
Diane H.
I have kept Doris’ Letters in a folder and am now keeping Lily’s letters in a seperate folder so that I can reread and enjoy them. I love each letter with their extra surprises!!
Gayle S.
It’s wonderful to receive a letter each month, and then reading them takes me to a kinder, romantic time. A great creation. Thank you
Margaret C.
Really love receiving the Tea Room letters. I’m sharing them with my neighbour who receives the 1922 letters. A cuppa and shared letters are a joy. We even had a birthday high tea celebration.
Thank you
Kathleen N.
I personally have not read them. But I have used them as gifts to dear friend. Her feed back has been positive, loves getting in the mail and enjoys the extras.
The presentation was beautifully done brings back a lovely nostalgic feel.
Well done on a great idea
Alaine D.
Excellent presentation and I just like reading the letters. Transports me back to when I used to write to my grandmother many years ago
June N.
I am really enjoying the stories about Doris and now the florist, Lily. I find them to be very relaxing as I put my feet up while I enjoy the letters and a nice cuppa….it is lovely!
Stuart B.
Wife really loves the letters and reads while having a cup of tea. Enjoying a bit of alone time.
Fay W.
I loved the Doris story and now I am reading Lily"s story.
Have read 2 letters ad feel I am just getting into it.
Diana G.
I was given the first series of diary letters as a gift and was so delighted with them I purchased the second series for myself.
It is one of the most thoughtful and enjoyable gifts I have received. From seeing them in the letterbox, opening the envelopes, seeing what the added treats are through to reading the diary letters it is all an enchanting experience which I am sure would delight many.
Look forward to reading more.
Pam J.
I received my first letter today of Doris's diary.
It was given to me for a Christmas present by my daughter and absolutely love the 1st letter already.
I could not have been given a more lovely gift.
Am already looking forward to the next letter.
Thank you.
Pam Johns
Tracy L.
I have been to cafe Lily worked in for morning tea on one of my Melbourne trips, it was like stepping back in time.
I have also named my latest race horse
Lily Darling and she has already won a race. Reading the letters reminds me when i used to write to my Aunties in country Victoria, thank you.
Cheers Tracy
Angela S.
Enjoy receiving the letter in the mail each month.
Catherine M.
It took a moment to adjust to the journal style, I don't know why I expected a letter, The journal style was delightful and the content transports one to a different time and place enriching my afternoon. I recommend these diary letters to everyone a time when we all had time to write diaries, journals and letter and connect with the story of an earlier time. Love them and look forward to receiving them. Treat yourself.
Nemone J.
It was a present for Mum and she loved it
Sarah K.
I bought these for my Mum’s Birthday present and she loves them. It’s a special little something she looks forward to receiving once a month for the whole year through!
Lynda H.
Beautiful nostalgic letters that take you back in time to a very adventurous period. A great escape from the modern world.
J M.
Loving this beautiful series of letters and I look forward to receiving my letter each month as the story develops. A fun idea for self or as a gift- great customer service as well.
Cathleen G.
AS this is the second story I have sent to two of my friends ...the feed back has been very positive and greatly enjoyed as they have it coming every month. One said she always looks forward to receiving something nice in the letterbox as its not a bill. Haha!!
Dawn
Just one more month to go for Doris’s Diary and we loved Oct and November. Very exciting and lots going on in their lives and I had a great lunch sharing the fun with my beautiful family. Thanks again Susan and Doris.
DI B.
It is delightful to open the letterbox and see the envelope. Nostalgic and a beautiful reminder of days gone by, long before my time but nonetheless inspiring.
Janine Y.
It's a shame that we only receive this wonderful glimpse in the past once a month I so enjoy reading what experience each of the ladies have recorded in their diaries what a wonderful time to have lived. I love receiving the 3 different envelopes each month. Thank you to the creaters.
yvonne g.
What a wonderful gift given to me as a 75th present
didn't know what to expect . How I was surprised absolutely wonderful . I look forward to receiving my letters
I cant thank my friends enough
Kim W.
I purchased these lovely letters as a gift for my mother and have loved sharing in the story of Lily Darling too. Beautifully written stories
Janelle A.
This is a gift for my sister.. And she's loving them..
Stephanie G.
I bought this for my mother-in-law who I absolutely love and adore she has always treated me as a daughter.
It was a birthday present for Mum and she loved it. Particularly as the worked in the Melbourne CBD at a Milliners and knows the block arcade very well which she frequented quite often.
Maxine B.
My daughter loves receiving her letters every month.
Glennys R.
A gift for my daughters birthday, and she is enjoying the experience very much.
Judith R.
I really appreciate and enjoy reading the letters to my 92 year old mum. We both enjoy reading about this time and it makes us smile and sometimes laugh. Just a lovely shared experience.
Rhonda S.
I gave this as a gift, my friend was delighted.
Cox J.
Ordered the first series for my 89yr old mum last year and she absolutely adored it so much I ordered the second one this year. BTW I enjoy reading after her lol
Hayley M.
I bought Lilly’s Letters for my Mum for Mothers Day. She really looks forward to her letter each month and always sits down with a coffee and cake to read the latest instalment. A perfect present.
Donna B.
I bought this special gift for my mother in law.
It’s the second set I’ve bought for her and she absolutely loves it.
Beautifully presented, so pretty and the letters are so sweet to read.
Gorgeous!
Debra W.
This was a gift for my Mum. She is really enjoying her second collection of letters. She says that they are so detailed and descriptive - of buildings, fashion, gardens events etc that it really brings the stories to life.
Verity L.
It was the 2nd in the series bought as a gift for my mum & she absolutely loves receiving every letter - thank you for creating such a warm felt/ingenious idea - each letter brings so much joy
Jo K.
It has been an absolutely joy to receive these letters. I would go out with a group of girls for dinner and i would read the letters to the ladies. It was always a great night and we would look forward to the next letter.
What a beautiful gift.
Ally C.
Bought for my mother who is elderly and lives alone! She likes to sit in a room that has plenty of sunshine, with a cuppa and read them
Greg W.
It was a present for my wife & she loves it.
Juliet M.
I purchased 'Lily Darling' as a Mother's day gift as Mum had enjoyed the previous selection. She loves this one just as much.
Kaylene L.
Second tea room diaries I purchased for my mum. She loved the first series, and just started the second. Perfect gift for someone who has everything.
Josie S.
I love, love getting these letters, I look forward to reading them with a cuppa, and get lost in the story, in that time. Thank you.
Erin L.
I so look forward to the mail around the middle of the month . I loved Doris Mitchell and her story , and am loving Lily Darling and her evolving story.
Thankyou for this delightful pleasure each month .
Helen N.
My Mum bought me the first set of letters for my birthday and so I bought my mum the Lilly Darling letters for her birthday. They are gorgeous!
Benjamin B.
As someone who grew up in the suburbs of Melbourne I can relate to these places. Would often visit the city by train when I was a young teenager and loved and still do going to the Royal arcade when I manage to get down to the city. These letters were a gift given to me by my son who now lives in Canada and I love sharing them with him on our calls. I thank you for the wonderful antics these girls lived and feel blessed to share a part of their lives. Dianne-Ballarat
Wendy H.
I get these for my mother for Mother's day each year. She loves them.
Sue M.
I bought this for my mother. She looks forward to receiving the letters each month and keeps a scrapbook.
Fay R.
I like the concept as it reminds me of having penpals as a child.
Kerry M.
As this was a gift, I have not seen the real product, though my step mum says she loves it
Bernadette K.
Look forward to the continuing story of a different time
Dawn F.
Love this special gift I received from my daughter. I really look forward to receiving the letters & love the little extras!
karen j.
this was a present for my mum she loves sitting with a cup of tea and reading about their lives she really looks forward to getting the letters in the mail. this was such a beautiful present mum is 86yrs old and she loves the diaries.
Shari W.
Gave to mum for Mother's Day and she absolutely loved it.Such a wonderful present.
Joy M.
Great enjoyment!
Betty N.
The two letters received were great to read, bringing another time and era back into my life, when life seemed so different and exciting.
Innocence and joy in the simple things in life.
Looking forward to the next letter
Sue D.
Love hearing all about Lily and her life and adventures, can't wait for the next instalment
Julie C.
I began buying these in 2024. They are great reading, so I now post them on to a friend, who really enjoys them also. It encourages me to write her a note each month and put it in with a few more Tea Room pages.
Kate S.
Second story ordered for my mum because she loved the first story and enjoyed each letter.
Joy D.
Just beautiful I am an avid reader and I so look forward to receiving all the letters - even my husband knows and says - Oh you have another letter from the story lady -- lol They are stunning - from the actual content to the way they are presented and then further with their own little box that you can purchase.
The content is so wonderful it keeps you on your seat for the month until you receive the next letter. I love the settings and the old world theme back in the early 1900s taking us into Melbourne and what is happening in that era.
Cant speak highly enough - just ordered the third set and I have heard that there maybe 3 more coming.
Hanging on every breath.....
from Joy Dickson, Glen Huntly
Helen C.
I gifted it to a friend and she really looks forward to it every month. Absolutely loves it all and makes her feel special.
Mrs L.
This is the second set of letters I have ordered. I am a bit of a romantic and look forward to what the ladies are getting up to. I have a bit of a giggle at the very proper behaviour of the ladies but also find the innocent nature of the letters endearing.
Kristen T.
Absolutely love receiving my letters in the mail! Always look forward to them. Have recommended to all my family and friends.
Emma S.
Enjoyable storyline - nice to see links to Dorrie's (Doris Mitchell) story from the year before!
Gillian M.
I bought the Tearoom diary for myself for Christmas a few years ago and enjoyed it so much I recently bought it for my sister who is turning 80 on 14th June. I bought it in April, couldn't wait till June, and she is absolutely loving it.
Alexandra W.
I bought this for my 28 year old daughter.
She loves receiving her monthly letters.
She loves the stories and the stationery.
❤️
Valeria C.
It was given for a dear friend for her birthday. She totally loves the letters and looks forward to her next deliver
Coral P.
I love the whole retro experience of receiving the letter in the mail, it takes me back to a slower time and the joy of letter writing. The story is wonderfully nostalgic and sweet, and I love the little extras included. I can sit for a while immersed in Lily Darling’s story, a little sanctuary away from the modern pace of life.
Adele R.
I love the stories the girls have to tell, taking my thoughts to my mother who was also a florist now deceased but loved her flowers and gardens.
Dawn M.
My family and I are so into the first lot of Doris Mitchell’s letters and we love reading them, dressing up each month, have lunch together and talk over what is happening and what we think will happen. It’s so much fun. As you can see my two nieces are on team William’s side.
Use left/right arrows to navigate the slideshow or swipe left/right if using a mobile device