“There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony of afternoon tea.”
Henry James
Afternoon Tea is a luxurious way to spend an afternoon. It is an idyllic way to enjoy time with friends or family while you are traveling. It is ceremony, tradition, unique samplings of cuisine, and great ambience all rolled up into one enjoyable experience.
The story goes that in the nineteenth century Anna Bedford, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, had a “sinking feeling” between the traditional morning and evening meals. A snack of light sandwiches and a pot of tea was the answer to her “sinking”. She began inviting friends to join her and established the way for others to share in the hosting of friends with tea and snacks.
Most, but not all Afternoon Tea experiences are usually found in luxury or boutique hotels. Many advertise their grand tea experiences under the dining section of the websites and reservations are almost always needed. Many places have limited seating and sell out weeks in advance, so plan accordingly. Most services offer children’s menus, holiday teas, and special event teas throughout the year as well.
Wildcatters will seek out Afternoon Tea because it is not just a meal, but an experience. Most hotels will have a traditional harpist or trio of musicians that provide a soothing musical background. There is almost always the option of “Royal Teas”, which usually include champagne as part of the meal. Traditional fare for tea are finger sandwiches, scones, and an array of minuscule desserts, along with an array of loose leaf teas to choose from.
Just remember one simple rule: always dress the part. Wildcatters never show up in jeans or a t-shirt for tea. The norm is jackets for men and nice slacks or dresses for women. Many times the women will be wearing fascinators and, occasionally, hats. It is a wonderful experience to explore and seek out fine hotels that offer their own unique twist to the traditions of tea. So dust off your bow-tie, put on a string a pearls, and sip a cup of tea at a luxury hotel.
A few outstanding tea experiences:
- Palm Court Plaza Hotel, NYC
- Windsor Court, New Orleans
- Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Las Vegas
- St. Regis Hotel, Houston, TX
- Ritz-Carlton, Phoenix, Az
- Grand Del Mar Hotel (Fairmont Hotel), San Diego, CA
