Pinkies up for afternoon tea: 10 luxury hotels that do it best
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Experience all the ceremonial history of an afternoon tea at The Langham, Chicago – Photo courtesy of The Langham, Chicago
Afternoon tea and high tea are experiences that transcend the sum of their parts. Foods like cucumber sandwiches, chicken salad, and scones are always appealing, but they are somehow transformed into delicacies when prepared in miniature and arranged artfully on a tiered platter. Tea magically becomes more delicious when poured from a fancy pot, and sparkling wine appears more bubbly when sipped from a crystal flute.
These are just a few reasons why we turn to high tea and afternoon tea to commemorate special occasions or to create new memories with cherished family members or friends. What's the difference between high tea and afternoon tea?
The terms "high tea" and "afternoon tea" are often used interchangeably; however, there are key differences between them. Both originated in England, where afternoon tea was a refined affair enjoyed at a low table, such as a coffee table placed in front of a sofa. It traditionally consisted of a light meal featuring delicate cakes, scones, and finger sandwiches.
High tea, on the other hand, was a casual meal served at a high table or countertop. The working class enjoyed high tea after a hard day of labor. Although it may have included breads and desserts, it typically consisted of a heartier meal of substantial dishes made with meat, fish, or eggs.
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What do you wear for high tea or afternoon tea?
In the United States, high tea and afternoon tea are typically elevated experiences, characterized by elegant surroundings and refined place settings. Therefore, it's common to dress smartly for the occasion. That doesn't necessarily mean donning white gloves and formal attire like they did in the Victorian era. Women usually wear a blouse with a lovely skirt, pants, or a dress. Men generally pair slacks with a collared shirt. When making a reservation for afternoon tea, check if the venue has a dress code in place. Must-try afternoon teas across the U.S.
There are elevated tea experiences throughout the United States that are worthy of celebrating special moments, and many take place at elegant hotels. Here are 10 of our favorites. The Langham, Chicago, Illinois
The Langham, Chicago, is the spot for afternoon tea in the Windy City – Photo courtesy of The Langham, Chicago
In 1865, the first Langham hotel opened in London, debuting its signature tea. It's fitting, then, that The Langham, Chicago, carries on the tradition of afternoon tea. Afternoon tea is served on Saturdays and Sundays in the Pavilion, accompanied by live music beneath a soaring ceiling. Sweet and savory bites are served on a white tablecloth with a selection of proprietary Langham teas. Specialty menus are available to accommodate children and those with dietary restrictions. Hotel guests may partake from the privacy of their guest rooms. It's one of the best places for afternoon tea in Chicago — or anywhere!
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Ette Hotel, Kissimmee, Florida
Afternoon tea on the patio at Ette Hotel is a real treat – Photo courtesy of Ette Hotel Orlando
Located just outside Orlando, the stylish Ette Hotel in Kissimmee is the perfect spot for afternoon tea on Sundays. The experience begins with an extensive selection of fine teas from Mariage Frères, served alongside tiered platters of tempting sweet bites and dainty sandwiches. For a memorable finish, enhance your experience with a glass of bubbly or one of the Instagram-worthy cocktails or mocktails. Enjoy the tea indoors or outdoors, surrounded by lush plants in the courtyard.
The Plaza Hotel, New York, New York
A traditional afternoon tea at The Plaza in New York is a rite of passage – Photo courtesy of The Plaza, A Fairmont Managed Hotel
Afternoon tea at The Plaza has been a quintessential New York experience for over a century. There are three seatings of The Plaza's afternoon tea served daily in the hotel's legendary Palm Court beneath stately marble columns and an intricate glass-domed ceiling. There are multiple menus of snacks, bite-sized pastries, and miniature sandwiches to choose from, including service with osetra caviar, an Eloise-themed children's menu, and options for vegans and those with gluten allergies. Moana Surfrider, a Westin Resort and Spa, Honolulu, Hawaii
Afternoon tea hits a tropical note at Moana Surfrider in Hawaii – Photo courtesy of Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort and Spa
Afternoon tea meets a stunning tropical locale at The Veranda, located inside the Moana Surfrider on Waikiki Beach. Built in 1901 as the first luxury hotel in Honolulu, it's earned the nickname 'the First Lady of Waikiki.' The Veranda offers open-air seating on the waterfront for afternoon tea, where guests can choose between traditional English teas or Moana classic teas, such as Hawaiian coconut. Tea sets offer options like sparkling rose with yogurt and berries or The Duke, with a Surfrider burger accompanied by sweets.
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The Hermitage Hotel, Nashville, Tennessee
The Hermitage Hotel loves to host afternoon teas with special themes – Photo courtesy of The Hermitage Hotel
Since its opening in 1910, The Hermitage Hotel has had a long and storied history in downtown Nashville. Served in the iconic Grand Lobby and Veranda every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, afternoon tea service is adapted for rotating themes and special occasions, such as holidays or Mother's Day, with reservations frequently snapped up months in advance. Whatever the season, guests receive decadent towers of sweet and savory bites, teas, sparkling wine, live music, and complimentary valet parking.
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The Pfister Hotel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Afternoon tea at The Pfister Hotel is always a special affair – Photo courtesy of The Pfister Hotel
The Pfister Hotel has been an icon of luxury since it opened in Milwaukee in 1893. Afternoon tea is available Wednesdays through Sundays inside Blu, its 34th-floor restaurant with views of the city and Lake Michigan. It's an immersive experience, with a tea butler consulting with guests on the origins and flavors of each tea as well as their effects on physical and mental health.
A tempting selection of scones, sandwiches, and sweets rounds out the menu. Vegan and gluten-free options are available, as well as sparkling wine (for an extra fee). Reservations are required.
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The Gilded Acorn, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Get fancy in Oklahoma City at a high tea at The Gilded Acorn – Photo courtesy of Tamara Gane
The Gilded Acorn, situated on the ground floor of The National, Autograph Collection luxury hotel, features a high tea experience with an assortment of fresh pastries, sandwiches, and sweets presented on a beautiful tiered platter alongside a steaming pot of tea. Enhancements include sparkling wine or a selection of handcrafted coffee drinks. Reservations are required at least 48 hours in advance. The Windsor Court, New Orleans, Louisiana
Treat yourself royally to an afternoon tea at The Windsor Court – Photo courtesy of The Windsor Court
The Windsor Court infuses Southern hospitality with luxury just steps away from the French Quarter and New Orleans' famed Bourbon Street. A traditional afternoon tea is served in Le Salon Friday through Sunday, commencing with a light cocktail or sparkling wine while live harpists or pianists play in the background. Crustless sandwiches, house-made scones, and desserts accompany the curated selection of loose-leaf teas. Reservations are encouraged, especially for special themed events like a Prohibition-inspired tea, Mother's Day tea, and an adults-only LGBTEA.
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The Watergate Hotel, District of Columbia
Spill the tea at The Watergate Hotel – Photo courtesy of The Watergate Hotel
The site of one of the most infamous episodes in American political history is also one of the best spots for afternoon tea. Playfully named 'Spill the Tea,' The Watergate Hotel offers a traditional British tea experience with a Washington D.C. twist, featuring pastries inspired by presidential figures and prominent participants of the Watergate scandal. Also featuring a selection of sweet treats, it's a delicious refresher on history. Reservations are required.
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The Maybourne Beverly Hills, Beverly Hills, California
An afternoon tea at The Maybourne Beverly Hills is very fashionable – Photo courtesy of The Maybourne Beverly Hills
With a setting like Beverly Hills, it should come as no surprise that high fashion influences the luxury afternoon tea at The Maybourne Beverly Hills. Served in The Terrace Tea Room, Prêt-à-Portea: Red Carpet Collection afternoon tea service manages to combine elegance and whimsy with handcrafted pastries paying homage to iconic red carpet moments (think Bjork's swan dress and J.Lo's low-cut, green Versace gown). Served with a glass of champagne and a collection of tea sandwiches, scones, and savory bites, they're as delicious as they are pretty.
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