There’s something very regal about afternoon tea, don’t you think? If you are looking for something out of the ordinary to do on your next lady date, or for an intimate birthday gathering, St. Regis afternoon tea is a lovely choice.
Head to the St. Regis for a leisurely afternoon of tea, talk and tasty treats. Choose from teas like the Mad Hatter black tea or pear infused green tea. Each guest is given their own tea pot that contains about three cups worth of tea. I’d recommend trying at least two. Start with a light or floral tea like green tea and then move on to a black tea.
Skip lunch as you’ll be well fed at this afternoon tea soiree. Expect lovely scones, macaroons and tarts. More savory items include sandwiches like egg salad, cucumber and smoked salmon, all served on a tiered platter that tea party guests share.
The Afternoon Tea tradition is standard at all St. Regis hotels world wide. The Afternoon Tea service may take on a different personality based on location (e.g. ice tea for resorts). But you’re doing it wrong if you don’t add a glass of bubbly to your afternoon tea affair. Here’s a bit of history on how afternoon tea service came to be.
- For “The” Mrs. Astor, afternoon tea and tea parties were opportunities to host intimate gatherings with her closest associates – a dignified prelude to her more noteworthy social events, which became a tradition at St. Regis.
- Anna, Duchess of Bedford, is credited with inventing the Afternoon Tea Party. Like many of her friends, she enjoyed a cup of tea and a slice of bread and butter to stave off hunger between luncheon and dinner. She would invite her friends to join her at tea and soon 4 p.m. became the time to gather, sip tea, and gossip! Gossip being so high on the agenda that US Etiquette Queen, Emily Post, decreed that servants should only enter a tea party when summoned!
Tea service is $40 per person and all-inclusive of your choice of a dozen teas and all the snacks mentioned above. It is available Friday through Sunday from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., and reservations are highly recommended. Please confirm times and cost of afternoon tea with the St. Regis hotel prior to showing up.
