There is perhaps no more elegant holiday tradition than high tea. In Dallas, it’s a posh affair starring dainty finger sandwiches, almost-too-pretty-to-eat confections, and endless champagne service. The vibe: cute and classic. The dress code: upscale whimsical luncheon. The crowd: a healthy mix of grandmothers, children, families, and tipsy young people. With the typical tea service hovering around $60 per person, it’s certainly not a cheap experience, but it’s one you’ll not forget. Here are a few places around town to indulge your tea party fantasies.
The Adolphus
The French Room is one of the most popular destinations for holiday tea in Dallas, and reservations are hard to come by. There are still a few reservations open, but you’ll want to move fast. This year, rather than serving tea in the opulent dining room, the Adolphus is hosting in the “Tea Room,” part of the French Room salon. The service includes three courses with sandwiches, scones, pastries, loose leaf tea pairings, and a glass of bubbly. $65 per person
Dallas Arboretum
The Harvest Tea service at the Dallas Arboretum simply must be paired with a stroll through the 12 Days of Christmas exhibit and newly expanded Christmas Village to create a multi-faceted holiday experience.
Served in the DeGolyer Tea Room, the high tea includes soup, sandwiches, and sweet treats. General admission includes access to the gardens and parking; you can also opt for the champagne tea service for an extra $10. Reservations are required. $49–$59
The Alexander Mansion
Once upon a time, Ross Avenue was home to some of Dallas’ most stately and ornate homes. The Alexander Mansion is one of the last remaining pieces of the street’s ritzy history, and while it’s seen better days, it’s still an impressive specimen. The Dallas Woman’s Forum, which now owns the building, hosts an annual holiday tea there to raise funds for desperately needed repairs and renovations. This year, you’ll find that the tables are spaced further apart for social distancing and there is no artisan market. However, the service does include specialty scones, savory sandwiches, salads, and bites, a trio of desserts, and loose leaf tea. The food is catered by the Chocolate Angel. Tickets are $65 per person, including gratuity. Find reservations here. $65
Hotel Crescent Court
Uptown’s Hotel Crescent Court is holding Afternoon Tea in the Great Hall and Conservatory this year–an ornate ballroom and an airy sunroom adjacent to the garden. Guests will be treated to luxury Damman Fréres Teas, sandwiches, scones, tea cakes, and pastries. Tickets are $60 per person, or $96 with endless champagne. Make reservations here, or email Madison Haynes ([email protected]) for private parties. $60–$96
Mirador
Rather than host tea in the Taschen Library as per usual, The Joule moved afternoon tea to Mirador, the chic, defunct restaurant atop Forty Five Ten, for the holiday season. Mirador is now a private event space, so this is one of the only ways to dine there. Afternoon Tea includes artfully presented savory bites, pastries, and dessert, plus fine teas and bubbly. Tickets are $89 per person; you can also rent out the entire venue for a private tea party for $1,500. $89
The Ritz-Carlton
The upscale hotel hosts a cozy yet refined seasonal Afternoon Tea in The Sendero and The Gallery of Fearing’s Restaurant with mini sandwiches, scones, sweets, tea, and champagne. The festive service is available Saturday and Sunday afternoons in December and costs $75 per person, including one glass of bubbles. Call 214-922-4848 to make a reservation.
