By Sandi Barrett
Contributing Writer
REGION – The culinary adventure of afternoon tea is an experience unto itself. Tiered trays artfully display savory finger bites followed by indulgent sweet pastries paired with an incomparable cup of tea. Be it delicate, robust, or mellow it is a delightful way to enjoy an afternoon with friends and family. The influx of tea houses and the staying power of this 19th-century English tradition speaks to the joy these gatherings impart.
Long gap between British mealtimes
Invented by the 7th Duchess of Bedford, Anna Maria Russell, in 1840, afternoon tea was meant to bridge the long gap between traditional British mealtimes – breakfast and an eight o’clock dinner. The Duchess typically needed a mid-day nibble and preferred tea and a side of cake, and bread with butter. Her daily routine, which often included inviting guests to partake, became a fun, celebratory event.
Afternoon tea, while traditionally held for the elite class, has become mainstream, and it’s no wonder. Who doesn’t love to sample unique and interesting savory nibbles and sweet pastries while enjoying a cup of tea with friends? Girls outings, birthday parties, baby showers, and family get-togethers are the perfect time to indulge in this age-old tradition.
Not to be confused with high tea – which is a practical and hearty working-class supper served at high tables between 5:00 and 7:00 pm – afternoon tea remains an elegant social affair with dainty nibbles and served between 3:30 and 5:30 p.m.
Here are some places where you can enjoy afternoon tea in Massachusetts.
New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, Boylston
Long elegant tables fill the Orangerie and the Limonaia conservatories to host guests for New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill’s Garden Dining Series events. They recently hosted the Aromatic Table, An Afternoon Tea where in partnership with Peppers Artful Events, 100 guests were treated to a delightful four-course, tea-focused dining adventure paired with unique and interesting teas.
Photo/Sandi Barrett
Savory dishes included stuffed apricots, Coronation Chicken on a cinnamon profiterole, and classic cheddar chive scones. The glorious sweets included a honey lavender bonbon, rose water and lemon shortbread, and chocolate Earl Grey macaroons. Served alongside tea pairings such as iced rosehip hibiscus tea and iced chamomile moon tea.
Photo/Sandi Barrett
Their upcoming Frost and Flora Afternoon Tea, February 21, 2027, is inspired by a variety of garden herbs. The delectable offerings will be served with an assortment of hot teas. Details will be available on their calendar this fall (https://nebg.org/).
Julienne’s Afternoon Tea Experience, Hudson
Your first encounter with Julienne’s is a tiered tray filled with charming fascinators for you to select the perfect match to your frock. Fascinators are a lightweight alternative to a fancy hat. Stylish British women wear them to elegant afternoon teas; they are a must at royal weddings, and horse racing events.
Julienne’s is a great spot for gathering a group of family or friends. You can reserve one of their themed rooms like the Butterfly Garden and Enchanted Forest for a private event. Each guest can select their own pot of tea from the extensive tea menu. Non-tea aficionados will appreciate the box of tea samples where you can sniff all the varieties offered, making your choice somewhat less difficult.
Photo/Sandi Barrett
Special events like Me and My Princess Tea Party, Tea Leaf Readings and more can be found on their website (https://www.juliennesafternoontea.com/).
The Dunbar House, Sandwich
The historic Dunbar House is a quintessential Cape Cod slice of history. For nearly 370 years a home has been situated here overlooking Shawne Pond. Rustic furnishings and deep wood tones impart a wealth of history – “if only these walls could talk, I wonder what secrets they would tell.”
More than a tea house, the Dunbar House is a full-service restaurant that offers afternoon tea events. Explore an Afternoon Tea With Jasmine–an Arabian inspired tea for your little princes and princesses. Cape Cod inspired gardeners will love their Hydrangea Garden Tea Party. Other whimsical and specialty tea and dinner events fill their calendar (https://www.thedunbarhouse.com/).
Silver Dome Afternoon Tea, Boston
Silver Dome Afternoon Tea offers a changing, gluten-free seasonal menu served with a personal pot of meticulously brewed tea. They also offer British inspired cocktails for the non-tea drinkers.
They offer a take-out menu; grab a tea and scone for a casual picnic on the Boston Common (https://silverdovetea.com/).
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