Editor’s Note: We originally published this article in May 2023, but as the holiday season is a magical time for an afternoon tea service, we’ve updated our list to reflect current offerings and a few special holiday events. Enjoy!
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The custom of enjoying a leisurely afternoon tea has been around for nearly two centuries. Here in the South, afternoon tea is still a favorite tradition and a fun excuse to dress up in your finest and treat yourself with friends and family. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, graduation, or a reunion with friends, these tea services around Memphis are a delightful way to mark your next special occasion.
We’ve included special offerings for the 2024 holiday season, and we’ll make additional updates as more are announced!
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17 Berkshire
Neighborhood: Overton SquareTea times: Tuesday through Sunday
More information + Reservations: 17berkshire.com
Tea for two, anyone? If you’re looking for an excellent spot for a light lunch with your best friend or a mommy-daughter date, the afternoon tea at 17 Berkshire is a real treat! The local pâtisserie in Overton Square hosts teas for adults and children. The menu features one pot of tea per couple and a mouthwatering array of flavorful sandwiches and freshly baked pastries.
PinAfternoon tea at 17 Berkshire comes with a pot of tea per couple and a mouthwatering array of flavorful sandwiches and freshly baked pastries. Image: Kim Thomas
Nosh on yummy bites like cream cheese crostini, turkey on honey wheat with raspberry balsamic mayo, or cucumbers and labneh on rye with dried mint. Save room for delicious scones with a side of lemon curd and a trio of petit pastries, including mini cakes, tarts, and 17 Berkshire’s signature French macarons. Kids can enjoy an abbreviated version of the adult menu and may substitute hot chocolate for tea if they wish!
PinCelebrate your next special occasion with afternoon tea at 17 Berkshire. Image: 17 Berkshire
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Chez Philippe at The Peabody Memphis
Neighborhood: DowntownTea times: Thursday through Sunday, noon to 3:15 p.m.; Afternoon Tea with Santa takes place Sundays in December from noon to 3:30 p.m.
More information + Reservations: peabodymemphis.com
One of the finer things at the South’s grand hotel is the traditional English afternoon tea served in The Peabody’s swanky flagship restaurant, Chez Philippe. Gussy up and reserve a table in the restaurant’s fine dining room for an elegant tea time with your girlfriends or significant other.
Choose from a large selection of gourmet teas, from blended black and white to herbal, oolong, and green teas. Chefs prepare three courses of seasonal fare to complement tea selections, including savory sandwiches, assorted sweets, and warm, fluffy scones from the Peabody Pastry Shop.
PinAt Chez Philippe, chefs prepare three courses of seasonal fare to complement tea selections, including savory sandwiches, assorted sweets, and warm, fluffy scones from the Peabody Pastry Shop. Image: Trey Clark
Children under 12 can enjoy a “Duckie Tea” with decaffeinated, kid-friendly teas. Other add-ons include champagne for the grown-ups and a decadent white chocolate Peabody duck for both big and little kids. Another perk: Valet parking is complimentary with the presentation of your bill.
HOLIDAY OFFERINGS
Chez Phillipe will be hosting Afternoon Tea with Santa on December 8, 15, and 22 from noon to 3:30 p.m. For $74 per person, your group can enjoy a traditional tea service, a cookie-decorating station, and photos with Santa himself. Reservations are available here. PinAt Chez Philippe, children under 12 can enjoy a “Duckie Tea” served with decaffeinated, kid-friendly teas. Image: The Peabody Memphis
Enchanted Tea Lounge
Neighborhood: MidtownTea times: Reservations available Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
More information + Reservations: enchantedtealounge.com
Savor a lovely afternoon of Southern hospitality with a British twist at Enchanted Tea Lounge, located next to Crosstown Concourse in Midtown. With its elegant Victorian sofas and marble-top coffee tables, the cozy lounge has a vintage feel that instantly transports you to another time.
Order from a lengthy menu of organic fair trade teas, including premium loose-leaf teas imported from England that boast enticing names like Buckingham Palace Garden Party (a delicate Earl Grey with jasmine notes) and Lady Londonderry (black tea with hints of strawberry and lemon).
PinSavor a lovely afternoon of Southern hospitality with a British twist at Enchanted Tea Lounge, located next to Crosstown Concourse in Midtown. Image: Enchanted Tea Lounge
Guests receive a carafe of tea, savory finger foods, scones, and desserts from local bakeries. The menu changes monthly! Upgrade to the “Royal Tea” to add a glass of champagne. Kids are welcome and may request hot chocolate or lemonade instead of tea. Sip on your cuppa choice while kicking back with friends and catching up on the latest gossip. There’s even Wi-Fi and plenty of outlets if you want to plug in.
HOLIDAY OFFERINGS
Enchanted Tea Lounge is offering Friendsgiving-inspired teas with a variety of packages available. Call (901) 337-7723 or email them at [email protected] for more information. (Gift cards are available, too!)PinEnchanted Tea Lounge offers a cozy yet elegant interior. Image: Enchanted Tea Lounge
We are grateful to all our sponsors:
Nostalgic Tea Rooms
Neighborhood: ColliervilleTea times: Tuesday through Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.More information + Reservations: nostalgictearooms.com
Located in Sheffield Antiques Mall in Collierville, Nostalgic Tea Rooms offers high tea services along with a café menu of a la carte coffees, teas, and a light menu of sandwiches, salads, and sweets. The high tea service — which serves two guests per “high tea” order ($39 total) — includes a selection of English finger sandwiches, mini desserts, and tea or a soft drink.
Nostalgic Tea Rooms does accept walk-ins, so you can always pop in during regular hours to check availability after strolling the antique mall. However, reservations are highly recommended, as there may be a significant wait for walk-in guests.
PinLocated in Collierville’s Sheffield Antiques Mall, Nostalgic Tea Rooms offers high tea services for both small and large groups. You can even rent out the entire space for a special event! Image: Facebook
Snapdragon Floral
Location: East MemphisMore information + Reservations: Contact [email protected] to confirm availability and book.
Hosting a bridal tea, baby shower, ladies’ luncheon, or office meetup? While Snapdragon Floral doesn’t offer a regular tea service, you can rent their private room for your very own tea party. The tea room can accommodate up to eight adults or two adults and eight children. Afternoon tea is served on fine china with swoon-worthy centerpieces and includes three choices of tea, sandwiches, scones, and desserts.
Gluten-free treats are also available upon request. Tea for four starts at $150, with $25 for each additional guest. Tea party events are typically booked for two hours, but you can upgrade for extra time or high tea, which is a fuller meal with heartier dishes.
PinRent the tea room at Snapdragon Floral, an East Memphis floral shop, for a tea party-themed gathering. Image: Snapdragon FloralPinAfternoon tea at Snapdragon Floral is served on fine china with swoon-worthy centerpieces and includes three choices of tea, sandwiches, scones, and desserts. Image: Snapdragon FloralPinkies up, Memphis!
Emily McMackin Dye is an Alabama native and Tennessee transplant, who recently moved to Memphis from Nashville. A freelance writer, she enjoys exploring history, culture, and the lifestyle scene surrounding her new home in The Bluff City.
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