ML Interest Tag: tea

6 Summer Must-Haves from DC Area Companies

by Meghan Yudes Meyers

Whether you’re planning a beach vacation, a leisurely day at the pool or even an afternoon outing to the local splash pad, you’re going to need the right gear (and accessories!). The good news? You don’t have to go far to stock up. From a beach towel that doubles as a cover-up to a portable mini bonfire you can take to the beach, these DC companies will have you summer-ready in no time. Scroll down for the best products from local DC companies to fill your summer tote with.

Get Pool Side Ready with a Mani & Pedi

Get your pedi pool-ready with Black woman-owned nail polish company Janet & Jo. Named as one of the top nail lacquers on the market by beauty magazines like Allure, Nylon and Cosmopolitan, this DC-based business boasts bright, vivid colors perfect for the pool or beach. You can purchase Janet & Jo at The Wharf’s Shop Made in DC shop.

Online: JanetandJo.com.

 

Wear Your Towel to the Beach or Pool

Beach cover up, beach towel, beach tote…. roll those all together and you get the Go Go Towel, the original wearable beach towel. Created by the same DC company that brought you the Dad Vest and the Dad Hoodie, the Go Go Towel is made of a quick drying, odor resistant and sand-free microfiber that comes in both kid ($29.95) and adult ($39.95) sizes so the whole family can match!

Online: gogotowel.com

Bust Beach House Boredom

Rainy days at the beach can be a drag! Bust beach house boredom with an illustrated educational game by DC company Little Likes Kids. These picture puzzles come packaged in their own cardboard tote so you can easily pack an activity for your beach rental or Airbnb pool house. Splash Park is a 24 piece set perfect for kids 3 & up featuring everyone’s favorite summertime activities: the playground, splash pad and ice cream truck.

Online:amazon.com

Bring a Bonfire to the Beach

Make bonfires kid-friendly with Maryland-made City Bonfires, a portable, reusable candle-sized bonfire you can take on all of your outdoor adventures. These small bonfires, created from a non-toxic soy wax, are perfect for making s’mores even if you don’t own a firepit.

Online: citybonfires.com

Toast to Family Time

Clink, clink… it’s summer! Whether you’re hosting a BBQ with a baby on board or you just want a refreshing drink everyone can drink (we’re looking at you, Shirley Temple crew) check out DC-based Mocktail Club. Mocktail Club is sold at local Whole Foods and served in some restaurants so look for it in the wild.

Online: mocktailclub.com

Summers in the Haus

Suit up for summer fun at Kinder Haus Toys in Arlington, VA. Kinder Haus is a one-stop shop for all your beach-bound needs. Pick up whimsical swimsuits from Tea Collection along with summer basics like brightly colored shovels and pails, water toys, bug nets and rainy day musts like puzzles and games.

Online: kinderhaus.com

These Booties Were Made for Lounging

Protect little feet with these Montessori-inspired footwear by DC’s Auggie Froggy. This company specializes in “cool stuff for creative kids” with handmade products featuring pops of color and bold, fun prints. Auggie Froggy products are available online and at Shop Made in DC stores.

Online: auggiefroggy.com

 

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Dino-Mite Books For Lil’ Fossil Fanatics

by Tinybeans Team

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.

It might be that they’re so darn big, so otherworldly, or they just relate to children’s slightly feral and ferocious side. Regardless of the reasons, many toddlers develop a huge affinity for dinosaurs. Whether you have a future paleontologist, or just a kid with a giant Jurassic crush, everyone in the family will love these funny, silly, amazing, loving or true books about Cretaceous critters.

What the Dinosaurs Saw

$24 BUY NOW

From the Big Bang to the age of Modern Humans, explore the entirety of just what the dinosaurs saw in this stunning book by Fatti Burke. Simple and colorful illustrations help discuss dinosaur diets and anatomy, the cretaceous period, dinosaur growth and so much more. Everyone will enjoy this vibrant and educational book. Ages: 6-8

Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs

$11 BUY NOW

We have to start with the one you won’t mind reading and re-reading to infinity and beyond. Mo Willems books (if you don’t know Knuffle Bunny, Pigeon and Elephant & Piggie, run to the library right now—we’ll wait for you) are a home library staple for a reason. They make kids read and giggle and you don’t mind reading it for the fifth or 55th time. In this spin on a classic, Papa Dinosaur, Mama Dinosaur and a visiting dino from Norway hatch a plot to trap a tasty pudding filled girl, who manages to outwit them. There’s lots for everyone to enjoy and discuss for many years to come. Ages 3-6

Oh My Oh My Oh Dinosaurs!

$8 BUY NOW

This is perfect for baby’s first dino book. If your little one clutches a stuffed stegosaurus in her crib, start her off with this book of opposites. The sing-song rhyming opposing dinosaurs are fun to read aloud and the silly pictures of the board book will have kids turning pages on their own. There are dinosaurs cold and hot, cute and not and kids love them all. Ages: 1-3

How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight?

$10 BUY NOW

We have to include this whole series of books, with the adorable and child-like dinosaurs. And if you haven’t read any, the original book (this one) is the place to start. For bedtime loathing, dinosaur loving kids, this book is a sweet way to end the night. Every page asks if a dino would do something naughty (and familiar) at bedtime when mama or papa turn out the light, and answers no, this is how a dinosaur says goodnight: just the way we want every good little dino (or human!) to behave. There are now How Do Dinosaur books for lots of situations: Say I Love You, Play with Friends, Clean the Room, etc. But the first is the best. The delightful illustrations add to the charm of the books. Ages: 2-5

Danny and the Dinosaur

$5 BUY NOW

The text is simple, the story is sweet and this book has been classic for over 50 years for a reason. Danny visits the museum, sees the dinosaurs and thinks it would be nice to play with one. Overhearing his wish, a dinosaur answers “And I think it would be nice to play with you.” They eat ice cream, go to the zoo, visit the ballpark and have a wonderful day; pretty much every kid’s dream! Both a fun read aloud, and a great early reader, the bonus is that visiting grandparents will totally recognize and remember this book and treasure reading it again, this time to a new generation. Ages: 3-7

Tea Rex

$12 BUY NOW

But, what about kids who like dinosaurs and tea parties? The Venn overlap is larger than you might initially think, and this book is perfect for those kids. (Or families that have one kiddo who loves tea and one who loves the T-Rex.) Can a giant dinosaur follow the rules of an elegant tea? He can certainly try, and with hysterical results. The illustrations are lovely and there’s much to absorb on each page. There are two other books in the series: Camp Rex and Sea Rex, and they are almost as delightful as Tea Rex. Ages: 3-6

Dinosaur vs. The Library

$14 BUY NOW

Dinosaur takes on a whole host of things: the Potty, Bedtime, Santa, School and even Mommy! But one of our favorites is Dinosaur vs. The Library, because it’s perfect to read when you visit the library to check out more dinosaur books. In each book, Dinosaur faces a new challenge (in this instance, he roars his way to the library, but while his roar wins friends, it may have met it’s match in the quiet of a library story time.) Can dinosaur learn to use his inside roar? Really fun to read aloud and practice roaring together. Ages: 1-4

Dinosaurs Love Underpants

$9 BUY NOW

What led to the extinction of the mighty dinosaur? A love of underpants! Or so this story goes, when embarrassed cavemen invented undies because they felt rude being nude, and dinos were so taken with the briefs that they instigated a tug of war that brought an end to the species. It’s totally nonsensical. It’s not remotely factual. So of course kids adore it. While you won’t learn much about how dinosaurs actually became extinct, you will get to see accurate pictures and names of dinosaurs, so even kids who know their stuff will go along with the kooky premise. Because underpants are always funny. Ages: 2-8

Dinosaur Dig!

$11 BUY NOW

If dinos can take tea and wear underwear, they certainly can dig. And dig they do, uniting many tots very favorite things: diggers, dinosaurs and dirt. Each page of this counting book has different species using different digging or construction vehicles, ranging from the T-Rex with the backhoe to the Stegosaurus manning (dino-ing?) the dump truck, so it’s perfect for your toddler or young reader who has trouble deciding which he loves more, the Spinosaurus or the steamroller. If this one becomes a favorite, you’re in luck. There’s also Dinosaur Zoom!, Dinosaur Rescue! and Dinosaur Rocket! by the same author. Ages: 2-6

Saturday Night at the Dinosaur Stomp

BUY NOW

This is the one you read before bath time not bed time, since this book will get your little ones up and moving their bodies in a stomp of their own. The rhythmic text begs you to make up your own beat and will get your whole prehistoric gang on their feet, because when dinosaurs want to let off steam, they gather to rock! You’ll learn to pronounce all the dino names as you read and re-read, and kids will chant along with “Boomalacka, boomalacka Whack! Whack! Whack!” Ages: 2-6

Mad Scientist Academy—Dino Disaster

$18 BUY NOW

The first book in this new series just happens to be about dinosaurs. And, it just happens to be in comic book format. Which means this is a fantastic transition book for reluctant readers to read to themselves, and it’s such a fun one they’ll be clamoring for the next book in the series, due out in July of 2016. It’s the first day of school for a bunch of different students (including a werewolf, vampire and swamp creature) and their new teacher, Dr. Cosmic. They learn about an exhibit he’s been working on (about dinosaurs) and keeping an eye out for Oscar, the escaped school pet (who happens to be a dinosaur). There’s plenty of actual information tucked away in this fun format and silly style. Ages: 5-8

 

National Geographic Kids Ultimate Dinopedia

$27 BUY NOW

Every obsession needs a corresponding reference book in the home library, and this one is perfect for young dinofans as well as those who have graduated to big kid prehistoric fascinations. While reading it on their own is too hard for little guys, the pictures are wonderful, and when they have questions that you may not remember the answers to (seriously, what’s the difference between a Centrosaurus and Triceratops?), you can look up the answer together. This accessible, visually stunning book is packed with facts kids can use to impress their friends and it will grow with them. Organized by period (Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous), it includes over 125 species described in rich detail and featuring facts at a glance. Truly a must have. All ages.

Jurassic Poop

$6 BUY NOW

Jurassic Poop by Jacob Berkowitz and Steve Mack We have to end with this one that will fascinate the big kid who still loves dinos and doesn’t want to admit it, and is also a fun and funny (and informative!) read aloud for young dino (or poop) lovers. It’s actually a remarkable look at the science of studying fossilized poop, from dinosaurs and other animals, to learn about what they ate and what that can teach us about how they lived. Potty humor plus dinosaurs plus actual scientific investigation makes it an intriguing read for just about the whole family. Ages: 7-12

 

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16 Creative Baby Shower Favors That’ll Make an Impression

by Lauren Hill

We love these baby shower favor ideas that’ll really make your celebration stand out

You’ve figured out the theme, decided on decor, and as far as games are concerned, you’re the reigning queen. But putting those finishing touches on the celebration you’re planning is where you can really wow your guests and the parents-to-be. Our suggestion? Try one of these adorable baby shower favors we can’t get enough of. From a floral favor bar to delicious treats, these creative favor ideas will not only impress your guests, it’ll make them feel appreciated, too. Make sure to put these baby shower favor ideas for a boy or a girl on your baby shower planning checklist.

Place Card Holder & Picture Frame

Party City

Write each guest's name on the included chalkboard insert to use this as a place card holder ($3.50). Then guests can use them as picture frames after the party.

Feathering the Nest Salt & Pepper Shakers

Foodie friends will especially love this fun and functional mini salt & pepper shaker shaped like baby birds. And baby shower planners will appreciate that it already comes in an adorable gift box, perfect for a gift table or to set alongside each person's plate at a dining table. 

Tea Light Holder

Set a blue or pink theme with tea light candleholders, like this one from Just Artifacts. It comes in two shades of pink or blue, as well as several other colors to match your color scheme. Add tea lights in your favorite scent to give your shower a warm glow and ambience.

"Watch Me Grow" Succulent

Bordon Specifics

A pint-sized, easy-to-maintain succulent is the perfect gift for guests to take home and enjoy. Add this adorable "Watch me grow" tag ($12.50+ for 25 tags) from Etsy shop Bordon Specifics for a low-cost party favor guests will be raving about.

Soap with a Customized Label

Mod Party

For a gender-neutral gift that guests can use after the big event, get these sweet-smelling soaps ($23 for 15 bars) from Etsy shop Mod Party. Leave them in a basket by the door for guests to take when they leave. You choose the color and text on the label to send off guests with a gift from your shower to their shower. 

Flower Favor Bar

Krista A. Jones for Style Me Pretty

A floral favor bar can be as extravagant as you like, and it serves as decor, activity and party favor all in one. Ask guests to arrange small bouquets while socializing at the party to bring home with them when they leave. Provide ribbons to wrap up their creations. Caitlin Kruse, brand and creative partnerships director at Glitter Guide, proves that fresh flowers offer a bang for your buck.

Gourmet Popcorn

Kayla Roca for Style Me Pretty

Ready to pop! This theme is perfect for baby showers and fun to weave through your entire baby fete. Add the label to bags of gourmet popcorn, and you have the perfect edible favor (and party snack) for your guests. We love how Style Me Pretty made it classy and fun.

She's Going to Pop Mini Champagne Bottles

Etsy shop Studio B Labels

If you prefer to pop with bubbly, these custom labels ($15+) from Etsy shop Studio B Labels dress up mini champagne bottles and add flair to your soiree. Label colors can be customized.

Baby-Shower-Themed Cookies

Amazon

Make cookies in the shape of a onesie, bib, rattle, baby bottle and old-fashioned baby carriage with this set of cookie cutters ($13). It comes with a recipe booklet, or make the mom-to-be's favorite treats.

"Sweet as Can Bee" Mini Honey Pots

Perfect for a tea party theme, your guests will be buzzing about these "sweet as can bee" mini honey pots ($4-$5) from BeauCoop. The ceramic beehive is decorated with bumblebees and features with a wooden honey dipper topped with a heart. Each item comes individually wrapped in a clear gift box topped with ribbon. 

Gimme S'more Trail Mix

Evermine Occasions

Outdoorsy types will love this trail mix, sweetened with mini marshmallows, chocolate candies and honey-flavored cereal. Evermine Occasions whipped this up for a woodland-themed baby shower, but the recipe can easily be adapted to the mom-to-be's cravings. Put out bowls of this tasty treat for guests to snack on during the shower, and give each guest a jar to take home.

The Perfect Shade of Polish

You can never have too many nail polishes, so send guests home with the perfect shade of pink or blue nail polish to use at their next mani or pedi. Wrap each bottle in one of these sweet labels (5+) from Etsy shop Recipe Box Designs; the tags come in a variety of colors to match your event.

Hair Ties

Sparkly elastic hair ties ($3) are a festive and practical reminder of a baby shower. Etsy shop Plum Polka Dot makes hair ties with messages to celebrate baby-to-be, in a variety of colors and patterns. The boy hair ties include an awesome mustache print. If the baby's gender is a surprise, go with "ready to pop" or "twinkle, twinkle, little star" messages.

Baby Bottle Mason Jars

Love Letter Photography via Fawn Over Baby

Turn a mason jar into a baby bottle favor for a fun favor (or a prize for your shower games). Fawn Over Baby filled hers with the dry ingredients of oatmeal chocolate chip cookies for a creative treat to be enjoyed post-shower.

Coffee Mugs

Frog Prince Paperie

Celebrate the coffee the new mom will need to stay up after all those sleepless nights with baby with a “Coffee and Cravings” shower theme, courtesy of Paula of Frog Prince Paperie. Her shower included custom coffee mugs that doubled as favors so guests could enjoy their favorite brew at home. You can choose matching mugs or a variety with funny messages or sweet sayings.

Mini "Sweetie Pie" Favors

Everyday Occasions by Jenny Steffens Hobick

These delectable (and homemade) pastries were whipped up for one lucky mom-to-be by Jenny Hobick of Everyday Occasions. Devour the delicious step-by-step photos and check out the surprisingly easy-as-pie recipe on the JSH Home Essentials blog. The "sweetie pie" label makes the perfect accompaniment.

—Lauren Hill & Aimee Della Bitta

 

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Try This Yummy Wellness Tea Recipe for Cold & Flu Season Relief

By Sara Mercer

 

With a preschooler and toddler at home, it seems like someone in my house is always sick. My girls are exposed to a million germs a day between school and all of their activities. No amount of hand washing can spare us completely.

As a busy mom, I have no time for sick days that render me useless to my girls! When the sniffles strike (again and again and again) I have a secret weapon. This cold-busting wellness tea is super intense but if you drink the whole pot you will wake up the next morning feeling like a new person!

This tea is loaded with vitamin C from all the citrus, anti-inflammatories from the ginger, and turmeric while the dash of cayenne gives this tea a real kick.

Cold-Busting Wellness Tea

Ingredients:

  • 1 orange

  • 1 lemon

  • 1 grapefruit

  • 1 lime

  • 1 cup water

  • 1 T cinnamon

  • 1 T turmeric

  • 1 tsp cayenne

  • Several pieces of fresh ginger (the more the better!)

  • Raw honey (optional)

Directions:

  1. Juice the orange, lemon, grapefruit and lime.
  2. Add the citrus juices, water, cinnamon, turmeric, cayenne and fresh ginger to a pot and heat on medium-low heat for 20 to 30 minutes.
  3. Sweeten to taste with raw honey and drink.
  4. It is best to drink the entire pot if possible to maximize results and hopefully keep your home cold-free this cold and flu season.

 

Featured image: Kira auf der Heide via Unsplash

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I am a born and bred New Yorker trying to balance life as a mom of two, writer, wellness coach and fitness enthusiast. If I'm not chasing my girls at the playground, you’ll find me shopping the farmer’s market, checking out the latest boutique fiitness craze or blogging for mercer+green.

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Adorable Holiday Clothes to Buy This Season

by Gabby Cullen

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.

With the holiday season comes an onslaught of (unavoidable) events like school performances, family dinners, Christmas parties and more. The last thing you need is to try and squeeze shopping for fancy clothes into your hectic schedule. The good news? We went ahead and did it for you. From holiday dresses to the sweetest baby boy Christmas outfit, we’ve found the sweetest holiday clothes for your little ones, all of which are available to buy online, right now. Keep reading to see them all.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.

Herringbone Jumpsuit

$20 BUY NOW

For your kid who doesn’t do dresses, opt for a jumpsuit. This herringbone design pairs perfectly with the bright cardigan topper.

 

Dress & Sweater Set

$23 & up BUY NOW

If it’s chilly where you live, this combo is the epitome of adorable holiday clothes.

Baby Suit Set

$25 BUY NOW

For a kiddo who isn’t quite a toddler, this adorable set that includes a onesie with a bowtie and suspender pants is perfect. You can even choose six different styles!

Newborn Christmas Outfit

$24 BUY NOW

It’s baby’s first Christmas! This adorable newborn outfit will ensure that they are the best gift of the season.

Ruffle Shoulder Ballet Dress

$43 BUY NOW

This adorable ruffle shoulder dress from Tea Collection is not only twirl-worthy, but the floral print is perfect for wearing the rest of the winter.

Toddler Boys 3-Piece Outfit

$25 BUY NOW

Don’t let your older kids have all the holiday fun! Toddlers can also get fancy when they don this adorable outfit you can find at Target.

Tailored Mod Suit

$170 BUY NOW

For your especially dapper little person, this tailored mod suit from Appaman is a real treat. The best part is that it comes in almost 20 colors and prints, so there’s a look for every kid.

Holiday Tartan Collection

BUY NOW

Janie & Jack always has something special for this time of year, and 2021’s offerings don’t disappoint. Choose from holiday dresses, blazers, baby outfits and accessories that all perfectly coordinate with one another.

Color Block Knit Dress

$11 BUY NOW

For your tween who doesn’t want to get into the spirit with festive clothing, this chic color block knit dress is a perfect fit.

Smocked Velour Jumpsuit

$27 BUY NOW

The rich green of this jumpsuit is a nice change from all the red you usually see around the holidays.

Knit Sweater Dress

$25 BUY NOW

Whether you’re looking for Thanksgiving dresses for girls or just want a sweet holiday dress, this handmade knit version comes in four seasonally-appropriate tones.

—Gabby Cullen

 

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Editor’s Note: At the time of publication, all items were available for purchase.

 

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Your Grandma Called, She Wants Her Pyrex Christmas Ornaments Back

by Karly Wood

What better way to get into the holiday spirit than adding a few ornaments to your collection? And while you’re at it, make sure they’re these amazing vintage-inspired Pyrex baubles!

Etsy shop Twinkltoast has the market cornered on these retro ornaments that pack the nostalgia. The top-rated seller offers 27 fun designs that not only include ornaments but magnets, wall art, tea towels are more! Keep scrolling to see our must-have picks for the holidays.

Pyrex Bowls

$13+

Christmas Pyrex

$13+

Rare Pyrex

$13+

Rare Mini Pyrex

$9+

Be sure to head to Twinkltoast on Etsy and knock out that Christmas shopping!

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of Twinkltoast via Etsy

 

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Accio Dinner with Le Creuset’s New Harry Potter Collection

by Karly Wood

Dreading dinner? It’s time to get cooking with a little magic!

Le Creuset has just dropped the ultimate collection for Potterheads and it includes everything from Golden Snitch-themed dutch ovens to a Hedwig pie bird. Available at Williams Sonoma, the cookware collab adds to the growing lineup of Hogwarts and Harry Potter-inspired products that start at $17 and have you covered in the kitchen. Keep scrolling to see the newest release!

Enameled Cast Iron HARRY POTTER™ Round Dutch Oven

$400

Lord Voldemort Stoneware Rectangular Covered Casserole

$140

HARRY POTTER™ Quidditch Round Dutch Oven

$300

Hedwig Pie Bird

$25

Hogwarts Express Tea Kettle

$115

HOGWARTS Dessert Plates, Set of 4

$80

Magical Mugs, Set of 4

$100

Spellcasting Spatulas, Set of 4

$75

Hogwarts Potholder

$50

 

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of Williams Sonoma

 

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Pinkies to the Sky! Holiday Teas to Plan Now

by Debra Flanagan

The holidays are quickly approaching, and that means one thing in Chicago. No, not sub-zero temps (at least not yet) — SHOPPING!! We live in one of the best cities in the world for working your way through the holiday wish lists. But all that shopping can be exhausting. Take a much-needed timeout for afternoon tea to rest and recharge. Our fair city offers the time-old tradition that will turn a day of shopping with the kids into a cherished memory. Here are our picks for getting in touch with your inner Brit with a spot o’ tea.

LondonHouse: River Vista Tea Service

LondonHouse

Tea service is offered daily in the Bridges Lobby Bar which offers a stunning view of the Chicago River and its famous bridges. You'll begin with a tea selection of Rare Tea Cellars and Sparrow Coffee teas and a basket of fresh scones and breads. From there, you'll pick sweet and savory bites from a 3-tiered tower crafted by the culinary and pasty teams. Tea service is $75/adults and $25/kids. Reservations can be made on tock. 

Daily, noon-3 p.m.; LondonHouse, 85 E. Wacker Dr., Loop. Online: londonhousechicago.com

Teddy Bear Tea at Hotel Zachary

Hotel Zachary

Create warm winter memories with high tea for you, your little one and their best stuffed friend with Teddy Bear Tea at Hotel Zachary. On Sunday afternoons families are invited to enjoy a festive tea service, featuring Rare Tea Cellars. Children can indulge in a pot of house-made hot chocolate, tea sandwiches and light bites, scones, cupcakes and more sweet treats. Tea service is $45/adults, $25/ages 12 & under. Reservations can be made on Resy.com. While you're in the area, stop by Gallagher Way's Winterland for non-stop holiday cheer. 

Nov. 28 - Dec. 19, Sun., 1 p.m.; Hotel Zachary, 3630 N. Clark St., Lakeview; Online: hotelzachary.com

The Peninsula: Afternoon Tea - November

The Peninsula

The Lobby will serve Afternoon Tea, featuring finger sandwiches, sweet and savory treats presented on a tiered silver tea stand for $125/adult, including a glass of Champagne, and $55/kids. Afternoon Tea seatings are Fri.-Sun., 2:30 p.m. & 4:30 p.m. A string duo provides entertainment. For Afternoon Tea in November, make your reservation via Tock.

Nov.; The Peninsula’s The Lobby, 108 E. Superior St., Near North Side; Online: peninsula.com

The Peninsula: Holiday Afternoon Tea

The Lobby is nothing short of spectacular during the holiday season. The menu features finger sandwiches including Smoked Salmon, Organic Egg Salad, Classic English Cucumber and Cranberry Chicken. Petite seasonal pastries with choux, chocolate and winter fruit creations as well as fruit and plain scones, house-made preserves and Devonshire clotted cream. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options are available.

Tea service is $125/adult, including a glass of Champagne, and $55/kids. Holiday carolers, Mrs. Claus and a string duo provide the entertainment (note: entertainment varies based on day of the week). For Holiday Tea, make your reservation via Tock.

Nov. 26 - Jan. 9, Daily, 2:30 p.m. & 4:30 p.m.; The Peninsula’s The Lobby, 108 E. Superior St., Near North Side: Online: peninsula.com

The Langham Hotel: Holiday Tea at Pavilion

The Langham, © Galdones Photography

For the die-hard holiday shopper who starts on State Street and treks to North Michigan Ave, the Langham hotel is the perfect place for a shopping halftime. Executive Chef Damion Henry presents a delectable menu with sweet and savory treats featuring seasonal flavors. Pavilion's afternoon tea sommeliers provide a memorable experience with attentive and elegant service.

Enchanting teas are accompanied by live music every Saturday and Sunday afternoon creating a harmonious afternoon of indulgence. Specialty menus for children and guests with dietary restrictions are available upon request. For reservations, please click here.

Nov. 17-Jan. 9, Mon.-Thurs., 1 p.m.-5 p.m. & Fri.-Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; The Langham Hotel, 330 N. Wabash, Near North Side; Online: langhamhotels.com

The Drake: Palm Court Holiday Tea

If you want to feel like royalty, afternoon tea at the Drake is for you. After all, Queen Elizabeth, Princess Diana and the Empress of Japan — each of whom has enjoyed tea at the famous hotel — wouldn’t settle for just any cuppa. During the holiday season, Palm Court will transform into a winter wonderland complete with festive decorations, seasonal pastries, a harpist and even a merry band of carolers  Reservations can be made online at OpenTable or by calling 312-932-4619.

Beginning Nov. 3, Wed.-Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; The Drake Hotel, 140 East Walton Place, Near North Side; Online: thedrakehotel.com

The Beatrix Potter Holiday Tea Party

Chicago Children’s Theatre invites families to celebrate the holidays at the company’s ever-popular, seasonal smash hit, The Beatrix Potter Holiday Tea Party. Kids are encouraged to dress in their holiday best, or just come as they’re comfortable, to this incredibly charming, meticulously designed puppet show starring Peter Rabbit and his favorite animal friends.

After the show, go on stage to gently play with the puppets and take pictures. Then, head to the lobby for a festive spread of chocolate milk and cookies!  

Nov. 20-Dec. 24, Sat. & Sun., 9:30 a.m. & 11:30 a.m.; The Station, 100 S. Racine, West Loop; Online: chicagochildrenstheatre.org

Vanille

Vanille Patisserie

Vanille Patisserie’s French-inspired afternoon tea experience will transport you and your bébés to the city of lights. Enjoy Vanille signature pastries, scones, finger sandwiches and French macarons while sipping on the finest of Benjamin’s Tea and Hot Chocolate with house-made marshmallows. 

Locations in Lincoln Park & Hyde Park; Online: vanillepatisserie.com

High Tea with Gerri

Maria Chambers

Nestled in the historic village of Long Grove, Gerri's Tea Room represents her roots and heritage as a native of Ireland and London-trained culinary aficionado. Opened in 2012, the tea room features a classic experience and introduction to the past time of afternoon tea in an elegant and charming setting. A four-course Traditional Tea is $43/person and a five-course Emporer's Tea is offered for $47/person. Also available is a Prince & Princess Tea, $24/ages 10 & under.

Daily, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; Gerri’s Tea Room, 144 Old McHenry Rd., Long Grove; Online: htwg.net

—Debra Flanagan

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Tea for Tots: An Atlanta Holiday Tradition

by Tinybeans Team

We don’t know what’s sweeter–all those perfectly smocked, teddy bear-toting tea goers or dessert trays rolling through Atlanta’s favorite holiday tea times. And don’t tell anyone, but many of the following tea times are visited by Santa himself! Keep reading because we’re spilling the best holiday teas in Atlanta, below.

The Ritz-Carlton

photo: pexels

A family-friendly tea service provides a magical landscape for children and their families to create lasting holiday memories. Santa will make his appearance to ensure all in attendance have their Christmas wishes heard. Children enjoy hot chocolate made by the pastry team, a cookie decorating kit, seasonal treats and a keepsake from Mrs. Claus that will be treasured for years to come. Boys and girls of all ages are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy to donate to the children of Atlanta and support a local charity while Santa and Mrs. Claus prepare for Christmas.

Reservations required. Priced at $55 per adult and children 7 and older; $35 per children ages three through six, children two and under are complimentary, exclusive of tax and gratuity. Complimentary valet included.

Reservations may be made for either event by calling 404-237-2700. Teddy Bear Teas are $59 per adult, $52 per child on Nov. 29, Dec. 6, 13, 20, 21, 22, and 23 at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., while Teas with Santa are $59 per adult, $52 per child on Fridays-Sundays November 27th to December 23rd at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m.

181 Peachtree Street, N.E.
Downtown
404-659-0400

Online: ritzcarlton.com

The Swan Coach House

photo: RitaE via Pixabay

Kick off the holidays by heading to the Restaurant on Thursday, December 2 from 4-6 p.m. for the annual Holiday Tea at the Swan Coach House, but be sure to make reservations in advance. Not sure the littles will be up for putting on their holiday finest and being whisked away to a tea right after nap time? Try the brunch with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the Restaurant instead. On Sundays, Nov. 28, Dec. 5, 12, & 19 at 10:30 a.m. & 1 p.m., your littles can enjoy the special holiday menu and excitement of seeing Santa up-close and personal.

Reservations for both the tea and the lunches can be made by online or by calling 470-343-2692, and the tea is $65 for adults or $35 for children, while the lunch with Santa is $68 for adults or $38 for children.

3130 Slaton Drive N.W.
Buckhead
404-261-0636
Online: swancoachhouse.com

The St. Regis Atlanta

Credit Pixabay via Pexels

Enjoy the St. Regis tradition of Afternoon Tea with Santa, enjoying the impeccable service of St. Regis Butlers in the elegant and festive holiday atmosphere of Astor Court. Afternoon Tea with Santa includes hand-selected TEALEAVES complemented by delectable holiday treats. Tea with Santa gives little ones the opportunity to enjoy a magical tea ritual complete with a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. A mischievous hotel elf will also be visiting guests throughout the tea. Live music will set the perfect ambiance.

Prepaid reservation for parties of 2 to 12. $65–$85 per person from Fri.-Sun. starting Nov. 26, then daily Dec. 13-24. 

Make reservations online. 

88 West Paces Ferry Road
Buckhead
404-563-7900
Online: stregisatlanta.com

Featured photo via Pexels.

—Shelley Massey

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