Afternoon Tea has always been a rarified experience, and in the past few years it’s become an important element in the run up to the holidays. Afternoon teatime is a ritual in which time slows. You’re meant to slow down with it to enjoy a nice cuppa, a light bite, and cheerful company.
Though holiday tea in London is my favorite, we’re lucky that we have many wonderful places to enjoy it in our own backyard. Here are a few of the best places to enjoy your tea and scones and maybe a bit of bubbly. Book soon or you’ll miss out!
The Adolphus – The Most Opulent Tea
The French Room at the Adolphus still rules as the most opulent dining room in Dallas. Here you can almost believe you’re at Versailles while you enjoy one of the oldest holiday tea services in town. The hotel is completely transformed into a wonderland with elaborate décor, seasonal music, and inspired menus.
Cost: Starting at $85 per person
Menu: A three-course menu boasting a range of savory tea sandwiches, seasonally flavored scones with house made preserves and English double cream, and dessert pastries that are accompanied by a welcome glass of champagne or French sparkling cider. Loose-leaf teas are sourced from local purveyor, Zakti.
When: Wednesday, November 4, through Sunday, January 10. Daily starting at 10 a.m. with the last seating at 4:30 p.m.
Where: The French Room in The Adolphus Hotel, 1321 Commerce St., Dallas, Texas 75202
How: Book via Resy or by calling The French Room directly at 214-651-3615
The DeGolyer House at the Dallas Arboretum – Tea with the Prettiest View
This will be final year for the 12 Days of Christmas Victorian gazebo display at the Dallas Arboretum, which makes this the perfect year to enjoy holiday tea at the DeGolyer House. Our mild holiday weather is a gift to share with friends while strolling the gardens before sitting down for tea and light bites.
Cost: Starting at $65 per person
Menu: Chestnut soup with cheese crisp; tea sandwiches including holiday chicken salad, radish watercress with herb butter, Smithfield ham pimento cheese, and cucumber with whipped ricotta; tea cakes such as drizzled pecan clusters and red velvet buntini; scones with raspberry jam and clotted cream; and an assortment of teas.
When: November 10, 2026 – January 3, 2027
Where: The DeGolyer Restaurant at the Dallas Arboretum 8525 Garland Rd., Dallas, Texas 75218
How: Book on OpenTable or visit the website.
Léonie at Hôtel Swexan – Highest Tea
Perched on the roof of Hôtel Swexan, Léonie’s location 20 stories above Uptown designates it as the highest (as in elevation) of the holiday tea services.
Cost: $85 Adult, $35 Children 12 & under
Menu: Assortment of tea cakes, sandwiches, and scones paired with tea.
When: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from November 27 to December 27. Seatings at 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.
How: Reservations on OpenTable
The Mansion Restaurant at Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek – Most Elegant Tea
The iconic Mansion restaurant is hard to beat on elegance, service, and quality of food. After launching a new formal afternoon tea service two years ago, the holiday tea has become one of the hardest reservations to claim.
As of press time, The Mansion had not released its holiday tea menu, but this story will be updated when the menu is available.
Mirador – Most Fashionable Tea
Set atop the city’s most fashionable boutique, Forty Five Ten’s rooftop restaurant, Mirador, will host holiday tea. Theirs is the modern spin on old school sophistication. I love that they offer a children’s menu.
Cost: Starting at $98 per person, $35 for children 10 and younger
Menu: Chai-spiced scone, beets with shiso and strawberry goat cheese; enoki with nori and Korean chili flake; butternut feuille de brik and apple cider veil, caviar tartlet with crème fraîche, chives, and cured egg yolk; Wagyu sando with spicy mayo and shiso on milk bread and lots of sweet treats. Caviar and bubbles are available for additional cost. Children 10 and younger can enjoy a tea sandwich trio, chicken bites, and butterfly tea lemonade.
When: Available for only six dates in November and December: November 7, 21, and 28 and December 19, 24, and 26.
Where: Mirador, fourth floor of Forty Five Ten 1615 Main St., Dallas, Texas 75201
How: Available on Resy
The Reserve at The Highland – The Most Texan Tea
Don’t sleep on this one. The Reserve at the Highland is a nice, low-key restaurant for dinner and now it’s a new holiday gathering spot for holiday tea. This restaurant blends Texas charm with a sophisticated setting and is worth a peek.
Cost: Starting at $75 per person
Menu: A selection of savory tea sandwiches, including Texas-style pimento cheese and roasted jalapeño, cucumber-ranch Boursin and chicken salad with Texas pecans and dried cranberries; citrus-poppy seed and jalapeño cheddar scones served with traditional and locally inspired accompaniments; an assortment of sweet treats, including mini pecan pie tartlets, artisan macarons, and chef-selected petit fours. The experience is complemented by a curated selection of premium black, green, oolong and herbal teas, with a glass of Champagne or a festive Champagne tea cocktail, including an Earl Grey French 75 and Blueberry Royale, also available to order for an additional $20 charge per person.
When: Thursday, November 19, through Sunday, January 3, 2027. Reservations beginning at 1 p.m. with the last seating at 3 p.m.
Where: The Reserve at The Highland 5300 E. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, Texas 75206
How: Reservations are available on OpenTable or by calling The Reserve at The Highland at 214-443-9339
The Kimbell Art Museum – The Most Cultured Tea
The Kimbell is worth the road trip to Fort Worth. Its tea service is the best deal in town because it includes free admission to the permanent collection of the art museum. Architecturally, the museum is a gem but let yourself be drawn into the galleries and take in the incredible works of art on display.
Cost: $35 for service for two
Menu: Choice of Earl Grey, green, seasonal, or decaf tea. Includes scones and muffins, jams and butter; chicken salad and pimento cheese sandwiches; lavender shortbread and cookies. Champagne by the glass and bottle are available.
When: Tuesday through Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Closed on Mondays
Where: The Kimbell Art Museum 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76107
How: Book online here
Wherever you find yourself during the holidays, take time to savor the joy of the season.
Author
