Many of us have fond memories of childhood tea parties when we sat surrounded by dolls and siblings dressed in imaginary gowns and tiaras. We sipped our cup of tea (more likely chocolate milk or Kool-Aid) and dreamed of being a princess. Now that we’re grown with little ones of our own, we can break out the real china and indulge our royal fantasies at a real afternoon tea. Here are five locales in Dallas-Fort Worth where you and the kids can fit right in with your fanciest outfit and a fascinator and raise a cuppa.
Know of another great spot for a children’s tea? Let us know by emailing editorial@dfwchild.com.
Ashton Hotel
Downtown Fort Worth’s Ashton Hotel is the place to share a posh afternoon tea with your littles. High tea is served year-round on Saturday afternoons from 2–4pm in the hotel’s Six 10 Grille. Kids 12 and younger are welcome to the Teddy Bear Tea, priced at $25 per child.
Adults enjoy the traditional Spring Afternoon Tea (starting at $55), which starts with a flute of champagne. Your server will help you choose from nine tea flavors. The spring menu features English pea soup as the first course, followed by a three-tiered tray of savory bite-sized sandwiches, as well as Devonshire (clotted) cream, lemon curd, and strawberry jam for spreading over pineapple and lavender scones.
For dessert, you need not choose only one. You can save room for mini strawberry tarts, banana pudding cheesecake and chocolate-dipped madeleines. If anyone in your group has special dietary needs, mention it when making the reservation.
Location: 610 Main Street, Fort Worth
Contact: Make reservations at least 24 hours in advance by calling 817/332-0100.
Learn more: theashtonhotel.com
Beatitudes
If a laid-back atmosphere and slightly more affordable tea service appeals to you, Beatitudes tea room, café and gift shop is the right place. The child’s tea ($16) includes a fruit kebob, small scone with sweet butter, three tea sandwiches, and some child-size desserts. If any of your little tea partiers do not particularly like tea, you can request the lemonade instead.
Adults choose from three menu options: morning tea ($16), afternoon tea ($18), and the high tea ($30). If you’re a tea aficionado, consider the High Tea, which includes a flight of tea, with the option to order a pot if one particular tea catches your fancy. Look here for a complete description of the menu options.
Beatitudes reopens its tea service beginning May 4 and will be by reservation only on Thursday and Friday from 10am–3pm, and Saturdays from 10am–3pm. The last tea is served at 2pm.
Location: 211 Main Street, Lake Dallas
Contact: Make reservations at least one day ahead by contacting 972/987-9637.
Learn more: beatitudesgifts.com
Dallas Arboretum DeGolyer Tea Room
The 1940s-era DeGolyer House on the grounds of Dallas Arboretum hosts a special children’s tea on select Thursdays and Saturdays in June and July. Pricing for $42 for kids ages 2 to 12 and $59 for accompanying adults. This is slightly pricey but remember that it includes parking and day admission to the arboretum.
The children’s tea menu includes three courses for littles, beginning with chicken broth. Next, come assorted tea sandwiches (crustless PB&J, mini BLT and several others), followed by desserts. Children may choose from two tea flavors or strawberry lemonade. The adult menu has equally delicious—and a little more grown-up—offerings. Gluten-free options are available too upon request. The children’s tea is served at 2pm and reservations are required.
Location: 8525 Garland Road, Dallas
Contact: Reserve online 24 hours in advance. For questions, call 214/515-6511 or email teas@dallasarboretum.org.
Learn more: dallasarboretum.org
Secret Garden Restaurant
You can find just about anything in the sprawling Montgomery Street Antique Mall, including the Secret Garden Restaurant, which serves high tea daily from 2–4pm. So an afternoon out with your little can begin with treasure hunting in and around the antique booths, then sitting down for a high tea.
This tea includes a choice of tea, scones with clotted cream and jam, assorted tea sandwiches, and poppyseed bread. Adults (14 and up) pay $14.22, which includes gratuity and tip. Kids under 14 can share with adults for free. You can order a dessert separately from the menu.
Location: 2601 Montgomery Street, Fort Worth
Contact: Call 817/763-9787 at least one day ahead to make your reservations.
Learn more: montgomerystreetantiquemall.com
Small Pockets Tea Room
About a mile south of Galleria Dallas is Small Pockets, a boutique and consignment shop that specializes in children’s and baby clothing and also offers a tea room for parties. If you’re considering giving your little princess a tea party for their birthday, a Small Pockets party is the stuff of dreams.
Most of the seven themed party packages are organized around a specific craft, such as painting your own tea set. The staff provides the party room, tea sets and place settings, plus help with party ideas and vendor referrals. Local Forestwood Antique Mall and LulaMade Biscottis cater the food for all party packages except for the DIY party. For that one, you’re welcome to bring your own birthday cake or cupcakes, as well as food for anyone with dietary issues. Not time for a birthday party? The tea room is still available for prescheduled play dates.
Location: 12300 Inwood Road, Suite 160, Dallas
Contact: Call 214/484-9240 or email smallpocketstearoom@gmail.com for more details about each party package.
Learn more: smallpockets.biz
Top photo of Secret Garden Tea Room at Montgomery Street Antique Mall, photo courtesy of Danielle Lawson
