LITTLE WEDGWOOD teapots steaming atop individual warming perches, petite sandwiches resembling miniature works of art, plump strawberries dipped in rich chocolate and drizzled with a swirl of white: Afternoon tea at the Ritz-Carlton proves a far cry from a typical children's tea party. But visit the Ritz or another posh hotel, tearoom or historic house museum during weekend tea time and you're likely to see quite a few youngsters, decked out in "Sunday best" finery and savoring such kid-pleasing delicacies as crustless peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, sugar cookies and hot cocoa.
"What children tend to enjoy most about tea is the ability to participate in a storybook tradition," says Dusty Lockhart, on-site public relations coordinator at the Ritz-Carlton in Tysons Corner, where weekend tea has become a popular mother-daughter outing. "Throughout history, children have found a pastime in holding tea parties, inviting their stuffed animals to the table and practicing proper etiquette. Afternoon tea at the hotel allows children to live that fantasy and delve into their inner princess. Not to mention the tower of sweets and fun little sandwiches!"
Brownie Leni Kagan, 9, has tea at Gadsby's. "It's the perfect excuse to . . . be a little princess," says Liz Williams, the museum's assistant director.
(Photos Len Spoden For The Washington Post)
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Children and delicate china may not seem compatible, but something about the elegant environment encourages kids to feel more grown-up and act accordingly.
"It's the perfect excuse to be on your best behavior and be a little princess for a day," says Liz Williams, assistant director of Gadsby's Tavern Museum in Alexandria, where tea parties are the most popular of the historic site's themed birthday parties for kids. To hold a tea party, served by someone dressed in 18th-century attire, in the very ballroom where George Washington celebrated his birthday, "elevates it to a whole other level."
"Bring them and enjoy, because it's very elegant, and our children don't have much elegance in their lives today," says Pam Williams, assistant museums director for the City of Bowie, where Belair Mansion hosts traditional teas seasonally.
Tearooms cater to kids in various ways, from the menu to special programs and activities. The Ritz-Carlton children's tea menu typically features an individual pot of hot chocolate, crustless sandwiches and cutout sugar cookies planned around a theme such as "Peter Rabbit" or "Winnie the Pooh."
Jill Dickey, mother of three and owner of the Retro Tea Room in Bowie, serves kid-friendly, caffeine-free teas in flavors such as Panda Berry and bright pink strawberry kiwi. She finds that boys enjoy tea parties as much as girls do, especially when they can try on hats she provides for customers to wear just for fun while sipping.
Subjected to such fancy touches as cloth napkins and real silver, along with a tempting array of sweets, what do most children enjoy most about tea time?
"Sugar cubes!" says Pam Williams. "They are absolutely in love with the concept of a little square of sugar going into their cup!"
TEA TIME
The following locations feature kid-friendly teas, including special menus as noted. Always make reservations, particularly for special-event teas, which often fill up months in advance. Many other area hotels, restaurants, historic sites and tea houses offer traditional afternoon teas. Phone ahead to find out if children are welcome and to check on age restrictions. For an extensive list of tea locations, grouped by state, visit the TeaMap online directory of tearooms at www.teamap.com.
The District
CHING CHING CHA -- 1063 Wisconsin Ave. NW. 202-333-8288. Tuesday-Saturday 11:30 to 9, Sundays 11:30 to 7. Children are welcome at this traditional Chinese tea house, which features floor seating that kids find appealing. Children's birthday parties can include Chinese tea etiquette, tea, sweets and dumplings. Prices for tea and accompaniments range from $4 to $20.
FOUR SEASONS HOTEL -- 2800 Pennsylvania Avenue NW. 202-342-0444. www.fourseasons.com/washington. Afternoon tea, served daily from 2 to 5 in the Garden Terrace Lounge, includes a "Tea Time for Tots" menu featuring such items as peanut butter and jelly finger sandwiches, chocolate chip cookies, Jell-O, a brownie, a scone, and a choice of chocolate milk, soda or tea. $18, adults $28 to $38. The hotel also can provide a portable DVD player so kids can watch cartoons or a Disney movie while dining.
THE MADISON -- 1177 15th St. NW. 202-587-2645. www.themadisondc.com. This hotel kicks off children's etiquette classes with a Mad Hatter Easter tea party for ages 6 to 12, accompanied by adults and favorite stuffed animals, March 19 from 2 to 4. Highlights include a presentation on party manners by etiquette expert Carole M. Randolph, dancing with a Mad Hatter and two Easter bunny characters, a commemorative "Alice in Wonderland"-themed photo and a kid-friendly tea party of homemade lemonade, tea cookies, Dolley's apple upside-down cake and assorted sandwiches. Each child also receives a certificate of participation and a goody bag. $25 per child; $45 per adult for champagne tea.
Maryland
BELAIR MANSION -- 12207 Tulip Grove Dr., Bowie. 301-809-3089. www.cityofbowie.org/comserv/museums.htm. This 1745 house museum offers seasonal three-course teas, recommended for ages 7 and older. The traditional menu includes finger sandwiches, scones and cream, and assorted desserts. $20. The next event is a Mother's Day tea at 4 on May 7. Call for future dates, including the popular Teddy Bear Tea held in March each year, already filled to capacity this year.
