Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea at Peacock Alley
A life-size tree with fresh-blossoming cherry blossom branches will have a home for spring in the lobby of the Willard InterContinental, and these pink flowers will decorate the hotel’s already opulent tea time, Peacock Alley. If you wanted to dress really well, a fascinator would not be out of place here: This very British high tea will feature dried cherry scones, anderillette topped with fire cherries and a soundtrack by a harpist. Moët & Chandon partner with Willard for their Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea, where you’ll find drinks like rosé, bubbles and a special cocktail – in addition to a long list of J’enwey teas, including Jasmine Spring Tips and Willard’s signature blend of black tea. Friday to Sunday from kl. 13:00 to 15:00 until 1 May. Willard InterContinental, 1401 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. washington.intercontinental.com. $ 75 pr. adult ($ 85 with a glass of champagne); $ 35 per child ages 3 to 12 ($ 40 with a glass of sparkling cider).
Cherry Blossom Le Goûter at Opaline at Sofitel
A sweet afternoon snack is called “le goûter” in France, and it’s the name of Opaline Bar & Brasserie’s Saturday tea service with floor-to-ceiling trays filled with French cookies. During March and April, Cherry Blossom Le Goûter will serve lots of pink desserts, including raspberry macarons and seasonal fruit pies. Try organic Kyoto Cherry Rose in your teapot, or Sencha green tea in a cocktail. The dining room inside the Sofitel hotel downtown has a slightly more modern Parisian flair compared to traditional hotel teas, with gilded ceilings, bright yellow accents and bold works of art. Saturdays from kl. 14:00 to 16:00 until and including 16 April. Opaline Bar & Brasserie, 806 15th St. NW. opalinedc.com. $ 49 per adult, $ 24.50 for children under 12 (a hot chocolate service is also available).
St. Regis Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea
The Downtown Hotel surpassed itself with the presentation of its special afternoon tea: A miniature cherry blossom tree stands on your table, with glass balls containing candies and cakes suspended from the branches, and tasty items arranged at the foot of the tree. The tea selection is from the French company Dammann Frères, and includes a special cherry blossom-inspired blend. Wednesdays to Sundays from 1pm to 5pm until April 24th. The St. Regis, 923 Black Lives Matter Plaza NW. st-regis.marriott.com. $ 75 per person.
Cherry Blossom Tea at the Henley Park Hotel
The Henley Park Hotel is a favorite for its affordable version of high tea, including smoked salmon finger sandwiches, tartlets and Harney & Sons tea, served daily in its restored Tudor-style building on Massachusetts Avenue NW. From March 26, the hotel will offer a special Cherry Blossom Tea, with three kinds of sandwiches, scones and sweets, including cherry blossom cakes. Monday to Thursday from 3pm to 5pm; Friday to Saturday from kl. 12:00 to 16:00 from 26 March to 17 April. The Henley Park Hotel, 926 Massachusetts Ave. NW. henleypark.com. 55 USD.
Sakura Pink Empress Afternoon High Tea at Mandarin Oriental
The cherry blossom season is the most exciting time of the year at Mandarin Oriental, which is located right near the tidal pool and even grows its own cherry trees in a hidden garden. Of course, Mandarin Oriental’s Sakura Pink Empress Afternoon High Tea is a sumptuous affair with confectionery from pastry chef Claus Olsen (think cherry blossom-matcha-donuts and pink chantilly-eclairs). In addition to spicy snacks and cups of tea, the meal includes a glass of rosé or “boozy” tea such as Pink Coconut Chai with orgeat, bourbon and almond milk. Thursday to Sunday from kl. 13.30 to 15.30 to 17 April. Mandarin Oriental, 1330 Maryland Ave. SW. mandarinoriental.com. $ 122 per person.
Cherry Blossom Tea at Health
For a tea service in Northern Virginia, the Ritz-Carlton in Pentagon City will offer a special cherry blossom version of its afternoon tea with bites like hot scones, tea sandwiches and cakes. Young children sitting through a fancy tea at the hotel’s restaurant Santé will be rewarded with hot chocolate, child-friendly treats and a teddy bear to take home. Saturday and Sunday from kl. 12:00 to 15:00 until 16 April. The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City, 1250 S. Hayes St., Arlington. meetatsante.com. $ 65 per adult; 45 USD pr. children 12 years and under for Bamse-teen.
Here are three more options for afternoon tea:
That Watergate Hotels Kingbird Restaurant serves an afternoon tea of $ 75 per. person on Saturdays and Sundays with blueberry scones coated on floral china and about 30 teas on the menu (including rare white Himalayan teas picked under the full moon). 2650 Virginia Ave. NW. thewatergatehotel.com.
The Parisian chain The duration offers tea and macarons in all the colors of the rainbow in its antique-filled salon de thé in Georgetown ($ 49; $ 69 includes a glass of champagne and a macaron gift box). 3060 M. St. NW. laduree.us.
That Palace in Strathmore serves a traditional high afternoon tea paired with extra entertainment in the form of concerts and lectures ($ 32- $ 35). Advance reservations are a must – many upcoming teas in April and May are already sold out. 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda. strathmore.org.