Mom's Escape: Let's Have a Tea Party

The term “high tea” was initially rooted with laborers and farmers in England in the 1600's as a simple, early evening meal served with tea.

As time passed, the modern day version of the high tea is more of a light afternoon meal (small, delicate sandwiches, small cakes, or pastries) served with tea.

But high tea is so much more.

Tea services are elegant. Beautiful china and linens, quaint surroundings, good conversation, and a relaxing vibe is what having tea is all about.

With it being springtime and all, it's hard to imagine a nicer way to capture the sophistication and the spirit of tea time than by donning your favorite fair-weather duds, putting on your favorite earrings or necklace, and joining your girlfriends and family members for some great girl talk.

And yes, there's also delicious beverage and food fare.

Lucky for us, the South Sound boasts some terrific places for tea. Whether you are looking for the traditional elements of high tea or something with more of a casual flair, there's a place for you.

 Let's take a look, shall we?

The Hawthorn Tea Room, right in the heart of Tacoma's Old Town district, boasts a quaint afternoon tea or luncheon. After your tea experience, take a walk in the business district and explore the shops, or if you'd like, stroll a little further to Ruston Way to take in the water views or even peruse the beach.

Healing Garden Tea Room and Flowers is in the terrific Stadium business district in Tacoma. This longtime and popular tea room is well known for it's yummy pastries and accommodations. After your tea, peruse the shops on Tacoma Avenue to enhance your experience.

Steeped in Comfort in Lakewood is a well reviewed and loved tea room. It also has a quaint gift shop and special seasonal teas and events.

Closer to home, there are spots like the .

There are other tea shops that exist outside our immediate area that require a little more driving. An excellent resource is the website is called Tea Map. Tea Map gives you a great guide to all of the tea rooms in the entire state of Washington. So, if you decide to take a girls weekend trip with your friends, consult this guide to add in the flair of high tea to your travel experience. The site also gives some insight into places where you can buy yummy teas to take home and brew yourself (and perhaps have your very own garden tea party!). Check out Mad Hat Teas of Tacoma by clicking the link for some great ideas.

So, pinkies up everyone! Here's to a a beautiful adventure in the world of tea. Cheerio!