The holiday season, ideally, gives us all the chance to discard our unsightly athleisure and dingy footwear in lieu of something more refined and fitting. What better way to show off your finest threads and refined manners than at one of the following holiday high tea services where tastefully nibbling on finger sandwiches and carefully sipping from porcelain cups is all the rage.
Each venue will offer a limited tea service — most of them during the early afternoon, as is custom — tailormade for the Christmas season. Be sure to either call in advance or look online before reservations are booked solid.
Knife Pleat (Costa Mesa): The Michelin-star restaurant’s annual holiday tea service returns, including top-drawer touches like hand-made pastries from Germain Biotteau (the gingerbread is especially noteworthy) and confections like little edible gift box, reindeer, and Christmas tree treats. Holiday tea service is offered every Saturday in December between 11:30 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. $135 per guest. 3333 S. Bristol St., Costa Mesa
McKenna’s Tea Cottage (Seal Beach): This dedicated tea house, replete with lacework tablecloths and delicate porcelain, features regular service with English brews and treats. On Saturday, Dec. 16, the Seal Beach venue decks its halls and turns ever merrier with a Christmas tea featuring seasonal cocktails, tea (don’t miss out on the pumpkin spice and elderberry herbal) and food. $75 per adult, $45 per child. 237 Main St., Seal Beach
Raya at the Ritz Carlton (Dana Point): From now until Thurs. Dec 21, enjoy seasonal teas, savory canapes, sugary bites, and a glass (or three) of champagne at the hotel that’s synonymous with opulence. The high tea was designed in collaboration with the Parisian-based tea house Palais des Thes. Highlights include petite sandwiches like jumbo lump crab on bricohe and egg salad with caviar; sweet treats include scones, eclairs, pumpkin madelines and macarons. Best of all, this high tea comes with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Pacific. Putting on the proverbial (and literal) ritz will cost $110 per guest and $90 per child 3 to 9 years old. 1 Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point
The Resort at Pelican Hill (Newport Beach): The tony resort will have two special teas for the holiday season: First, from today, Dec. 14 through Sunday, Dec. 17, an operatic high tea will take place with Perrier-Jouët Champagne served in between performances of noted mezzo-sopranos Taylor Raven and Samantha Hankey, and tenors David Blalock and Andrew Stenson. $300 per person. The second is a princess-themed tea for kids and their parents/guardians at 2 p.m. on Dec. 30. Highlights include an assortment of tea, bubbles, and sweet and savory bites. Two princesses will be on hand for a regal afternoon of songs and storytelling. $164 per guest. Also, each attendee will leave with a special gift to commemorate the day of tea and nobility. 22701 S. Pelican Hill Road, Newport Coast
Tea House on Los Rios (San Juan Capistrano): Downright charming teahouse in San Juan Capistrano’s historic Los Rios District near the train tracks, this spot features holiday-themed petit fours like chocolate and peppermint mini cake, eggnog cheesecake bite, pistachio and raspberry petit four, and lemon creme cake. Seasonal tea selections include Holiday Blend (black tea infused with cardamom, orange spice and cinnamon), Nutcracker Rooibos (morel cherry and almond notes), Candy Cane Burst (black tea with peppermint) and Santa’s Milk and Cookies (black tea infused with sumac berries and a creamy finish). $89 per guest. There’s also a high tea for kids 12 and younger, featuring sparkling apple cider, Shirley Temples and Christmas tree-shaped cream cheese and cucumber sandwiches. 31731 Los Rios St., San Juan Capistrano
