Galentine's Tea at the Willard

Last weekend I had afternoon tea with some girlfriends for an early Galentine's Day celebration. I've always tried to avoid being one of those girls who prioritizes work or her relationship and neglects her friends, but sadly this was the first time I had seen them since November (evidenced by their festively-wrapped, two-month-old Christmas gifts I had brought with me).

I recently read an article titled, "Work, Sleep, Family, Fitness, or Friends: Pick 3," that discussed the challenges of maintaining a work-life balance. To quote the article: "Want to see your kids, keep fit, and keep your business going? Forget sleep..." 

I'm childless, and I still find myself unable to pick three of those things without some serious thought! But for better or worse, work has somehow pushed its way to the top. Bottom line: Tea with the girls should have happened a LOOOONG time ago.

Besides, I wouldn't mind making afternoon tea a more regular part of my repertoire. It reminded me of my childhood when I pretended to be a grown-up and had a tea party with my dolls. I actually believed women spent their adult years sipping away the afternoon with tea and fine china? HAH. Except it can become reality every once in a while (IF you're willing to cough up some dough for it...$49 to be exact).

Following some research on the British Afternoon Tea Guild's website, it appears afternoon tea began in the 19th century as a solution to beating the afternoon slump. People typically ate only two meals a day at that time, so some tea and light snacks got them through the afternoon. 

Here's something else I didn't know: The upper class Brits would serve "low" tea around 4pm, whereas the lower and middle classes would serve "high" tea later in the evening. The "high" in high tea referred to the height of the table at which the tea was served (i.e. the dinner table). And I always thought that the "high" in high tea referred to its hoity toitiness... Who knew?!?

My first afternoon tea experience was while I was visiting my brother in London a few years ago. My sister-in-law had been dying to go, so we put on our Sunday best and went to the InterContinental London Park Lane Hotel. It was an amazing experience from what I remember (although I consider myself lucky if I remember what I did yesterday). Smoked salmon, warm scones, clotted cream....NOM. So I decided it was about time to refresh my memory and book a reservation for me and the girls at the Willard InterContinental Hotel in DC. 

Low tea at the Willard takes place in "Peacock Alley." The tables are situated along the sides of a rather elegant hallway, and a live harpist plays classical music in the background. The regal atmosphere, however, was disrupted by hotel guests who used the alley (rightly named) to cut through the lobby. 

The dress code at the Willard for tea is what they call "casual elegance." I decided to wear a skirt and sweater with the ability to expand, as I correctly assumed I would feel at least three months pregnant by the end of the afternoon. If you decide to wear less formal attire, your guilt will quickly subside once you see a woman wearing overly ripped jeans and oversized headphones walk through the middle of your tea fantasy to get to the other side of the hotel...

When did this come into style? You expect me to pay extra for the rips? B*tch, it's freezing outside! Excuse me, I'm at the Willard and am trying to act classy.

Also, had I known sooner, I would have asked to be seated at one of the couch areas as far away from the kitchen doors as possible, where patrons seemed to be a little more relaxed. 

The food was everything one would hope for- beautiful deliciousness. You can choose between over a dozen teas while eating delectable sandwiches, scones, and pastries.

Sandwich selection: smoked salmon club on pumpernickel, chicken mousse on walnut and raisin bread, organic egg with caviar on wheat, cucumber and cherry tomato on a skewer, and shrimp tartlet.

Bourbon vanilla and Chive scones: served with lemon curd, clotted cream, raspberry jam, and basil butter.

Desserts: chocolate mousse, strawberry cheesecake parfait, fruit tartlet, chocolate cremeux (fancy French word for creamy pudding), and raspberry layer cake.

Afternoon tea at the Willard is $49/person (*excluding tip and booze). Reservations are recommended.

"ACT CLASSY!" was all I kept thinking to myself. "Don't spill anything! Don't eat the tiny sandwiches too fast!" This was like a major exam in a class on acting like a lady. Not sure how I did, but considering I didn't trip or break anything, I'm hoping for a B.

So overall...Ladies, this was a nice place to treat yo'self and catch up with friends. And gentleman, you'll score some major points with your S.O. (= significant other)  by "suffering" through the sandwiches, cakes, and booze.


Have you been somewhere fabulous for afternoon tea?