What began in the 1840s when Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, requested a light refreshment to bridge the long gap between lunch and dinner has become a beloved ritual on both sides of the Atlantic. In colonial America, tea was already a cherished custom, served in the afternoon much as it was in England. After a brief interruption during the Revolutionary era, the tradition returned with renewed vigor in the Gilded Age, when Americans eagerly embraced the refinement of British high society. Hotels, private parlors, and tearooms filled with the aroma of freshly brewed tea, the soft murmur of conversation, and the quiet pleasure of slowing down.

Today that same spirit is flourishing once again. From grand hotel lobbies in New York and Chicago to intimate historic homes and garden clubs across the country, afternoon tea is drawing new generations of guests. The appeal is easy to understand. In a world of hurried meals and constant screens, the three-tiered stand offers something restorative: savory finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and an array of delicate sweets—all paired with carefully selected teas. It is an invitation to dress a little more thoughtfully, linger a little longer, and savor both the food and the company.

Many modern hosts stay true to tradition while adding their own regional touches. Guests still begin with classic cucumber, egg salad, or smoked salmon sandwiches, move on to warm scones, and finish with petite pastries and cakes. Yet American venues often introduce local flavors—pimento cheese, seasonal fruit preserves, or Southern-inspired sweets—creating an experience that feels both authentic and uniquely of this place.

The resurgence is also being felt in smaller historic towns, where the ritual carries special meaning. In places where architecture and hospitality have been carefully preserved, afternoon tea becomes more than a pleasant outing. It becomes a living connection to the past and a quiet act of support for the future.

English Afternoon Tea at the Excelsior House Hotel

Right here in Jefferson, Texas, that connection is especially strong. On Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., the Jessie Allen Wise Garden Club invites you to step into the timeless elegance of the Excelsior House Hotel—the oldest continuously operating hotel in Texas—for a delightful English Afternoon Tea.

Guests will enjoy a traditional tea service featuring savory sandwiches, freshly prepared scones, delicate sweets, and flavorful teas, with each table receiving attentive care from a personal hostess. Choose classic Ballroom seating at $50 per guest or elevated VIP Solarium seating overlooking the courtyard and fountain at $60 per guest. The afternoon lasts approximately one and a half to two hours and is intended for guests 16 years of age and older. Sunday attire or clothing appropriate for a special afternoon occasion is encouraged.

This is more than an elegant gathering. All proceeds support the continued restoration and preservation of the Jessie Allen Wise Garden Club properties, including the Excelsior House Hotel, the Atalanta Rail Car, the Ruth Lester Memorial, and the Playhouse. By joining us, you help ensure that these historic treasures remain for generations to come.

Reservations and payment are required in advance; walk-ins cannot be accepted. Seating is limited, especially in the Solarium, so early booking is recommended. Gluten-free options may be arranged by texting ENGLISH TEA to 903-747-2679 at least 48 hours prior to the event.

We look forward to welcoming you to an afternoon of grace, conversation, and the simple pleasure of tea in one of Texas’s most storied settings.

Reserve your seats for the English Afternoon Tea on October 3 →

The Excelsior House Hotel

211 W. Austin Street

Jefferson, TX 75657

(903) 665-2513

Reserve your seats today and become part of a tradition that continues to bring people together—one cup at a time.