For years, Elizabeth, an author, speaker and tea sommelier for the St. Regis Hotel, has lectured to large groups at conferences or in classrooms. Now, for the first time, you and your friends will enjoy the opportunity to learn about tea in a more relaxed and personal setting. Join Elizabeth at her private table and she’ll answer questions about the social history of tea, etiquette, brewing and serving tea; nearly everything one needs to know in order to take, or serve, tea confidently. Choose from the entertaining and educational programs described below, or call us to create a program tailored just for you.

Taking Tea
English tea time traditions include at least six different ways—and times—to take tea, the beverage and the meal. Just what is the difference between high tea, low tea, cream tea and afternoon tea? What's on the menu? Are scones eaten with a fork? Does the milk go in the cup before the tea or after? Pinkies up?!

The A-Z of Tea
Ditch that soggy tea bag! Today's teas are gourmet beverages as complex and interesting as wine. Taste the differences between white, green, black and oolong teas and learn how to select, brew, and store fine tea.

The Astors and the Gilded Age
Everyone knows that John Jacob Astor was America’s first multi-millionaire, but few know that part of his fortune was built on the lucrative tea trade. His great-grandson, Colonel John Jacob Astor IV, built the St. Regis, a Beaux Arts hotel which set a new standard for opulence. Learn about this fascinating family and their influence on the Gilded Age during the time when tea time was born.

Steeped in Tea: New York before the Manhattan
Manhattan might have a cocktail named after it, but did you know that the city's first fashionable beverage was tea? Americans drank tea before the British and New Yorkers drank it first. Learn about the history of tea in New York and why the city is truly, "the world in a tea cup."

MEET: Locations will vary depending upon the size of your group and day of the week.
Hours: Available Daily - 2:30 P.M.
Tel. 201-222-1154
Reservations required

COST: The cost per person, minimum 6 people, maximum 15 people, is $99. The fee includes a full afternoon tea with Elizabeth and a "Tea With Friends" brochure to help you plan your own tea party.

What if I don’t have a group of 6?
Fee minimums apply for smaller groups or private tours. We often combine several smaller groups. Please contact us to discuss dates and availability.