Sometimes we do things just for the kids, setting aside our own preferences for stylish
places and civilized food in favor of something more kid-friendly. But let's face it, there are times we want to feel, dress and act like an adult. For all of us parents craving some adult-time without having to leave the rugrats at home, there are a variety of holiday tea times in the Bay Area where there's no need to compromise. So treat yourself and the kids to some grown up fare in a kid-friendly atmosphere because you and your little ones deserve a bit of indulgence this holiday season.
Crown & Crumpet Tea Salon
Crown & Crumpet Tea Salon is pure eye candy—a colorful mix of “Brit Pop” and “Mod Neoclassical” with gorgeous light fixtures to boot. And classics like Victoria sponge cake, house made scones and egg salad sandwiches seem modern again under the careful execution of pastry chef Caroline Romanski. While tea time at Crown & Crumpet is great anytime of year, the salon is offering special tea parties for adults and kids to celebrate the holiday season throughout December.
Holiday Gingerbread Tea: Your kiddos will be enchanted when they're presented with a mini gingerbread house to decorate themselves. While the kids decorate and sip on their special nursery tea, mom and dad can enjoy an aperitif, a Christmas cracker and a special holiday tea. The Christmas fairy will even make an appearance. Friday Dec 16, Monday Dec 19, and Friday Dec 23 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. $48 per child and $38 per adult. For children age 2-12.
Holiday Tea: An afternoon to be enjoyed with family and friends includes a festive holiday tea menu, an aperitif, selection of tea sandwiches, holiday scones and treats and sweets and a Christmas cracker. Dec 10 - Dec 30 from 4:00 pm. $48 per person.
Crown & Crumpet Tea Salon
207 Ghirardelli Square
900 North Point
San Francisco, Ca
415-771-4252 (Reservations recommended)
Online: crownandcrumpet.com
Top of the Mark Holiday Tea
Celebrate the holiday season tea buffet style at the Top of the Mark at the InterContinental Mark Hopkins. The special kid-friendly events will showcase a magician and a face painter and all kiddos receive a complimentary gift to take home. Traditional holiday teas are served up alongside favorite kids foods including Mac & Cheese, PB&J and Pigs in a Blanket. Grown ups can nosh on a variety of scones, tea sandwiches, and a dessert buffet of tartlets, fruit cakes, and chocolate eclairs. Plus, if you bring in a new toy to donate you'll receive $2 discount off of your admission. We're sold! Friday and Saturday, Dec 16 and 17; Monday to Thursday, Dec 19 - Dec 23 from 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm. $48 per person.
Top of the Mark at the InterContinental Mark Hopkins
One Nob Hill
San Francisco, Ca
415-616-6941 (Reservations required)
Online: intercontinentalmarkhopkins.com
Teddy Bear Tea at the Ritz
Teddy Bear Tea at the Ritz has become a yearly tradition for many Bay Area families. The classic event, which tends to tip towards the fancier end of holiday teas, stars Stretchy the Elf, his side-kick elf, and the super cuddly Ritz-Carlton teddy bear. Kiddos can indulge in hot chocolate, teddy bear cookies and assorted sandwiches, while mom and dad can relax with some tea, snacks or some champagne. This event, which benefits the Greater Bay Area Make-a-Wish Foundation, features holiday storytelling, sing-alongs, and each kid gets to take home a special keepsake teddy bear. Daily Dec 14 - Dec 20. Two seatings at 10:00 am and 1:00pm. $80 per person. Reservations required.
The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco
600 Stockton Street
San Francisco, Ca
415-296-7465
Online: ritzcarlton.com
Lovejoy's
If you're looking for an off-the-beaten path holiday tea experience then take the fam out to Lovejoy's in the Mission district. This cozy room offers a quaint tea experience with tons of quirky decorations and decor that will delight the little ones. And, during the holidays the folks at Lovejoy's transform their tea room into a winter wonderland and offer extended hours so be sure to check their website or call ahead because reservations are recommended. There is an extensive menu, including a dedicated "Wee Tea" that features cream cheese and jelly sandwiches, a scone, fresh fruit, a petit four, and tea or hot chocolate, all for $15.95.
1351 Church Street.
San Francisco, Ca
415-648-5895
Online: lovejoystearoom.com
