Where to have a tea party?
Cassie emails:
I've been tasked with planning a bridal shower for my friend. Her sister is the MOH but, she's not near the area to plan it so she's given me her ideas and now I need some help. She wants to have a tea party - think "ladies that lunch" more than "Victorian tea." We're looking for a venue that is unique/unusual with a view other than a parking lot and within 45 minutes of Albany.
I know bridal shower locations have been discussed before but, I looked through the comments and didn't see anything that fit the bill. Any ideas?
Maybe you have some ideas that will help Cassie find those ladies some lunch (and tea). If so, please share!
photo: Flickr user halahmoon
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Comments
I just read that the Crooked Lake House in West Sand Lake was completely renovated and is now The Old Daley Inn on Crooked Lake.
... said Jamie on Jan 30, 2012 at 1:18 PM | link
Your nana's?
(that was very helpful)
... said -S on Jan 30, 2012 at 1:18 PM | link
Not much of a view but try the Whistling Kettle in Ballston Spa. Excellent food, lots of different kinds of teas and a nice "ladies who lunch" atmosphere.
... said qwerty on Jan 30, 2012 at 1:23 PM | link
The Midtown Tap and Tea room on New Scotland is a great place, as is the Wine Bar and Bistro on Lark.
... said Summer on Jan 30, 2012 at 1:24 PM | link
The Whistling Kettle comes to mind. Ballston Spa. They're seriously into afternoon tea so I think they're worth looking into.
... said Cori on Jan 30, 2012 at 1:27 PM | link
How about the Whistling Tea Kettle in Ballston Spa? Great tea and delicious roasted red pepper soup!
... said Elisabeth on Jan 30, 2012 at 1:30 PM | link
The Gideon Putnam, The Desmond -Americana, The Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge Mass., Peaches Cafe in Stuyvesvant Plaza
... said mg on Jan 30, 2012 at 1:52 PM | link
May not be close enough, but The Sagamore in Lake George does a wonderful afternoon tea.
... said Erinn on Jan 30, 2012 at 2:04 PM | link
Not sure if they'll do a shower, but the Country Trunk in East Greenbush comes to mind. http://www.thecountrytrunkny.com/ They do lunches - basically tea and sandwiches, their restaurant area looks like a garden and they have a gift shop.
... said Kat on Jan 30, 2012 at 3:03 PM | link
For a alterna-tea party, check out The Local in Saratoga. This is a tea and beer bar. They have really yummy tea sandwiches, and a nice tea selection. They also have pub fare and great beer. Around lunch, you are just as likely to see little old ladies munching on their tea sandwiches as neighborhood locals having beer and fish and chips at the bar. Probably not a great choice if you have a group larger than 12 though.
... said Jessica R on Jan 30, 2012 at 3:20 PM | link
Wellington's Herbs and Spices in Schoharie does lunches and Victorian tea parties - beautiful views - though they are closed until April.
... said Harold on Jan 30, 2012 at 3:55 PM | link
A second nomination for The Local. They have an excellent tea selection.
... said AddiesDad on Jan 30, 2012 at 3:57 PM | link
check out WWW.THETAILOREDTEA.COM This website will give you information about a new place which is slated to open soon in Latham in the Historic Hills House! You could be one of the first to have an event there:) Call or email using the information on the website.
... said geo on Jan 30, 2012 at 11:21 PM | link
The Altamont Manor used to do teas.Not sure if they still have them but in case:
http://www.thealtamontmanor.com/index.htm
... said kathy on Jan 31, 2012 at 8:26 AM | link
A little further south, The Village Tearoom in New Paltz is fantastic. I went for afternoon tea in December with a friend and there were so many delicious sounding specials (including Ronnybrook eggnog) that we almost had a hard time actually ordering tea. The view from their window is ok, but the views are amazing from the nearby Walkway over the Hudson. If not for your shower, it's definitely worth checking out on a nice sunny day.
... said Amanda on Feb 1, 2012 at 10:46 AM | link
With all due respect, The Whistling Kettle is a lovely place with a fabulous tea selection but I don't see it as a party venue. It's filled with those very tall, intimate booths. People wouldn't even be able to see each other.
What's served is what makes a tea party and any nice place can probably put something like that together.
... said Jennifer on Feb 4, 2012 at 10:52 AM | link