Springtime is the perfect occasion to indulge in afternoon tea in Chicago. The city’s flowers are starting to bloom, adding a pop of color to the occasional gray, rainy days; the temperatures are gradually warming, but the air still has a cool, crisp touch; and for the ladies, the city’s fashion is slowly transforming from fur coats, neutral-colored layers, and boots to stilettos, colorful ensembles, and spring hats. 

As the Windy City starts to blossom, so do the elegant spring afternoon teas that can be found at Chicago’s most luxurious hotels: The Drake Hotel, LondonHouse Chicago, and The Peninsula Chicago.

The Drake Hotel: Afternoons in Palm Court

From April through Sunday, June 28, the Magnificent Mile’s Drake Hotel is hosting its iconic Spring Blossom Afternoon Tea inside the decadent Palm Court, a room that not only makes tea goers feel like queens and princesses, but one that is truly fit for royalty. According to the website, Palm Court has held afternoon tea for almost a century and has played host to the Queen and Princess Diana. 

Decorative gourmet tea sandwiches and cakes are offered beside an extensive selection of 17 teas from the Palais de Thes menu. A live harpist will provide music on Saturdays and Sundays, with some select Fridays. Tickets are $86 for adults and $38 for children ages 3-12. Make reservations on OpenTable.

Those looking to don their best hats with tea can uniquely choose from Laura Hubka Millinery’s exquisite hat collection just outside the Palm Court. Visit her website to schedule an appointment.

LondonHouse Chicago: Sip with a view

Now through Sunday, May 31, LondonHouse Chicago welcomes guests to the Bridges Lobby Bar, overlooking the Chicago River, for Spring Afternoon Tea. With unique savory selections by Executive Chef Liz Sweeney and sweet pastries by Executive Pastry Chef Thomas Gorczyca, LondonHouse Chicago’s afternoon tea provides a mouthwatering three-tier tower for hungry guests. Some of its featured items include a Carrot Cake Donut, Lavender Macarons, Spring Vegetable Quiche, and a Chicken Tikka Masala Samosa.

LondonHouse’s tea selection sports a collaboration with Rare Tea Cellar, a Chicago-based tea curator that sources tea from all over the world. Black, green, and herbal infusion teas will be available to sip. 

Tickets for Spring Tea are $100 per person for adults and $50 for children. Make reservations on Tock.

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The Peninsula Chicago: Tea meets fine jewels

Now through July, The Peninsula Chicago is celebrating its 25th anniversary and Chicago jeweler Sidney Garber’s 80th anniversary with a collaboration on afternoon tea. “Spill the Tea,” a couture-inspired experience, will be held on weekends in April through July inside The Lobby. Besides the usual tea sandwiches and tea selection, jewelry-inspired pastries will be available that mimic Sidney Garber’s designs. A string duo will provide entertainment

Times range from 12-2:30 p.m. on Fridays, 12-4:30 p.m. on Saturdays, and 1-2:30 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $150 for adults and include a glass of Champagne for those over the age of 21. Tickets for children 5-12 cost $85. Make reservations on Tock.