What Is Afternoon Tea — and Why It’s So Special

When people first hear “afternoon tea,” they often imagine something between brunch and a coffee date — but true afternoon tea is something far more refined, intentional, and deliciously unhurried.

A Little History

Afternoon tea began in the early 1840s with Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, who found herself a bit peckish between lunch and dinner. She began requesting a tray of tea, bread, and small cakes in her sitting room — and before long, her friends joined her. What started as a private pause became a cherished social ritual, a moment to reconnect, savor, and delight in beautiful food served with elegance.

What to Expect at

Tea with Meredith

At Tea with Meredith, that same spirit of pause and connection comes alive — right here in Westchester.

Each event features three curated courses, all handmade by one person — from freshly baked scones with jam and clotted cream to delicate tea sandwiches and petite desserts that look as lovely as they taste.

Every menu is bespoke, changing with the seasons and made from scratch — no shortcuts, no reheating, no mass production.

Your teapot is your own. Your table is set with vintage china. And every detail — from the music to the flowers to the way each course flows — is curated for an experience you’ll talk about and remember.

Why It Costs What It Costs

A true afternoon tea isn’t a buffet or brunch line — it’s an immersive experience. Every tart shell, mousse cup, and tea blend is made by hand, the way it was meant to be. There’s no team of cooks or caterers behind the scenes — just one woman crafting an elegant, multi-course experience from start to finish.

What you’re paying for is not only the food but the artistry, time, and care that make the experience seamless — the feeling of being transported without ever leaving town.

A Taste of London, Right Here in Westchester

Why drive to the city or catch a train when you can enjoy something equally lovely — and more personal — right here at home? Afternoon tea with Tea with Meredith is not just a meal, it’s a moment — a beautiful pause in the middle of life’s rush.

So come sip, savor, and see what the Duchess of Bedford started — brought to life, lovingly, by hand, right here in Westchester.

🫖 www.teawithmeredith.com/event-list