At this chic Parisian shop candy-hued macarons pop against a powder blue paint job for one of the most fanciful tea times around. Crystal chandeliers, a smooth white marble bar, and Bernardaud porcelain set a just-so tone. Savory food options include croissant sandwiches, quiche, and light salads. Tea is served all day.

Afternoon tea may skew English, but tea first came from China and unassuming Ching Ching Cha makes an excellent case for a Chinese experience. Locals and tourists alike enjoy selections from the extensive food and tea menu while busy servers keep cast-iron tea kettles brimming with hot water. A $16 “tea meal” (11:30 a.m. to 6:15 p.m.) that comes with three vegetables, a soup, and featured entrees like mapo tofu, curry chicken, or mustard miso salmon, is a steal.

Housed in a English Tudor-style building built in 1918, this historic hotel serves a quiet afternoon tea in its Tavern Room, where light streams in through lead glass windows. Choose from two menus (Royal tea is $48pp; English tea is $38pp) and indulge in a selection sandwiches, tartlets, dried fruit scones, and more. A selection of champagne cocktails are $14 for each drink or $28 for unlimited drinks. Tea is served Monday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Reservations required.

The Watergate Hotel’s Kingbird restaurant got into a bit of (ahem) hot water a few years ago when a $400 tea appeared on the menu. Now there’s a weekend afternoon tea that’s a much more reasonable $75 for adults. It features retro bites and bottomless tea.

Taking afternoon tea in the Willard Hotel’s plush, red-carpeted Peacock Alley is a D.C. tradition. In addition to traditional afternoon tea service — complete with live harp music — the Willard also hosts special seasonal teas. Make a reservation; afternoon tea often sells out far in advance around Christmas and cherry blossom season. Tea with a glass of champagne is $75 per adult; $40 for children with a glass of sparkling cider. Tea is offered on Saturdays and Sundays at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Ritz-Carlton properties in Pentagon City and Tysons Corner offer afternoon tea every Saturday and Sunday. They serve a selection of premium loose leaf teas designed in collaboration with Dammann Frères, along with seasonal pastries, canapés, and tea sandwiches. There are also scones, of course, served with clotted cream, lemon curd, and fruit preserves.