For the ultimate high tea party in the heart of Dupont, the Mansion on O offers private room packages for 10 or more ($85 per person). The five-course spread, complete with butler service and a self-guided tour of the historic museum, comes with Tea Forté loose-leaf selections, bottomless bubbly, pastries, savory bites, cheese plates, and more.

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 “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 (starting at $16).

Open near the White House since 1926, the St. Regis’s new Presidential afternoon tea service features desserts, pastries, tea sandwiches, and scones that pay homage to past presidential guests. A layered blueberry cheesecake honors President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s love for his wife’s blueberry pudding, while a toasted coconut lime cream profiterole speaks to President Ronald Reagan’s obsession for jellybeans. Offered in its opulent lobby with Dammann Frères teas and optional Champagne pairings. Thursday through Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Reservations are required, and the price starts at $65 per person.

The Sofitel’s lobby-level brasserie puts a French spin on afternoon tea service. The Le Goûter menu comes with assorted seasonal tea sandwiches (heirloom tomato, cucumber, egg salad), deviled eggs with caviar, madeleines, macarons, Metz loose-leaf teas, and Lavazza French press, plus la carte tea-infused cocktails and espresso martinis. Available Saturdays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. for $49 per person.

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 Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., and just weekends starting August.

For those needing a break from sightseeing on the National Mall, the Mandarin Oriental offers afternoon tea on weekends (Friday to Sunday) in the Empress Lounge. Choose from a selection of teas from around the world, served with savory bites, scones, and sweets. Advance reservations required. Seatings at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., Friday to Sunday.

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. The cost is $58 per person (or $38 for kids 12 and under) from noon to 3 p.m.