D.C.’s dreamy Hillwood Estate, the former home of art collector Marjorie Merriweather that’s adorned in 18th-century French elegance, is the gorgeous site of afternoon tea service for groups of 10 or more. The family-style feast includes miniature scones, chicken salad croissant sandwiches, sun-dried tomato hummus with sourdough, chocolate Nutella tarts, and lemon-lavender sugar cookies with a choice of hot or cold Dammann Frères teas. The price: $28.50 per person, with supplements like mini quiches. Call to reserve.

For the ultimate high tea party in the heart of Dupont, the Mansion on O offers private room packages for 10 or more ($90 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. A dessert tea-and-museum tour option is $60 per person for groups of 15 or more.

Tea service at Blue Duck Tavern returned in February, complete with a freshly brewed pot of tea, accompaniments, seasonal small plates, and custom desserts. Available exclusively on Sunday afternoons from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Its intimate Tea Cellar offers a semi-private alcove to enjoy a curated collection of 35 aged and vintage teas showcased in glass humidors, joined by a lit display of tea blossoms that flower when steeped in water. Call for reservations or go here for private bookings in the tea cellar.

Four Seasons just revived afternoon tea service under the watch of pastry chef AJ Thalakkat, who’s an expert on British tea pastries after working at the iconic Empress Hotel. A spread fit for Buckingham Palace includes raisin scones with clotted cream and strawberry lavender preserves; caramel banana cake (a popular pick of Princes William and Harry as young children); and Queen Elizabeth II’s personal favorite: chocolate biscuit cake. Earl Grey fruit cake, shortbread cookies, and raspberry lemon tarts also carry royal significance. Dainty pastries are served on a traditional three-tiered tea stand with porcelain pots. Savory dishes include a Four Seasons D.C. specialty: house-smoked and cured Scottish salmon topped with caviar. It’s tea time every Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. ($95 with a glass of bubbles and $55 for kids 12 and under). Call ahead or reserve online.

Housed in an 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. Harney & Sons tea service (starting at $45 per person) includes an indulgent selection of homemade scones, finger sandwiches, and seasonal cocktails. Champagne cocktails are $16 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 4 p.m. Reservations required.

The Sofitel’s lobby-level brasserie puts a French spin on afternoon tea service. Dubbed Le Gôuter, the experience includes Metz loose-leaf teas and sweet and savory treats, plus la carte tea-infused cocktails and espresso martinis. Available Saturdays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Call to reserve within 24 hours ($65 per person and $32.50 for children under 12).

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). The swinging ‘60s-themed menu on Saturdays features retro desserts, finger sandwiches like Ivy City smoked salmon with caviar, and bottomless tea. View menu here.

Taking afternoon tea in the Willard Hotel’s plush, red-carpeted Peacock Alley is a D.C. tradition. Afternoon tea service — complete with live harp music — includes estate and boutique loose-leaf teas by the J’enwey Tea Company, savory finger sandwiches, decadent pastries, and Willard’s famous freshly baked scones. Tea with a glass of champagne is $90 per adult (or $78 without) or $55 for kids 12 and under. Available Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Make a reservation; afternoon tea often sells out far in advance around holidays and cherry blossom season. A tea-to-go daily program pairs well with its instrumental Spotify playlist. 

Waldorf Astoria Washington DC’s new “Clock Hour Tea” pays homage to its lobby-level placement in the clock tower-topped Old Post Office building ($80 per person or $95 with bubbles). Dainty bites include egg salad eclair with sturgeon caviar and chive; pumpkin hummus on flatbread with drunken local cherries; and its twist on the Waldorf salad with chicken and gala red and green apples on cranberry-walnut bread. Cinnamon and orange cranberry scones and sweets round out the elaborate experience. Upgrade with Beluga caviar and brioche for $50 more. Reserve via phone at least 24 hours in advance, with seating times at noon and 2 p.m. on Fridays to Sundays.

Cherry blossom-themed tea service starts on Friday, March 17.

The newly minted Salamander hotel in D.C. offers daily afternoon tea with seatings in its posh Lounge at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Fridays to Sundays ($89 per guest or $65 for kids under 10). Enjoy a glass of champagne, homemade scones, tea sandwiches, and pastry delights served with a selection of loose-leaf teas. View menu here. Reservations are required. From Friday, March 24 to Sunday, April 16, cherry blossom-themed tea service in partnership with Petrossian caviar and Dom Perignon includes treats from guest celebrity pastry chef Lasheeda Perry. Enjoy spring tea time seated in the Lounge, overlooking the Garden Terrace, or to-go with picnic baskets and blankets.

It’s tea time at the Ritz-Carlton every Saturday and Sunday. Spot a selection of premium loose-leaf teas from Dammann Frères, seasonal pastries, dainty bites, and tea sandwiches. Scones come 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. Kids can sip tea or hot chocolate and pick a teddy bear to take home. Its Tysons Corner sibling also offers afternoon tea on Fridays to Sundays ($79 per person).