There is an elegance and a special civility in the ritual of afternoon tea.
We see it in the clothing — suits and dresses, lacy fascinators. We see it in the music, whether pianist, harpist or string quartet. And certainly, we see it in the food, crisp-lined finger sandwiches filled with savories like cress and roast beef and coronation chicken.
But in wonderful ways, this formal little feast, so regal and posh, fuels the simplest of joys.
Nothing demonstrates this better than the delight of young ones, experiencing it for the first time, sipping real tea from fine china cups instead of pretending with the play ones at home. And in this holiday season, bringing one of the world’s most iconic Christmas performances to life.
That’s just what’s happening at Kissimmee’s Ette Hotel, where, in partnership with the Orlando Ballet, they’ve curated a seasonal experience in their signature afternoon tea, one that will offer lasting holiday season memories, and perhaps even start a new tradition.
Offered every weekend in December plus Christmas Day, The Nutcracker Holiday Tea will feature a presentation of traditional tea sandwiches, scones and intricately designed pastries. The experience is priced at $95 per adult and $45 per child. With limited availability, reservations are encouraged.
On Saturday (Dec. 6), there will be three special seatings, including a personalized meet-and-greet/photo-op with two featured dancers from the Orlando Ballet, dressed as the Nutcracker Prince and Sugar Plum, iconic characters from the story.
Orlando Ballet dancers are pictured at the Ette Hotel in Kissimmee, where a themed afternoon tea runs all month long. The dancers return for a special version on Dec. 6. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
A stunning keepsake box, reminiscent of the ballerina music boxes so beloved by generations, will house the tea for two throughout the month. Orlando Ballet-themed, with drawers that open, it is a beautiful take-home treat.
The Ette Hotel’s keepsake box from this month’s Nutcracker-themed version. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
“The holiday season is a joyous time where loved ones gather together to celebrate beautiful moments,” said Alex Ekbatani, president and owner of the ette Hotel. “At Ette, we strive to facilitate and enhance these moments with each of our thoughtfully curated holiday offerings. We look forward to celebrating the holiday season with our lovely guests.”
The custom tea boxes open up to reveal a variety of sandwiches and treats at Ette Hotel in Kissimmee. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
So, too, does Sparrow chef/partner Wendy Lopez, whose Med-inspired menu flips Brit once monthly for their two-seating afternoon tea.
“We started the tea service four months ago, and we’re really up and going now,” says Lopez.
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“It’s been really fun as Sparrow is really tapping into a new demographic.”
Indeed, in the evening, Sparrow’s slinky disco-lounge aesthetic is magical, but afternoon tea service sees the blackout drapes drawn wide, allowing guests to see the space in a whole new light, literal and figurative.
“People come dressed up with fun hats and dresses, and it’s been so nice to see friends and whole families, sometimes three generations, come in and enjoy the ritual together.”
December’s Afternoon Tea at Sparrow will feature a holiday theme, but its price includes all the sweet and savory goodies on the tea stand, along with unlimited tea, as well. (Courtesy Good Salt Restaurant Group)
Unlimited tea (sometimes as many as 12 varieties) allows guests to sip and sample, alongside a tea stand filled with housemade goodies, many very traditional.
“We do a steak-and-tomato sandwich with truffle aioli, a smoked salmon with caper, a cucumber dill,” Lopez lists. “Also, a curried coronation chicken that’s super traditional in England.”
People who’ve yet to sample Sparrow’s nighttime delights have shown up in droves for tea, she reports, from one end of the metro to the other.
The tea tier and its three levels of goodies are included in the per-person price at Sparrow’s afternoon tea service, but that doesn’t mean you can’t add on and be extra. Pictured here: jamon serrano and a luscious assortment of nibbles. (Courtesy Good Salt Restaurant Group)
Beyond the main event, which also features warm, house-baked scones and a range of lovely desserts, guests can enjoy tea-based cocktails and mocktails. And the Dec. 20 event, says Lopez, will be holiday-centric.
“We’re having a violinist come in,” she says, “and there will be a holiday ham, and deviled egg tea sandwich, and a turkey, Brie and apple. We’re doing eggnog cream puffs and little Christmas tree petit fours. It’s going to be so beautiful.”
What’s more, during tea time, the normally 21+ Sparrow is open for all ages ($65 per adult and $40 per child 12 and younger), with 90-minute seatings at 1 and 3 p.m. Tea stand goodies are included, but that doesn’t mean you can’t add on.
Sparrow’s guests in their hats and tea-themed finery often opt for upsells, including tea-based cocktails, Champagne and yes, caviar. (Courtesy Good Salt Restaurant Group)
“Butter service, with jamon serrano, burrata and cultured butter, and caviar service have been popular,” Lopez says, “and the roastie with smoked salmon, capers and cucumbers.”
Don’t forget the Champagne.
Find me on Facebook, X or Instagram (@amydroo) or on the OSFoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie. Email: amthompson@orlandosentinel.com. For more fun, join the Let’s Eat, Orlando Facebook group.
If you go
Ette Hotel: 3001 Sherberth Road in Kissimmee, 407-288-1900; ettehotels.com. Reservations: ettehotels.com/dine-drink/afternoon-tea
Sparrow: 807 N. Orange Ave. in Orlando; sparroworlando.com. Reservations: opentable.com/r/sparrow-wine-bar-and-lounge-orlando