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Southern California's Best Holiday Teas

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(credit: Montage Beverly Hills)

With the hectic pace of the holidays, what better way to sit back and enjoy the beauty of the season than planning an escape with friends or family for a cup of tea and conversation. Choose from these favorite top spots for a spot of tea and holiday charm. From Orange County to Los Angeles, there's a lovely tea retreat near you.

montage-beverly-hills
(credit: Montage)

Montage Beverly Hills
225 North Canon Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 499-4199
www.montagebeverlyhills.com

Beloved year-round, Afternoon Tea dons its finest for the holidays daily between Nov. 25 to Jan. 5 from noon to 4 p.m. Join Montage Beverly Hills for the artisanal teas you love, including a custom holiday tea by Lamill, and a slice of Stollen bread prepared by Executive Chef Gabriel Ask. Against a backdrop of fresh holiday greens and twinkling lights, this intimate affair is perfect for catching up with friends and family visiting for the holidays. To reserve your table for Holiday Tea, call (310) 860-7800.

The Tea House On Los Rios
(credit: The Tea House On Los Rios)

The Tea House on Los Rios
31731 Los Rios
Los Rios Historic District
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
(949) 443-3914
www.theteahouseonlosrios.com

It's tough to find a place more charming than the Tea House on Los Rios in San Juan Capistrano. Particularly perfect during the holidays, the Niccola family, owners of the Tea House, specifically created the space for "building relationships one cup at a time." The quaint, genteel setting is perfection during the sometimes stressful hype of the holiday season. The Tea House offers a variety of specialty teas as well as brunch menu items to dine on.

Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel
(credit: Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel)

The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
One Ritz-Carlton Drive
Dana Point, California 92629
(949) 240-2000
www.ritzcarlton.com

The Ritz-Carlton knows how to celebrate the season in style. Festive holiday events at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel include Holiday Tea, Teddy Bear Tea and Holiday Storytelling. Holiday Tea is served from Monday through Thursday, November 18th through December 19th. Seating for tea begins from 2 to 2:30pm. Holiday Story Telling is offered complimentary on December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21 at 5pm.

Teddy Bear Tea is a festive tradition at the resort and includes hot chocolate "tea" served with a selection of pastries and finger sandwiches. In celebration of the Season of Giving, guests are requested to bring an unwrapped teddy bear to be donated to Children's Hospital of Orange County. Reservations are required.

Rose Garden Tea Room
(credit: Rose Garden Tea Room)

Rose Garden Tea Room at The Huntington Library
1151 Oxford Road
San Marino, CA 91108
(626) 405-2100
www.huntington.org

Stop and smell the flowers, then sit back and enjoy some tea at the Rose Garden Tea Room or the Café this season. Situated in the heart of the botanical gardens, the Tea Room and Café provide a variety of delicious options, from a traditional English tea to satisfying lunches, light snacks, and mouthwatering desserts. Reservations are required for the Tea Room, but are not needed for the Café.

Pelican Hill
(credit: Pelican Hill)

The Resort at Pelican Hill
22701 Pelican Hill Road South
Newport Coast, CA 92657
949.467.6800
www.pelicanhill.com

The Resort at Pelican Hill invites locals and Resort guests to celebrate the holiday season with several festive holiday teas. With a Nutcracker Tea Holiday Party Saturday, Dec. 15 & Saturday, Dec. 22, children and their families are invited to enjoy an enchanting Holiday Season tradition, featuring a delightful Nutcracker ballet performance and holiday tea in the Resort's elegant ballroom from noon to 3:30 p.m. Tea sandwiches, pastries and scones will be served as part of the event. Parent supervision is required throughout the tea and performance and the price is $70 for adults and $35 per child.

Or choose Tea Time Renaissance Nov. 23 through Dec. 30. It's the essence of a traditional tea every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 2:30 to 5 p.m. throughout the holiday season in the Great Room, along with a classical harpist. (Tea Service not available New Year's Day.) Prices are $45 per adult and $25 per child.

Debbie Lavdas is a Southern California writer who also writes for Laguna Beach Magazine, bask Magazine, OC Family Magazine and more. Keep up with her at @DebLavdas on Twitter or DebbieintheOC.com.
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