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VICTORIAN TEA AT
ROCKCLIFFE MANSION
Offered Exclusively by Reservation
Only
 Afternoon tea (because it was usually taken
in the late afternoon) is also called "low tea" as it was usually taken in a sitting room or
withdrawing room where low tables (like a coffee table) were placed near sofas or chairs. Since this
wasn't a meal, but rather like a late afternoon snack meant to stave off hunger, finger foods were
the common fare. Tiny, dainty tea sandwiches, scones and pastries were served with afternoon tea.
Finger foods afforded one the opportunity to take a petite bite and easily maintain a conversation.
This is most important, as one is not merely taking tea to gain nourishment or satisfy hunger, but
to take time to relax, converse and enjoy the company of dear friends. In England, the traditional
time for tea was four o'clock or five o'clock and no one stayed after seven o'clock. At Rockcliffe
Mansion, Tea is served by special reservation and is more of a meal. Seating is limited so book
fast. Reservations may be made for tables of 8. Groups less than 8 in size may request a
reservation, and we will happily accommodate based on availability.
The menu for an afternoon tea at Rockcliffe features assorted tea sandwiches, cookies, chocolate,
scones and jams, following a champagne toast, and finished with a chocolate covered strawberry.
Rockcliffe serves unlimited varietal teas both caffeinated and decaffeinated, often highlighting the
teas from Rishi Tea Company, voted one of the best tea suppliers in the states. These teas include
Organic Ancient Snow Sprout and Oriental Beauty (a favorite of Queen Elizabeth), White Tea Rose
Melange/Rishi Blend and Organice Decaf Rooibos/South Africa.
$24.95, plus tax and gratuity
AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY ON CERTAIN WEDNESDAYS WITH TOUR @ 4PM FOLLOWED BY 5PM TEA
For more information and reservations please call 573-221-4140 or
877-423-4140
Seven Cups of Tea by Lu Tong, 1835, China
First cup souses lips and throat; Second cup relieves loneliness and worries; Third cup burgeons
thoughts and words; Fourth cup flushes out complaints and anger; Fifth cup cleans muscles and bones;
Sixth cup purifies heart and soul; Seventh cup may be declined; It will fly you like a
kite.
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GIRLS' BIRTHDAY
PARTY TEAS
Share the news. Rockcliffe Mansion is now offering Little Girl Tea
Parties for 6 to 16 girls ages 5-11. When the girls arrive, they are
shown to the "tea room" where their private table is set with the best
china, crystal, and cloth napkins. There are place cards to tell each
child where she is to sit. Each girl will also get to wear a tiara and
boa to dress up in, and make them feel special. They will take these
gifts home with them, compliments of Rockcliffe Mansion.
Photos are taken of each girl at the tea (and can be purchased at the
Mansion and picked up the next day, or digitally sent that day, for just
$10 each souvenir photo, 4"x6") as well as a group photo which is
digitally emailed to the party organizer as a gift. No flash photography
is otherwise allowed at Rockcliffe Mansion.
Once seated, there is a brief etiquette lesson and then tea is served as
the girls are asked, "One lump or two?" Your Rockcliffe host will serve
peanut butter and jelly sandwiches cut into wedges and pretzels. After
tea, a Rockcliffe host will read "Emma Lea's Magic Teapot" written by
Babette Donaldson. A dessert treat is then served. After tea, presents
are opened (if applicable) then the girls line up on the grand stair
well and "strut their stuff down the runway" to show off their talents
to their friends. About an hour and a half later, it's time to say
goodbye and go home with a lifetime memory!
And here is the best part for the parents. This event is just $15 per
girl with a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 16. (if 4 or 5, it's okay but
there is still a minimum charge for 6). Tax and gratuity are additional.
This keeps the price down to fit the economics of families.
"Tunnels of Love" are a banana and strawberry filled crepe featured in
"Emma Lee's Magic Teapot." You may upgrade your tea to have these
crepes instead of the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for $5/person.
Let us know!
This special Rockcliffe event isn't only for Birthday Parties either.Ê
It can be anytime of year, for any reason and can also be held for
Mother/Daughter Teas and Girl Scout Troops.
Call 573-221-4140 for info and to reserve or email us.
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RED HAT
TEA
 Because of our success with
various Red Hat groups who have toured, lunched and celebrated events at Rockcliffe Mansion, we have
created a special Red Hat High Tea & Tour.
For $19.95/per person, your Red Hat group will receive.
Afternoon Tea, once started by an English Duchess as an afternoon
gathering for her friends, quickly spread throughout London to be the
ritual we know today as the tea party. A lovely time for ladies to sit
in relaxed conversation mixed with a bit of good gossip, drink
delicious tea and eat. Your tea party will include a pot of tea with
three courses that include savory and sweet foods all prepared with
red hat ladies in mind....and a Tour of Rockcliffe Mansion!
This is available for groups of 4 or more and by reservation only. So
please contact us at 573-221-4140 or 877-423-4140. Thanks, and we will
see you at Rockcliffe!
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Textile Lunch and Tour-August 16th, 11am
We offer the availability for you to take an up close and personal look
at the textiles of Rockcliffe Mansion, from quilts to draperies, all
original to this early 1900's masterpiece home.
The tour concludes with a true Victorian tea. $29.95/person.
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