Looking for an Afternoon Tea – my favorite meal of the day?!?!?! The Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee, the answer is an easy answer – the city’s most iconic afternoon tea service offers an elegant, memory-making escape, complete with polished silver, pastries, and a sense of occasion that feels special for Mom. It’s the kind of experience that turns a simple Sunday into a getaway, whether you’re celebrating Mother’s Day or taking a getaway any time of year.
But for those who can’t make it to Milwaukee, a simple solution is to create a special Afternoon Tea at home. Think of it as leveling up breakfast in bed. With the right components, you can make this a memorable, joyful and delicious experience for the whole family.
Juan Rodriguez, tea butler at Milwaukee’s The Pfister Hotel—known for having one of the best afternoon teas in the country—offers the following suggestions for creating the perfect tea experience in any environment.
Source the Tea
The Pfister offers tableside blending options with a dedicated trolley, but you don’t need to get that fancy. “Have at least two varieties of tea on offer (including one herbal/non-caffeinated option) so there’s something for everyone. If it’s in the budget, a high-quality loose-leaf tea will have the best flavor, but individual tea bags will work fine.”
Set the Mood
Flowers are always a great idea for moms (even the smallest/simplest bouquet), but don’t forget the other senses. “We set the stage at The Pfister Afternoon Tea with live piano music. You can recreate the traditional magic with a playlist like ‘Afternoon Tea Piano Playlist’ or ‘Classical Piano Music.'”
Plan the Menu
Scones, sandwiches, and pastries star in afternoon tea, but there’s a ton of variety to play with despite the traditional format and flavors. “As a rule of thumb, offer scones, a type of crustless sandwich, and a sweet pastry option. Don’t be afraid to buy the baked goods, but creating the finger sandwiches yourself is a must (don’t worry, they’re easy).”
Rodriguez recommends the simplest cucumber and cream cheese option for dainty finger sandwiches. Use English cucumbers (which have less water and fewer seeds) and slice them thinly. Spread whipped cream cheese on white bread and top with the cucumbers. Add dill if you wish (or mix it into the cream cheese before spreading it if everyone likes dill). Cut off the crusts and cut into triangles. For the dessert treat, defer to Mom’s tastes and get her favorite, whether it’s a decadent brownie or a wedge of cheese. The key here is paying attention to her sweet tooth! Seeking menu inspiration? Check out The Pfister’s Luxe, Victorian, Gluten-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian, and “all grown up” (kids-focused) menus for more ideas.
But if you’re in Milwaukee, don’t miss The Pfister’s special teas throughout the year like the America 250 Patriotic Tea, holiday teas, and even special Etiquette-themed Teas designed to teach little ones table manners.
Related: Afternoon Tea –Charlotte’s Most Elegant Afternoon Tea & Whiskey Experiences
