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weekend fun
Montclair’s Van Vleck House + Gardens is a year-round destination for residents and visitors. Between the art and the gardens, there’s always something beautiful to enjoy. An unexpected way to enjoy Van Vleck in a new way is to partake in the Secret Tea Room’s Afternoon Tea. On select weekends, both cream tea and afternoon tea service are served in the Van Vleck House. Read on for more about this special tea experience at Montclair’s Van Vleck House.
About Van Vleck House
Located on 21 Van Vleck Street, the Van Vleck House and Gardens is Montclair’s special, enchanting sanctuary known for its preserved, beautiful botanical horticulture. The Van Vleck garden grounds are open year-round and are free to visit; they open at dawn and close at dusk. The therapeutic gardens are a place for Montclarions and visitors to enjoy nature and the surrounding tranquility.
Van Vleck has educational family programs, children’s classes, and adult classes. The Van Vleck House + Gardens membership benefits members by offering discounts on events, plus discounts on plant sales. Become a member today and find out more information here.
The Montclair Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is the owner of the Van Vleck House and Gardens, the six-acre estate. TMF is dedicated to the education of the environment and horticulture. TMF continues to preserve the property.
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Tea at Van Vleck
Anita Peterson is one of the event’s co-creators. She is the Chief Development Officer at the Montclair Foundation/Van Vleck House & Gardens, and had wanted to host a tea at the property. When she found out about the Secret Tea Room, she had the answer.
“The Secret Tea Room partnership has allowed us to open Van Vleck House in a new and welcoming way,” she said. “The events consistently sell out, showcase the beauty of the historic house, and introduce new audiences to our mission while also generating support through ticket proceeds. It’s been a win for the community and for Van Vleck.”
People are excited to be able to spend time inside Van Vleck House and the teas are a special event. Friends can turn off their phones and enjoy each other’s company in a charming and relaxing setting.
Kay Sarlin Wright, TMF/VVH&G Executive Director, says, “We are so pleased about the success of the Secret Teas at Van Vleck. Our fundraisers help us to continue to nurture good in our community and support our mission.”
The Secret Tea Room Services
Both cream tea and afternoon tea are served at Van Vleck. Cream tea is a tea served with light snacks, while afternoon tea is more substantial and is often a full meal. Guests are enjoying the fancy finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, pleasant jams, clotted cream, and decadent sweet desserts.
All served with choices of fragrant, aromatic, cozy, and smooth teas, perfectly perfected in every way. Gluten-free requests can be accommodated with advance notice.
MG enjoyed the delicious tea, finger foods, and conversation with Eileen Lundberg, Communications Manager at Van Vleck.
Tea time takes place inside Van Vleck House in a special setting that is not normally accessed by the public. The atmosphere was cozy and picturesque. All the tables were covered with pretty colored tablecloths and cloth napkins.
The place settings included a teacup and saucer, a small plate for the delighted bites, a tiny spoon for stirring, and a butter knife for spreading.
Registration and ticketing is required prior to tea time. Tea time lasts 90 minutes. Adults and children ages 13+ are welcome. A gluten-free option may be requested in advance.
The Secret Tea Room dates extend into the entire year with monthly tea time options. Each ticket proceeds support the preservation and upkeep of programs and happenings at the Van Vleck House and Gardens.
Richard Wright is the owner of The Secret Tea Room, also serving at Reeves-Reed Arboretum in Summit and Morven Museum and Garden in Princeton. Follow The Secret Tea Room on Instagram @secret.tearoom. Richard says, “We make open sandwiches with freshly baked bread from a fine Italian bakery called ‘Bake’ in Summit. Our baguettes and multi-grain sourdough is baked on the day of the tea room. We either make our desserts or work a baker called ‘Across the Pond. Our signature dessert is a flourless espresso torte with mocha cream. Our fine teas and infusions are sourced from around the world and teapots are unlimited. Lastly, there’s the sparkling drinks. At Van Vleck, we offer an orange spritzer or sparkling lemonade.”
Tea Time Etiquette
Pour the tea in the teacup first and the milk secondly. Stir your tea, sparingly, and don’t clink the side of the delicate teacup. After stirring, place the spoon on the saucer behind the teacup.
Don’t pick up the saucer from the table while sipping. Don’t dunk your biscuits or blow on the hot tea. Pinkies down.
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Traditional English tea offers a warm and informal setting to connect with friends, family, and neighbors. It’s steeped in traditions and enhanced by its health benefits.
Take advantage of this long-standing English tradition presented by The Secret Tea Room at the Van Vleck House for a charming and lovely experience.
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