Why not throw your own fashionable tea party? Here, Annie Leibovitz interprets Alice in Wonderland's mad hatter tea party for Vogue, featuring Natalia Vodianova, Christian Lacroix, and Jean-Paul Gaultier
By Lauren Dickinson
Break up an afternoon of fall shopping or gallery perusing with the time honored tradition of afternoon tea.
1) Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay: Classic tea service with a gourmet bent, though the real reason to go out of your way is the stunning ocean views. Gaze at the crashing waves while curled up next to a roaring fire.
2) The Peninsula Beverly Hills: If you can’t make it to Hong Kong, where the Peninsula’s tea service has been a must do forever, the Beverly Hills spot will provide your fix of civilized glamour, served in the Living Room.
3) Neiman Marcus Rotunda: Skip the lunch crowds. You’ll have better luck getting a prime table and can relax after a hard day of shopping Union Square with Neiman’s excellent scones. You have a choice of with champagne or without- you know which one to choose!
4) Crown and Crumpet: A brand new spot in the new incarnation of Ghirardelli Square (now as much about gourmet food and wine as the renowned chocolate), the look is more airy and chic than traditional, but the afternoon tea- the eponymous crumpets, smoked salmon sandwiches, and over 32 types of teas should please a true fan.
5) Royal/T: This one takes inspiration not from England but Tokyo’s famous “maid” cafes, where waitress in maid uniforms will bring you a California roll along with your finger sandwiches and French pastries.