by Jennifer Thomas
The Dallas Arboretum’s tradition of serving elegant Holiday Tea in the lavishly decorated DeGolyer Estate continues this year. The formal three-course service is offered at Restaurant DeGolyer, which is prepared and presented by Gil’s Elegant Catering. Holiday Tea is served from November 29 through December 31, seven days a week at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. for ages 12 and older, excluding Christmas Day.
In addition to tea, Holiday at the Arboretum includes Angels in DeGolyer, a beautiful display of more than 400 angels from the Pi Beta Phi Alumnae in the DeGolyer Mansion daily, as well as family fun weekends with Santa and a live reindeer. Prices for the Holiday Tea range from $47-$57 and include parking, admission to the Garden and access to the Angels in the DeGolyer display. Restaurant DeGolyer Manager Louis Mendes describes the Arboretum as “…one of the most beautiful places in Dallas, probably in most of the world.”
The holiday tea menu features delectable delights inspired by the recipes of James Sparks, the executive chef at Gil’s. Holiday Tea service begins with a demitasse of tomato basil broth followed by a second course of tea sandwiches such as smoked salmon pinwheels, tarragon flavored egg salad, creamed cucumber, chicken salad and herbed cream cheese on Belgian endive. The third course of sweet treats includes pecan tarts, almond short bread, orange currant scones, chocolate espresso bars and Christmas sugar cookies. The three seasonal tea options are apple spice, peach cinnamon hibiscus and Darjeeling.
DeGolyer server R. W. Nelson, affectionately known as Nelson, has been at the Arboretum for 10 years. He says, “I’ve got certain couples, families, friends who have been coming for 10 years, especially during the holidays, and it’s nice to see them enjoy this tradition.” General Manager Mendes adds, “The reason they come back is that Nelson makes them feel special. It’s the personal touch and care. Plus, they tell us that our tea ranks up there with tea service from known places around the globe-one of the highest compliments we’ve received.”
To make your reservations over the phone or email, please contact Debbie Parker at 214.515.6511 or dparker@dallasarboretum.org. Make a tradition.
I want to bring my Pastor and his wife for High Tea Christmas. However I spoke with a friend and was told when she came last year there were 3 of them and there simply not enough food items. What they were served did taste OK but there was an insufficient amount. They had to stop at a restaurant out side the park because they left the Arboretum hungry. Could you explain this to me. One person in our party is a man and I don’t want to have the same experience as my friend had. Plus this couple is from Canada ( very English) and I do not them to be didappointed_! Help please! Ann VanSyckle