In the Leaves
AFTERNOON TEA IS A BURGEONING TRADITION FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS .
By SUE G . COLLINS
Is afternoon tea the new happy hour ?
Judging by growth and demand , it just mght be . Already a popular event and social media favorite for its Instagrammability , the hashtag # afternoontea revealed a whopping 7.1 million posts in 2023 , compared to 6.2 million in 2022 . Additionally , an increase in the number of sober events offered has meant friends and family have gravitated toward afternoon tea to eat , chat and drink – all without alcohol .
And if ever a place could gracefully marry the elegance of afternoon tea with in-demand visuals , it would be Hotel Bennett in Charleston , South Carolina – specifically its Champagne lounge , Camellias , named the Most Instagrammable Bar in South Carolina by the Food Network .
Since opening in 2019 , the hotel has held highly popular teas in Camellias and recently partnered with TEALEAVES to create its own blend of black tea .
The reimagined site of the former city library transformed into a luxurious refuge , Hotel Bennett features many stunning spaces . But , for many , one room remains a standout . Camellias is an experience , full of pink-hues , crystal chandeliers and reclaimed pink marble bars , a leftover from the library of the past . The room itself was inspired by Fabergé jewelry , giving the experience of stepping into a glittering ornament .
With this amazing space in mind , event planning takes on a creative edge and Camellias ’ tea service on Friday , Saturday and Sunday is no exception . There are three choices available . The children ’ s version is simplified , with crustless sandwiches and other kid-friendly snacking options . Adults are treated to regular tea or crown tea , which includes a glass of sparkling rosé for those who wish to imbibe . Charleston ’ s Lowcountry grandeur is reflected in the cuisine : cranberry chicken salad croissants , truffled deviled eggs , and pimento cheese augmenting and representing local flavors .
Special tea events are on the schedule , like the hotel ’ s extremely popular Santa teas , planned for the holidays . “ Santa is there and reads a book to the kids , sending them home with little treats and goody bags . While they are at the tea , they fill out their Christmas lists with Santa ,” says Food and Beverage Director Alex Hernandez .
Additionally , Camellias holds a variety of very popular Princess Teas , which , among other things , features Elsa from “ Frozen ,” as well as Christmas in July where Santa wears a Hawaiian shirt , talks about visiting nearby Folly Beach and the hot chocolate is frosty .
Whether you prefer your tea hot or cold , there ’ s no doubt afternoon tea is currently on fire .
Sipping tea at Camellias at Hotel Bennett
A STORIED HISTORY
During the mid-19th century , the concept of afternoon tea first appeared in England when Anna Russell , the seventh Duchess of Bedford , would become hungry around 4 p . m . in the afternoon . Because dinner was not served until 8 p . m ., the Duchess asked that a tray of tea , bread , butter ( some time earlier , the Earl of Sandwich had the idea of putting a filling between two slices of bread ) and cake be brought to her room in the late afternoon . Soon , she began inviting friends to join her until it became a fashionable social event . During the 1880s , upper-class and society women would change into long gowns , gloves and hats for their afternoon tea , which was usually served in the drawing room between 4 and 5 p . m .
KATHERINE TUTTLE .
SALAMANDER 2024 I 31