As the weather gets warmer and spring is in the air, there is nothing better then putting on a cute outfit and having a very civilized afternoon tea. It's a very special treat for any of the little girls in your life. So crack open a copy of Miss Spider's Tea Party by David Kirk and then visit one of these delightful places. This is for all the girlie-girls out there -- so get out your frilly hats and stick out that pinky finger:
Lady Anne's Vintage Tea Room - Levittown - I haven't been here myself, but have heard it's very cute and affordable. Plus it's one of the few tea houses right here in Nassau County.
Polo Restaurant at the Garden City Hotel - On the pricier end of afternoons teas at $50, save this one for a very posh occasion.
American Girl Place - New York City - For $20, afternoon tea is probably one of the cheapest things you can do at the American Girl store/palace. And it comes with a real live harpist -- I thought I'd have to wait until heaven for that! The food, including Kit's garden party sandwiches and Samantha's fruit tartlets, is quite good.
Bemelmans Bar at the Carlyle Hotel - New York City - You could say I saved the best for last. I recently went to the Carlyle for afternoon tea and it was wonderful. The service was incredibly gracious, the food was delicious and abundant and the live entertainment, Tina de Varon (who you might have seen in concert at the library), was enaging. The bill averages to about $40 a person and it is well worth it. Everything down to the napkins is emblazoned with that famous Ludwig Bemelmans character -- Madeline. And you can search out her image in the murals lining the bar's walls. If this is any indication of the Bemelmans Bar's elegance -- I spotted Vera Wang eating there. Here's a secret -- if your child's name is Madeline she eats for free!