Afternoon Tea is the New Happy Hour — Dragonfly Delights Tea Room

Afternoon Tea is the New Happy Hour!

Afternoon Tea on a three tiered tray, dainty sandwiches, delicious scones and delightful sweets.

That is what food trends said in 2022. During covid when we were all stuck at home apparently many of us were on Pinterest and Google asking about afternoon tea, tea parties and tea with a friend.

Afternoon Tea is appealing to so very many not only because of its visual appeal or “instagramability” but also for the Delightful experience that it offers. More of us are choosing experiences of stuff.

Afternoon Tea is thought to have originated in the 1840s in England by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford. In the late afternoon, around 4PM, the Duchess would get hungry but she didn’t want a full meal since dinner was just four hours away at 8PM.

She started with a small snack with tea but eventually it developed into what we know it today with small bites of tea sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and sweets.

The concept of afternoon tea grew once she started inviting friends over and it became a social gathering for women in the wealthy social class.

Today, afternoon tea has evolved into a set meal consisting of three courses; savories, scones, and sweets to be enjoyed by all anytime.

A recent poll gave the results that more people would prefer afternoon tea with friends over a night out for drinks with friends. Tea is healthy, more people are choosing healthier options thus afternoon tea is becoming the new happy hour.

Whether you enjoy afternoon tea at a little shop or at a high end hotel restaurant the culinary offering will vary but the experience either way is most enjoyable.

Themed afternoon teas are very popular, from Bridgerton to Winnie The pooh, Peter Pan or Hobbits. Books, movies, personalities and tv shows offere inspiration to the kitchen, not just seasons or holidays.

All of those period tv shows and movies have also influenced the popularity of afternoon tea, or just taking tea. Bridgerton, The Crown, Belgravia, Downton Abby, Sense and Sensibility, Emma, Pride and Prejudice. What have I forgotten?

The interest in all things tea continues to grow. Whether you are choosing tea because it is healthier. Perhaps you are choosing a tea party because of its beautiful tablescape. Afternoon Tea continues to gain popularity.

Dragonfly Delights Tea Room has seen growth since is humble beginning in 2019. Even through the pandemic when only take-out, curb side pick up was allowed. More and more guests were making their reservations for Afternoon Tea.

When the tea room opens in April of 2025 at 106 Buffalo Drive, Wasagaming, I am looking forward to a full dining room from 3pm until 7pm for Tea Time guests.

The table linens, china, crystal, teapots, tea trays, vases of flowers and gentle back ground music. Quiet conversations, connecting guests as they communicate building community. This image brings me so very much DELIGHT and joy.

Reservations are strongly encouraged for “Happy Hour”. You can make your reservations online through the website (www.DragonflyDelightsTeaRoom.com) or call the office (204-729-8914)

The best thing you can do today is to purchase a tea for two membership. A simple afternoon tea of 3 sandwiches, 2 scones and 3 sweets along with fresh fruit, vegetables condiments and a bottomless pot of specialty loos leaf tea is a mere $45. When you purchase the membership you will receive a discount allowing you to bring a friend with you once a month from April till October.

In addition to some member only perks. The membership has a Facebook group that connects you with the business. Giving you inside stories, news and a chance to participate in the creation of menus and special events.

As a tea for two member you receive a discount on select items from the gift shop.

You will also receive, if you choose, emails of upcoming events and special announcements.

Isn’t it wonderful to receive something snail mail other than junk mail, fliers and bills? As a Tea For Two member I will send you a hand made birthday card.

$450.00 Membership cost before October 31, 2024

$472.50 membership cost before December 31, 2024

$500 membership cost January 1, 2025

When you contact the Tea Room office to purchase your Tea For Two membership you will be asked some typical questions, name, address, birthday. You will be sent, or you can pick up, a little Tea For two booklet. It has one page for each month of the membership, April through to October. On the front of each postcard type page is a whimsical illustration from Mireille. Each illustration represents the month. On the back of each page is a space to print the time and date of your afternoon tea reservation. You can keep that on the fridge for yourself or give it to a friend inviting them to come for tea with you.

You are responsible each month to contact the office to make your reservations. If you require a special dietary restrictions, please give one weeks notice for your reservation. Also remind the hostess and server, of this dietary restriction, the day of the Afternoon Tea.

Enjoy your Happy Hour at Dragonfly Delights Tea Room, once a month from April until October. Bring the same friend each month or change things up and bring someone different each month.

The Tea For Two membership makes a great gift for that person who has everything, needs and wants for nothing. Afternoon Tea is a most DELIGHTful experience enjoyed by all ages.

Happy Hour with Dragonfly Delights Tea Room

Tea Time 3pm – 7pm

The proposed days of operation are below, this can and will change as the demand dictates.

April Friday – Monday

May Friday -Tuesday

June Thursday – Tuesday

July and August Daily

September and October Thursday – Tuesday

Opening day is set for Friday April 4th, 2025 3pm for the very first afternoon tea of the season. The very first afternoon tea at the 106 Buffalo Drive location!