Afternoon Tea Returns To The Morton Arboretum

Tree Museum Provides Special Ambiance For Social Event

LISLE, IL (January 29, 2008) – Getting together with friends for coffee is as American as apple pie. And now, getting together for afternoon tea – a tradition born in Britain but also practiced in the U.S. – is quickly gaining new popularity.

In response to this trend – and to requests from The Morton Arboretum members – the Arboretum is bringing back the highly-popular Afternoon Teas on February 13 at 1 p.m., and on February 20 and 27, with seatings at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. The events are open to the general public.

Afternoon tea will be a relaxing, elegant experience amid the incredible, wood-paneled beauty of the historic Founder’s Room. A roaring fire in the large fireplace and soothing music will actually stimulate the conversation among friends as they sip specialty teas.

“An increasing number of people are seeking this particular type of fine experience,” says Steve Fyfe, who manages the Arboretum’s Ginkgo Restaurant.

Attentive wait staff will serve scrumptious offerings on fine china.

Diners at tables adorned with beautiful linens will start with petite sandwiches, such as roast beef and horseradish, cucumber and cream cheese spread, egg salad, and salmon and cream cheese on wheat bread, along with petite prosciutto and asparagus wraps.

To further the dining pleasure are petite scones with Devonshire cream, strawberry preserves, whipped cream, or butter.

Among the sweets are petite fruit tartlets, petite cream puffs, petite chocolate tarts, and chocolate-covered strawberries.

The dining experience can continue at home, as any leftovers can be placed in lovely bakery boxes, and tied with festive raffia.  

The Arboretum carefully selected the loose-leaf teas to be served. They are Earl Grey, a blend of Ceylon and Indian teas known for a light, refreshing taste and a hint of citrus flavor. Darjeeling tea from India features a floral aroma and can leave a sweet, cooling aftertaste in the mouth. English Breakfast tea is described as full-bodied and robust. Chamomile Blossoms is a mild, sweet variety, and Ginger Peach is, as the name implies, made of peach and ginger root.

Tickets are $28 per person, $35 with optional champagne, and member discounts are available. Adults only, please. Reservations are required at 630/719-5008.

The Morton Arboretum is an internationally recognized 1,700-acre outdoor museum with collections of 4,057 kinds of trees, shrubs, and other plants from around the world. The Arboretum's beautiful natural landscapes, gardens, research and education programs, and year-round family activities support its mission – the planting and conservation of trees and other plants for a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world. Conveniently located at I-88 and Rte. 53 in Lisle, Illinois, the Arboretum is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time or sunset, whichever is earlier. The Children's Garden is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., March through October, and 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., November through February. Visit www.mortonarb.org or call 630-968-0074 to learn more.

Media Contact:    Gina Tedesco, 630-725-2103, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it