"The Art of Tea" offers an immersive introduction to the world of the renowned Afternoon Tea at The Peninsula Chicago. Create your new family tradition as we invite young Afternoon Tea connoisseurs to embark on a captivating journey of education and artistry through a series of hands-on experiences during Afternoon Tea service.

Over a nine-week period, we will offer families with children (recommended ages 5 to 12) a series of three entertaining and educational opportunities to explore The Art of Tea. From cookie decorating and painting to tea party planning, each session is designed to transform teatime into a masterpiece of self-expression.

While the children expand their artistic horizons for an hour, adults will be sitting nearby enjoying a refreshing beverage. Following the educational time, children rejoin their families to enjoy a full Afternoon Tea experience.

Dates: Saturdays, from June 22 to August 17

Times: 2:30 pm and 4:30 pm

Location: The Lobby

Ages: Families with children 5 to 12 years old (recommended)

Price: $140 per adult, $120 per child. Bundled pricing is available when purchasing all three sessions. Prices exclude tax and gratuity.

On Fridays and Sundays from June 21 to August 18, regular Afternoon Tea service will be available without “The Art of Tea” educational classes for children. Guests may also reserve Afternoon Tea on Saturdays without needing to sign up for the children's classes.

Session 1: Little Bakers Welcome

Don your chef’s toque little bakers for the first ‘Art of Tea’ program. Children can refine their artistic painting skills using edible ink to decorate shortbread cookies with an afternoon tea-themed visual. Executive Pastry Chef, Jamie Caudy, is the instructor whose technique and skill set is unmatched. Jamie imparts her wisdom of working in a hotel pastry kitchen and shares stories about her favorite Afternoon Tea treats while assisting her emerging culinary artists. Following the session, participants can share their completed cookie creations with the rest of the family during their Afternoon Tea experience or they may choose to savor the treats at home. 

Dates: June 22, June 29, July 6

Session 2: It's Time to Plan a Tea Party

It's time to plan the perfect tea party in this second ‘Art of Tea’ program. Future event planners are guided by the masterful party planner, Jennifer Clarke, Peninsula’s long time Director of Catering and Conference Services. Ms. Clarke has helped to plan more than a thousand weddings and events in her 20+ year tenure. Attendees learn about a party planning check list, make place cards, and create a floral and tea-inspired centerpiece which becomes the take home party favor. Ms. Clarke shares insights into tea options as well as tea etiquette with her promising planners. Following the learning experience, participants may take their party favor to enjoy the next element of the Afternoon Tea experience with their family. 

Dates: July 13, July 20, July 27

Session 3: Calling All Budding Artists

The final ‘Art of Tea’ program in the series delves into expanding one’s painting skills. A whimsical tea setting is presented on canvas featuring Peninsula’s mascot, Peter Bear, dressed in his Page uniform, and peering out of a teacup. Participants are guided on how to bring their Afternoon Tea masterpiece to life. Children’s work of art deserves a special place to display the finished piece at home while serving as a reminder of the memories shared with family members.

Dates: August 3, August 10, August 17