Tea Time: 11 Options for Mother’s Day Tea in Nashville

Some obvious choices are obvious for a reason — because they’re good ideas.

An example is taking Mom or Grandma to afternoon tea for Mother’s Day. The beauty of afternoon tea, with its multiple trays of savory and sweet little bites, and tea that takes time to steep in a charming teapot, makes it an inherently leisurely pursuit. Tea time is intended to encourage you to linger, to sit and talk, and for that reason alone, it’s a special occasion, different from grabbing a cold brew at the coffee shop. Dress for afternoon tea, perhaps in a seersucker suit or a floral dress, and you’ll make an outing of it.

In honor of Mother’s Day, we’ve rounded up 11 of the area’s best purveyors for afternoon tea, with options for moms of every persuasion. Afternoon tea knows no gender, so while we say “mom,” it is fair game for dads, sons, uncles — whoever you want. And while we’re highlighting these places now, many are available year-round, not just for Mother’s Day.

One more note: While Americans sometimes use the terms interchangeably, there’s a difference between afternoon tea and high tea. Afternoon tea, sometimes also called low tea, is filled with light finger sandwiches, scones, pastries and other sweets. High tea is usually served in the early evening, and features heavier fare, like meat and potatoes. We’re focused on afternoon tea, although some of the tea rooms do call it high tea.

For the mom who likes to people-watch

Blue Aster serves tea in the buzzy lobby of the Conrad Nashville hotel on Fridays through Sundays. Dress is Bridgerton-style costumes or just your favorite florals. You’ll receive a complimentary glass of Prosecco before feasting on a tiered tray of scones with clotted cream and preserves, desserts and, of course, a large selection of teas from which to choose, all served on the finest of china. Cost is $85 per person, and you can upgrade to Champagne if you feel celebratory. 

For the mom who appreciates watching the budget

The Café at Thistle Farms in West Nashville offers an afternoon tea option six days a week, and it’s one of the bargain tea times around town at just $30 per person. Tea includes the standard sweets and finger sandwiches, plus a wide selection of teas. You can add on quiche, soup and other light eats for a nominal cost. Reservations are required and should be made online. The tea time event is intended for 10 or fewer people. For larger groups, ask about private events.

For the family who wants to take a drive in the country

Head to Kingston Springs Fridays through Sundays for afternoon tea in a cozy garden. The Yorkshire Deli describes itself as farm-to-table meets British tearoom. Tea prices range from $30 to $55 per person, depending on which option you choose. It is served at 3 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Book ahead by emailing theyorkshirefarmdeli@gmail.com.

For the mom who likes things cozy

Troll House Cottage in Donelson offers all the Alice in Wonderland/troll/fantasy-style vibes. You’ll tuck into this wallpapered little 1927 cottage and feel like you’re in a fairy tale, without all the evil stepsisters and stepmothers. Troll House serves that Nashville favorite — High Garden brand teas — along with the sweet and savory baked goods. Cost is $50 per person, and a 50 percent deposit is required at the time of booking. You can apply the deposit to a change in date if needed. 

For the mom who likes to see and be seen

Cheekwood’s Café 29 offers a popular afternoon tea. There are the regular Tuesdays and Thursdays during the summer, plus a special Mother’s Day event. You must reserve tables for two or four people in advance, and cost is $50 per person for members, $50 per person plus admission for nonmembers. The menu includes seasonal teas, savory bite-size sandwiches and freshly baked sweets.

For the mom who likes to put on her Sunday best

Franklin’s Southall is an oasis of bucolic scenery, which you’ll be able to take in if you nab a table for this Mother’s Day-weekend-only tea at Southall restaurant January. The menu includes a twist on traditional afternoon tea offerings, such as heirloom-tomato-and-white-cheddar quiche, olive-and-mascarpone cream puff with chive gougère, tuna Niçoise lettuce cups, everything-bagel scones and sweet potato madeleines. This one is available on May 10 and 11 only, and the cost is $115 for adults and $45 for children. Reservations should be made online.

For the mom who loves a classic

The Hermitage Hotel offers afternoon tea in its iconic grand lobby and veranda Friday through Sunday at 2 p.m. for an experience that’s more Southern than British. It includes a glass of bubbly and that rarest of offerings — complimentary valet parking. (If you are a planner, mark your calendar now for July, which is when seats for the hotel’s holiday Nutcracker Tea open. It’s a seasonal afternoon tea must.)

For the mom who likes efficiency

Southern Tea Room in The Factory at Franklin offers a 75-minute tea, with all the fancy china, handkerchiefs and attention to detail of other tea rooms, but at a less leisurely pace. A tea light warmer keeps your teapot and the tea inside warm throughout your outing.

For the mom who is all about the beverages

Triple Crown in Franklin offers tea, coffee or hot chocolate service. It’s served in a pretty teacup and a pretty teapot with a butter spritz cookie, but without the multi-tiered trays of baked goods. This is an option for someone who just wants to linger over a cup of tea (or coffee or hot chocolate), chat and relax, without all the pomp and circumstance. Cost is $18 for two people, and reservations are not required.

For the mom who appreciates a view

Holston House hotel is bringing back its Heirloom Rooftop tea Sundays this summer. Cost is $75 per person and includes new takes on classics, such as sweet onion and gruyere scones.

For the mom who wants a getaway

JW Marriott Nashville offers its tea event in The Duke, a hidden lounge on the hotel’s lobby level. Spill the Tea is new this year, and the menu includes Waldorf chicken salad, Earl Grey truffles and cold brew coffee crème brûlée. It takes place at 1 p.m. on Saturdays in May, and cost starts at $75 per table. Make reservations online.