The Dallas Arboretum’s tradition of serving elegant Harvest Tea for fall in the beautiful DeGolyer Estate continues this year. The formal three-course service is offered at Restaurant DeGolyer, and it is prepared and presented by Gil's Elegant Catering. Harvest Tea is served from September 21 through November 25, Monday through Friday at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. for guests ages 13 and older. Tea is not served on Thanksgiving Day as the gardens will be closed in observance of the holiday.

Prices for Harvest Tea range from $47-$57 and include parking as well as admission to the garden where guests can visit the nationally acclaimed Pumpkin Village and surrounding displays, created with more than 75,000 pumpkins, gourds and squash. Reservations are required and can be made online at www.dallasarboretum.org or by calling 214.515.6511. Private tea service and teas for over eight people are available upon request. For questions please email teas@dallasarboretum.org.

 Restaurant DeGolyer Manager Louis Mendes describes the Arboretum as “…one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in all of Dallas, probably in most of the world.”

The Harvest Tea menu features delectable delights inspired by the recipes of James Sparks, the executive chef at Gil's. Harvest Tea service begins with a harvest chicken consommé garnished with a cheese wafer and is followed by a second course of tea sandwiches such as turkey with orange butter, curried egg salad, creamed cucumber, chicken salad and herbed cream cheese on Belgian endive. The third course of sweet treats includes lemon tortes, amaretto brownies, mini pecan tarts and apple spice cake. The three seasonal tea options are earl grey, mango mint hibiscus and pumpkin spice. 

DeGolyer server Robert Nelson, affectionately known as Nelson, has been at the Arboretum for 12 years. He says, “I have certain couples, families, friends who have been coming for many years and it’s nice to see them enjoy this tradition.”

General Manager Mendes adds, “People who come to tea each year look forward to being served by Nelson because he makes everyone feel special. Plus, we have heard guests say our seated teas rival many high-end places around the globe. The highest compliment I have heard is that our teas are on the same level as the iconic Afternoon Tea at The Savoy Hotel in London.”