You’ll wonder if you’re the one who’s tripped and fallen down the rabbit hole when you enter Mary Ann’s Tearoom on any Tuesday afternoon this summer, for at 3 p.m. sharp the gorgeous light-filled tearoom inside Enchanting Embellishments is transformed into a fantastical Mad Hatter’s Tea Party.
Thirty guests wearing an assortment of their “maddest” hats and, in a few cases, Alice-in-Wonderland makeup, were already seated when I stopped in to photograph the tea party on a recent Tuesday afternoon. There is a prize for the most imaginative hat—so between the over-the-top table setting, which takes 2 hours to assemble, and the attire of the guests, it was hard to distinguish one from the other.
No one was more enthusiastic than Enchanting Embellishment’s staffer Michael Shreves, above and below, who plays the Mad Hatter, a role he clearly relishes. He entertained the guests with Alice-in-Wonderland games and trivia throughout the afternoon.
Since the Tuesday Tea with the Mad Hatter events began in June, they have become so popular that it’s necessary to make reservations at least two weeks in advance. Enchanting Embellishments’ manager Ken Fowler said that the teas, which were scheduled for summer only, may continue into the fall.
Photo left: The young guest shown above, accompanied by her Cheshire Cat, looks as if she plucked her chapeau right off the table.
Photo right: The type of tea served on Tuesdays is known as a “cream tea,” which is described as a sweet tea. Service includes an assortment of teas and homemade scones, macarons, and other pastries, $19.95. There is a 3-tiered pastry tray laden with sweets.
Guests are also invited to decorate cupcakes, above.
I knew I was late the afternoon I visited. The Mad Hatter tipped his hat to confirm it.
Don’t you be late for Tea Party Tuesday at Mary Ann’s Tearoom at Enchanting Embellishments, 4732 McPherson Avenue, (314) 361-5300. More information can be found on the flyer above.