Holiday afternoon tea at The Peninsula is a lovely reason to dress for a slower afternoon. The photos show floral china, small sandwiches, scones and festive pastries, with poinsettias beside the table. The clothes can follow the same mood: polished, comfortable and a little celebratory, without looking as though you are on the way to a black-tie dinner.
A Holiday Table with China, Scones and Small Sandwiches
The details set the mood. A floral cup and saucer, a tiered stand and the little plates make afternoon tea feel different from a quick lunch. The holiday photos show the pastries and sandwiches from that visit, not a promise of the menu for the next season. Check the hotel’s current dining information when planning your own afternoon.
What to Wear for Holiday Afternoon Tea
A midi dress with a fitted knit is an easy choice. The dress does most of the work, while the knit makes it comfortable to sit and linger. Choose a comfortable shoe you already enjoy wearing and a small bag that fits your essentials. A velvet dress feels softer than all black; a simple dark dress leaves room for a pretty earring or silk scarf.
If dresses are not your first choice, tailored trousers with a fine knit are just as useful. Keep the trouser length right for your shoes, and choose one piece with a little texture rather than piling on holiday details. A small bag and a polished shoe can make the outfit feel finished without another purchase.
Make an Afternoon of It
Leave time to sit, talk and enjoy the table. This is the kind of plan that works best without another booking pressed against it. Keep the outer layer practical for the journey and the outfit comfortable enough for the whole afternoon. The same dress can go to dinner later with a smaller bag or a different shoe.
Use The Peninsula Beverly Hills’ current dining page for the latest afternoon-tea information. Holiday offerings can change, so an old menu or a photograph is not a guide to this year’s dates, dishes or dietary arrangements.
The Holiday Tea Outfit Edit
Emporio Armani Black Animalier Velvet Pointed-Toe Pumps
These black velvet pumps have a pointed toe and tonal animalier texture. The sculptural heel gives an otherwise quiet shoe some shape. Wear them with the blue satin skirt or tailored trousers; change out of outdoor boots when it is practical. Emporio Armani Black Animalier Velvet Pointed-Toe Pumps.
Ulla Johnson Celia Lapis Pleated Satin Midi Skirt
The Celia skirt has a blue seashell print, pleats and a high-shine satin finish. A fitted cream turtleneck keeps the outfit simple around the fuller skirt. It is a dinner option when you would rather pack separates than a dress. Ulla Johnson Celia Lapis Pleated Satin Midi Skirt.
Majestic Filatures Milk-White Ribbed Cashmere Turtleneck
The milk-white cashmere turtleneck is a fitted layer for the journey, then a clean contrast with the blue skirt. Ribbing adds texture without making the look busy. It is the knit I would reach for on a cold sightseeing day. Majestic Filatures Milk-White Ribbed Cashmere Turtleneck.
Loeffler Randall Gold Serena Diamante Clutch with Soft Pleats
The Serena clutch brings a little holiday sparkle through gold crystal mesh and gathered pleats. Its removable chain strap gives you another way to carry it. I would pair it with the blue skirt and a fitted knit, then keep the jewelry simple. Loeffler Randall Gold Serena Diamante Clutch with Soft Pleats.
Keep the festive wardrobe working across the season with the London winter packing edit.
