Luxurious, indulgent and smacking of the holidays, there’s nothing I like better than an hour or two spent sipping tea and noshing on cucumber sandwiches, a once-a-year ritual with my daughter. And our little Shoreline offers plenty of high quality options for whiling away an afternoon:The Florence Griswold Museum, The Bee and Thistle Inn and Savvy Tea offer afternoon teas through December and the Lyman Allyn Museum has a Children’s Tea planned for December 10th.

 Christmas Teas at the Florence Griswold Museum: Tuesday through Saturday, December 2 – 23, 3pm. $35 (members $30). Reservations required (and these often sell out!): call 860.434.5542 x111. Gourmet Galley prepares their signature savories and sweets, accompanied by “Miss Florence’s Tea”, a special blend from Sundial Gardens. Fee includes admission to the Museum and a 10% discount in the Museum Shop. Visit the website to find out more about The Magic of Christmas and holiday events at The Florence Griswold Museum.

High Tea at Savvy Tea: Candlelight Tea Thursdays, December 8th and 22nd at 6pm and Holiday Teas every Saturday through 12/17 at 2pm, $35. Call to reserve: 203.318.8666. Finger sandwiches, mini quiches, European pastries and a different artisanal tea served every 20 minutes.

Holiday Tea at The Bee and Thistle: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through January 14th, from 12 – 3pm. Sweet and savory fare accompanied by harpist, Faith Leitner.  Call to reserve: 860.434.1667

At The Lyman Allyn Museum, Children’s Tea Party: Explore the Magic of Japan. Saturday, December 10th, 11am – 12:30pm.  After enjoying tea, cookies and cakes, participants will read a story in the galleries and then design and paint their own Japanese fans. Designed for children ages 3-6. Reservations required: $12 for adult/child pair members; $15 non-members. Call 860.443.2545 x110 to reserve.