There’s something magical about spending a day surrounded by blooming roses, sipping tea from delicate porcelain cups, and creating memories with the people you love most. When I decided to treat my mom to a special high tea at The Huntington Rose Garden, little did I know it would become one of the most cherished days we’ve spent together. As a dad juggling work, family, and everything in between, I don’t always get to pause and focus on just one person. But this day was all about Mom.
A Thoughtful Gesture for Mom
The idea struck me while flipping through a brochure for local attractions. The Huntington Library and Gardens are already a remarkable destination, but the thought of hosting a high tea for Mom in the serene beauty of the Rose Garden felt perfect. Mom has always loved flowers, especially roses, and there’s something so timeless and elegant about high tea. It seemed like the ideal way to show her how much we appreciate everything she does for our family.
I made reservations well in advance since the Rose Garden Tea Room is a popular spot—and for good reason. Planning the day felt like curating a gift, one that couldn’t be wrapped in a box. It was about giving her an experience, a memory to hold onto.
Arriving at The Huntington
We arrived on a sunny Saturday morning, the kind of day where the sky is a soft, endless blue, and the air smells faintly of blooming flowers. The Huntington itself is a sprawling estate, with stunning gardens, art galleries, and a library—an oasis of culture and nature. But our destination was the Rose Garden, where over 1,200 varieties of roses create a kaleidoscope of colors and scents.
Mom’s eyes lit up as soon as we stepped into the garden. You could see her taking it all in, her head turning from one blooming bush to another. It’s the kind of place that feels almost otherworldly, like you’ve stepped into a painting. I could tell she was already immersed in the beauty of it all, and we hadn’t even gotten to the tea yet.
The Tea Experience
The Rose Garden Tea Room is tucked away like a hidden gem, blending seamlessly with the surrounding gardens. Its warm, inviting interior feels like a step back in time, with its elegant furnishings, pristine table set-up, and soft classical music playing in the background. We were seated at a cozy table by the window, offering a lovely view of the garden.
The tea service itself was a feast for the senses. We started with a selection of teas, each one more aromatic than the last. Mom chose a floral blend that complemented the garden’s ambiance, while I opted for a robust Earl Grey. The tea arrived in beautiful porcelain teapots, complete with matching cups and saucers. There’s something about the ritual of pouring tea that slows you down, helping you savor the moment.
Then came the food. Tiered trays arrived laden with finger sandwiches, scones, and tiny pastries, each one a miniature work of art. The cucumber and dill sandwiches were refreshingly light, the scones were warm and buttery, and the desserts—oh, the desserts—were almost too pretty to eat. Almost. My favorite was a lemon tart with a perfectly crisp shell and a tangy, creamy filling. Mom couldn’t stop raving about the chocolate éclairs.
As we ate, we talked. Not about chores or schedules or anything practical, but about life—her childhood, her dreams, herfavorite memories. It’s amazing how much you can learn about someone, even someone you’ve known your whole life, when you take the time to listen.
Strolling Through the Rose Garden
After tea, we took a leisurely stroll through the Rose Garden. It felt indulgent to have no agenda, no place to be, just the simple pleasure of wandering among the roses. Each variety seemed to tell its own story, from the velvety reds to the delicate pinks and sunny yellows. Mom stopped frequently to smell the flowers, her face lighting up with a smile every time she found a particularly fragrant bloom.
We talked about which roses were our favorites and imagined what it would be like to have a garden like this at home. It was one of those rare moments where time seemed to slow down, the world fading away until it was just the two of us, surrounded by beauty and peace.
Reflecting on the Day
As we left The Huntington, Mom turned to me with a smile and said, “This was perfect.” Hearing that made it all worthwhile—the planning, the reservations, the effort to carve out time from a busy schedule. It reminded me that sometimes the greatest gift you can give someone is your attention and time.
Looking back, what made the day so special wasn’t just the tea or the roses, though they were undeniably lovely. It was the chance to connect, to step away from the noise of daily life and simply enjoy each other’s company. It was a reminder of how important it is to create moments like these, not just for Mom, but for everyone you care about.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meaningful way to celebrate someone you love, I can’t recommend high tea at The Huntington Rose Garden enough. It’s more than just an outing—it’s an experience, one that combines beauty, elegance, and heartfelt connection. Whether it’s for a birthday, an anniversary, or just because, it’s a gesture that will leave a lasting impression.
As for me, I’m already thinking about when we can go back. Maybe next time, I’ll bring the whole family or plan a similar outing for another loved one. But for now, I’ll hold on to the memory of that perfect day, a day when the world seemed to slow down, and everything felt just right.
