High tea is one of the most civilized traditions to cross the big pond.

A long-standing custom among the English-born, taking tea has been embraced by Americans who opt for a cup and some biscuits in four-star hotels and quaint bed and breakfasts.

The Culpepper House in Senoia offers a delicious interpretation of high tea with four courses of perfectly prepared and presented delicacies through February.

Guests are greeted at the front door of the gracious Victorian house by Maggie Armstrong. She and Barbara Storm are business partners in Culpepper House, a bed and breakfast that has three antique-filled bedrooms a front parlor and small dining room.

With a welcoming smile, Armstrong briefs guests on the history of the house, which was originally built in 1871 by Dr. John Addy, a returning Confederate soldier. The structure, as it now stands, was built by Dr. Wilbur Culpepper, who used what is now the parlor as his examining room. Stained glass windows, pocket sliding doors and heart pine floors accentuate the residence.

Once seated at the tea table, Armstrong introduces her guests to a pot of Good Earth tea from California, a smooth herbal blend. The steaming tea, to be sipped from delicate china cups, is soon joined at the table by a serving of Storm's warm, fluffy scones. Accompanied by strawberry jam and freshly whipped cream, the flaky biscuit-like triangles disappear rapidly.

The scones are followed by a nutty-tasting wild rice soup.

Next comes the sandwich and fruit tray. Banana nut bread garnished with a tiny sliver of banana, finger sandwiches of herb cream cheese, pimiento pinwheels and deviled eggs topped with a dollop of caviar are carefully placed on the plate with slices of orange and cantaloupe.

Guests are invited to tour the upstairs between the sandwich and dessert course.

Barb and Maggie pull out all the stops when it comes to the desserts. Scrumptious bites of heart-shaped fudge, petite slices of lemon cake, apple pockets and powdered lady fingers defy anyone's diet.

The entire ritual takes about an hour and a half. Tea takers enjoying a recent Saturday visit hailed from the big city and Peachtree City.

The menus, assembled by Storm and Armstrong and executed by Storm in the house kitchen, are a compilation of the best of the best.

Their travels across the United States and abroad have yielded unique combinations of foods which are punctuated with their own originality.

The two women met while living in Minnesota. “Maggie was the choir director at our church,” recalled Storm, who is actually a native of Coweta County. When Storm's husband's job was completed in Minnesota, the couple moved back to Georgia and were eventually joined by Armstrong, who teaches music at the International School in Atlanta. Together they formed a business partnership which has flourished for about six years.

In addition to serving tea in their less hectic months, such as February and August, lunch is available Wednesdays through Fridays 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. They also cater special events such as showers, small dinners and parties.

The Culpepper House is at 35 Broad St., Senoia. Reservations for tea are required and can be arranged by phoning 770-599-8182. Hats and gloves for ladies are encouraged.

Back to Dining Guide Home Page | Back to the top of the page