Afternoon Tea at Biltmore Is a Treasured Tradition
More From Biltmore 05/09/23
Written By Jean Sexton
Afternoon tea at Biltmore is a treasured tradition inspired by the Vanderbilt family.

Afternoon tea at Biltmore
Although “taking tea” often seems like a formal affair, archival records show that afternoon tea at America’s Largest Home® wasn’t always regimented. “We have photos that show the Vanderbilts and their guests having tea while lounging outside with their dogs,” said Lauren Henry, Curator of Interpretation.
Another photo shows George Vanderbilt pouring tea for Edith at Buck Springs Lodge in a very rustic setting. “What this photo tells me is that tea was very much a part of their culture, an integral part of daily activities. They probably served it on camping trips!” Lauren said.
The perfect place for afternoon tea

Children were often invited to tea at the Vanderbilts. “There is a letter from Edith Vanderbilt’s sister Pauline describing her day at Biltmore and talking about the children coming down for tea,” said Lauren. “It was unusual in those days for kids to be included, but Pauline noted it was a good time to reconnect.”
The Vanderbilts frequently served tea in the Tapestry Gallery. “I like to imagine that in the winter they pulled up chairs to the fireplace,” Lauren said. “And in warmer weather they sometimes enjoyed afternoon tea on the Loggia to take advantage of the cool breezes and breathtaking views all the way to Mt. Pisgah.”
Serving in style
Although the Vanderbilts enjoyed their informal teas, they certainly knew how to host a tea party with the finest china, tea services, crystal, and white tablecloths. They had several gorgeous tea sets, several of which are on display in Biltmore House.
Reserve afternoon tea at Biltmore today!

For more inspiration on the tradition of taking tea, reserve Afternoon Tea at the The Inn on Biltmore Estate®. It’s the perfect opportunity to relax with friends and feel just as if you were a special guest of the Vanderbilts.
Your afternoon tea is served in The Dining Room of The Inn and features delights such as fresh-baked scones with clotted cream, honey, and preserves, artfully prepared sweet and savory canapés, and finely cut tea sandwiches. You can even indulge in a carefully crafted tea-infused cocktail or other spirited offerings.
I love reading about all the not so little details about the Vanderbilts and their wonderful home. As pass holders we visit often and bring our you g grandsons. We tell them about some of the things we have learned. As little boys, I am always surprised by how much of this them remember and tell other family members. They think of their visits to Biltmore as a day at a “real castle”. And truly it is. The big difference is that it is not about royalty, just hard working people who were successful in their lives, who shared their… Read more »
Dear Jane,
Thank YOU for sharing Biltmore with your grandsons! It has always been a family home and guests like you continue to make it so today.