Pittsburgh, Pa.—On November 29 and 30, 2012, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens will host its annual Holiday Tea at Phipps Garden Center in historic Mellon Park with two sittings each day at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Opportunities to browse wares from The Shop at Phipps and other local merchants, plus a variety of fresh greens for the home, will also be made available at a special Gifts and Greens Market on November 29 and 30 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and December 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
As part of the formal English-style Holiday Tea to be served within a quaint and festively decorated Victorian library setting, chefs from the award-winning and Green Restaurant Certified Café Phipps will provide a delicious selection of unique teas and other treats for the enjoyment of guests, including freshly baked scones with house-made organic preserves and spreads, assorted finger sandwiches, trifles and tarts. Mimosas and a special holiday cocktail can also be ordered for an extra fee.
A few steps from the library, the bustling Gifts and Greens Market will add even more cheer to the atmosphere, presenting the chance for tea participants, as well as members of the public, to shop for high quality and aromatic evergreens, and order beautiful custom-made wreaths while they wait. The Shop at Phipps will also be on hand to sell the perfect presents for garden and nature lovers, along with Una Biologicals (organic beauty and wellness products), Global Girl Gifts (jewelry and fashion accessories), Cynthia Grant (hand-painted china), and Tastefully Simple (gourmet foods).
Pre-registration for Holiday Tea only is required and costs $24 for Phipps members, and $27 for non-members (price includes tax and service). Those interested in making a reservation or learning more should call 412/651-5281. The Gifts and Greens Market is free and open to the public.
Other holiday events hosted by Phipps include:
Winter Flower Show (November 23-January 6);
Winter Light Garden (November 25-January 6);
Santa Visits (Saturdays and Sundays, November 24-December 23, and November 23 and November 26);
Candlelight Evenings (November 25-January 6);
Brunch in Bloom (Sundays, November 25-January 6);
Poinsettias and Pointe Shoes (November 30);
Saturdays with the Sugar Plum Fairy (December 15 and 22);
Family Fun Days (December 26-30); and the
New Year’s Eve Family Celebration (December 31).
More can be found at phipps.conservatory.org.
About Phipps: Built in 1893, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh, Pa. is a green leader among public gardens with a mission to inspire and educate all with the beauty and importance of plants; to advance sustainability and promote human and environmental well-being through action and research; and to celebrate its historic glasshouse. Learn more: phipps.conservatory.org.
