I speak on afternoon tea in many different arenas and for very diverse audiences. These include:
- Hotels, restaurants and tea rooms
- Private homes for birthday parties and other celebrations
- Golf, country and private members’ clubs
- Tourist groups visiting the UK
- Corporate incentive events
- For charities and for their fundraising events
- Catering and hospitality colleges
- Historic houses
- Cruise ships
I travel all over the UK for talks and have also visited many parts of the USA and Canada. If an in-person talk is not possible, I am happy to speak via Zoom.
Please contact me for prices, which are according to size of organization or event. Nothing scary!
“There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.”
Henry James
American writer, from The Portrait of a Lady, 1881
This fascinating and mouth-watering illustrated talk covers how tea drinking was first introduced into Europe, then England and its overseas colonies, how it was popularised and how afternoon tea became a social institution.
Using vibrant on-screen displays, it will include the introduction of delicious tea menu items; the customs and etiquette surrounding afternoon tea; examples of the finest silver and porcelain tea ware; the surprisingly risqué connotation of afternoon tea gowns; the rise of public tea rooms and tea dances; the ancient symbolism of birthday celebrations and the current nostalgic popularity of vintage afternoon teas.
Just a few of the many endorsements
I have received.
I hope to add your name to the list soon!
‘What a treat for our guests to listen and learn. There were many compliments afterwards on your presentation. Many of the gals do hope that you will come to visit us as they so want to meet you.’
Marnie D’Amato, The Garden Tea Room, Conyngham, PA (talk delivered via Zoom)
‘Thank you for such an engaging and beautifully presented talk, which was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone present – especially the birthday girl!’
Pam Blustin, Host, private birthday party
‘It was wonderful to have you with us, Gillian. We all learned so much from you about the beautiful tradition of English tea. It was lovely to meet you and I look forward to another get together in the future!’
Lauren Ackerman, owner, Ackerman Heritage House and Wine Estate, Napa, California
‘Gillian gave an online lecture on the history of Afternoon Tea to Historic Houses members. We could not have been happier by the feedback we’ve had. Her storytelling, presentation slides, and attention to detail made for a fun and fascinating talk, and we’ll certainly be looking to arrange many more events with Gillian in the near future.’
Dominic Head, Historic Houses
‘Our patrons were thrilled at the opportunity to enjoy afternoon tea while learning about the history of the pastime. Gillian Perry’s lecture was thorough, entertaining, and utterly fascinating. There was not a dull moment for our guests during that lovely afternoon. We can’t wait to welcome Gillian back to the Ackerman Heritage House, in the beautiful Napa Valley, for another afternoon of tea and amazing conversation.’
Alexia Martin and the Ackerman Team, Ackerman Heritage House and Wine Estate, Napa, California
‘The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone was honored to host Gillian Walnes Perry. Ms. Perry regaled our culinary students with anecdotes about the history of tea, as well as the etiquette and mystique surrounding the tradition. Ms. Perry was engaging, entertaining and enlightening. We would love to have her pay us a return visit.’
Catherine Reble, Director of Student Engagement, Culinary Institute of America
‘Thank you for your talk yesterday. It was superb and so interesting. We would love to have you come again.’
Meghan Havercroft, Events Co-ordinator, Royal Automobile Club
‘Thank you so much for your wonderful talk on the history of afternoon tea. Everyone really enjoyed it and we have had some great feedback. It is always a good sign when people ask lots of questions too – it really shows interest. Thank you again and we hope you can return in the future.’
Louise Jacobs, Chair, Oxford Women’s Luncheon Club
‘Gillian’s talk in our tea room was wonderful. Gillian is extremely knowledgeable, but also approachable and entertaining. She was warm, fun and engaging with all of our guests.’
Celine O’Driscoll, owner, Lovejoy’s Tea Room, San Francisco
‘Gillian really brought the topic to life with a carefully curated selection of photographs and some fascinating facts. She made sure our members were involved, posing questions to the group and asking for their opinions … a really enjoyable afternoon. Her knowledge really is next to none! A huge thank you from us all.’
Sarah-Jane Burstein, HSC London
‘A fantastic speaker providing a thoroughly well-researched, entertaining and interesting foray into the customs and history of tea drinking, the origins of afternoon tea and informative and amusing anecdotes about the customs and rituals which we have to this day, as we enjoy our sweet treats. A really fabulous afternoon.’
Cathy Mosley, Live, Laugh, Love, social group
