The Strathmore tea only happens once in awhile, and typically on a weekday for whatever reason.

I think Normandie Farm in Potomac does tea: http://www.popovers.com/ Not sure how elegant it is.

And my friends took me to a really lovely afternoon tea at the Mandarin Oriental just this past spring and it was NOT buffet style, as PP said. Maybe things have changed, but when we went in April, each person was served a little tiered display of savory and sweet items along with a large selection of tea.

It's been YEARS but the Mayflower was very nice when I went. But seriously, it's been over a decade.

Lad Camilia is lovely. Friendly, low key, inexpensive.

Second Hillwood. Was just there and gardens are beautiful. Plus a Cartier jewelry exhibit. The estate is fairly compact so if your guests are mobile they could enjoy a look around before or after. May have to buy a ticket to get into the overall place, in addition to tea, but overall cost still should be reasonable.

I was about to post about Lady Camillia, too. I've been there five times and it is outstanding. Very small, so you'd have to reserve the whole place for your party. We never go anywhere else now...it's our favorite place for tea!

Maybe this place in Georgetown: http://www.ladycamellia.com/

I've been to Strathmore, and the food was mediocre. The Jefferson was very good; I'd keep trying. The Willard was fine but not worth what they're quoting.

I think the Mayflower does Tea. I would not pay that much at the Willard either. Too bad Four Seasons no longer does tea-- theirs was my favorite.

I was just looking at this over the weekend. For a larger group like yours, try the Mansion on O St. It's open to the public on Sundays and Mondays, and you can reserve tea in advance, or so it seems from their website.

Mandarin Oriental looked good but is buffet style so not your typical afternoon tea. Jefferson had my vote but disappointing to hear they are not being responsive to you.

I've never been so I don't know how the tea is, but Strathmore mansion is lovely and would be a nice scale for your size group. They have plenty of rooms that would be nice for 10.

I used to love going to hay Adams and Willard. Also go to mandarin oriental.

Hotel Henley.

If your group size is 10 or more, you can book a group afternoon tea at Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens.
It's a lovely place to have tea and great value for afternoon tea.

I think Strathmore does tea. Or try Teamap.com They had a recommendation for a museum in Sandy Spring also.

I'm trying to host an afternoon tea for about 10 people for my aunt. I've called The Jefferson three times and left messages and no one has returned my call. The Four Seasons in Georgetown no longer does their afternoon tea. The Willard wanted a minimum of $1400 - which is crazy - $140/pp for tea.

Is there somewhere else that people recommend? I'm also open to Bethesda/Chevy Chase area...