A First Lady’s Tea and Tour at the Reagan Library (Disappointing 2019 Review)

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Hi ladies. If you haven’t already heard The Reagan Library will be hosting their annual “A First Lady’s Tea and Tour” on 6 June 2019.

I attended their 2018 tea with my mum and based on my experience wanted to share what you might expect should you choose to fork out the cash to attend.

The website description of A First Lady’s Tea:

The Ronald Reagan Library is pleased to offer our First Lady’s Tea and Tour.  Join us for this traditional tea including fresh-baked English scones, petite finger sandwiches, a selection of delectable tea cakes, and of course tea.  This elegant event comes complete with linen and china service, fresh floral centerpieces on your table, and professional wait staff.  By yourself or with a group of friends, our First Lady’s Tea and Tour is truly an exceptional experience.  Following the tea, all guests will receive a docent-led tour of the entire Reagan Library and Museum and our amazing Air Force One Pavilion. This all-inclusive offer is only $64.00 per person (includes tax and gratuity).  Reservations are required, and seating is limited.  Make your reservations early before we sell out.  Don’t miss out on this elegant tea and tour.  Casual attire is suggested.  For more
information, please call 805-577-4057.

My Review of A First Lady’s Tea (2018):

I have been lucky to attend many teas throughout the years from Sanderson Hotel’s famous A Mad Hatter Tea Party to the local favorite Tranquility Tea Room in Thousand Oaks. So how did this expensive event compare?

PROS of Reagan Library’s A First Lady’s Tea:

The Reagan Library provided live entertainment in the form of a harpist who sat on stage surrounded by two American flags.

Best Benefit of A First Lady’s Tea:

The tea included a guided tour that is something you cannot get otherwise unless part of a school group or party of 25+ (for an additional fee). Our tour guide was DOUG ANDERSON, a delightful and intelligent volunteer.

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CONS of Reagan Library’s A First Lady’s Tea:

• The linens were not ironed and haphazardly setup meaning they looked crooked, wrinkled, etc.

• The worse offense was the tea options. There were THREE BAGGED tea options available (English Breakfast, Lady Earl Grey and an herbal choice) and no plate or bowl to place the used tea bags in so we ladies at our table ended up having to place our used tea bags on our plates.

• On a smaller note, the scones were cold by the time we were seated, sandwiches were stale, desserts were nothing to write home about, decorations were next to nil and it was near impossible to get a waiter’s attention for refills of our water. Also, the plates were not changed out so we had to use the same plate for a scone, sandwiches and dessert and as a place to hold our used tea bags.

• I think the biggest disappointment was that we had our tea in an education type room – white walls – boring with no ambiance. I so much wish we could have instead by in the Air Force One hanger.

In conclusion, I think this tea is sadly not worth the price. You’d be better off coming to the Reagan Library to see the permanent exhibit + temporary “World of Da Vinci” exhibit [review coming next!] on your own ($15-25 pp) and pay for an audio guide ($7 pp). Perhaps even use the extra money to grab lunch at the library? Or buy a keepsake from the well-stocked gift shop?

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Have you been to the “A First Lady’s Tea and Tour” before? What were your thoughts?