Afternoon Tea Etiquette Class hosted at The Willard InterContinental Washington, DC

Purchase Tickets Here!
The Nest at The Willard

A Historic Setting for Elegance

Step into the refined atmosphere of The Nest, an intimate space within The Willard that has welcomed distinguished guests for more than a century. With its graceful design and quiet sophistication, The Nest provides the perfect setting for an afternoon dedicated to etiquette, poise, and timeless tradition.

This elegant environment sets the tone for a thoughtful and memorable afternoon tea experience.

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Featured by Tasting Table

Karene A. Putney of Etiquette Etiquette® was featured by Tasting Table in the article, “12 Etiquette Rules to Enjoy Afternoon Tea Like a Royal,” alongside Gary Williams, Principal of the British Butler Institute.

Read Here
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thumbnail_Karene Putney KDP05011 Final

Afternoon Tea Instructor

Introducing Karene A. Putney
Founder of Etiquette Etiquette® and Certified Etiquette Consultant

Experience the elegance of afternoon tea under the guidance of Karene A. Putney, whose approach blends timeless tradition with modern etiquette.

Set within the historic Willard Hotel in Washington, D.C., this intimate tea experience invites guests to slow down, dress with intention, and enjoy the art of gracious living in an atmosphere of refinement.

Karene A. Putney is a certified business etiquette consultant with expertise in intercultural etiquette and protocol. She is also a personal development coach and a graduate of the National Speakers Association–DC Speaker Academy.

Karene looks forward to welcoming you and sharing the principles of poise, confidence, and thoughtful etiquette in this distinctive setting.

October 2026 Tea Class

What to Expect During the Afternoon Tea Experience

▸ A guided etiquette experience in the historic Nest at The Willard
▸ Live demonstrations of proper afternoon tea traditions
▸ Hands-on practice with teacup handling and dining etiquette
▸ Engaging conversation and role-play exercises
▸ A refined afternoon tea service with traditional selections

What your Afternoon Tea Course includes

▸ Approximately three hours of guided instruction

▸ Instruction led by a certified etiquette trainer

▸ Table etiquette guidance throughout the experience

▸ Traditional afternoon tea service at The Willard, including assorted scones, sandwiches, sweet treats, and unlimited tea.

Upon completion, Participants will receive

Certificate of Completion

A thoughtfully curated experience designed to elevate confidence, presence, and refinement.

Registration and Location

For registration inquiries, please contact info@eettq.com or 866.556.5290

The Afternoon Tea Class is held at:

The Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C.
1401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC.

Ticket Information

Tickets are nonrefundable.
 
If a session must be rescheduled due to low enrollment, registered guests will receive advance notice.

Ticket Transferability

Tickets may be transferred to another guest with advance notice.

Requests should be submitted at least seven days before the event.

"What Our Guests Are Saying"

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Karene,
 
Thank you so much for leading our afternoon tea event for JLW at the Willard! Your expertise, warmth, and engaging style truly elevated the experience for all of us. Your ability to create such an enjoyable and educational environment made this so special!
 
 

- Amelia Junior League of Washington

Karen is a professional, polished, and knowledgeable presenter!  The afternoon was informative, elegant, and entertaining.  I look forward to future Etiquette Etiquette presentations.

- Carolyn Tillery

First, Karene and her husband are such amazing people. I had such a wonderful time learning about the history of tea and Afternoon tea. The whole event was such a beautiful experience that I will remember forever!

 

- Taylohr Richardson

I attended the Afternoon Tea Academy in September and found the experience both informative and elegant. As a long-time fan of etiquette and tea, I still walked away learning something new.

The Willard was the perfect setting, beautiful and welcoming, and the service was impeccable. Our table was attentively served, and the gluten-free accommodations were handled with great care. I felt truly seen and valued.

I proudly display my certificate and have enjoyed reading the etiquette guide. It was also meaningful to know the class supports the Flint, Michigan, community. A lovely and purposeful experience all around.

- Kristen Parks

Fabulous Tea & Etiquette Class

This class was amazing and a great afternoon with the girls, experiencing great teas and finger foods. The hostess and instructor, Ms. Karene Putney did an amazing job. She’s so classy, fun, and very knowledgeable in this arena. I learned so much! And the music and ambiance was so pleasant and perfect for the event.
 

- Cheryl B.

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We had a great time at the Tea Time Academy. My son has been trying to teach one of his sisters how to hold the fork. It’s easier for us to give each other gentle etiquette reminders since we have that shared experience.

- Sunny Norwood Buck. PhD

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Mrs. Putney, This was an awesome class. So glad we got the opportunity to take part. I’ve already recommended your course. Thanks again!

- Dee Reed

I recommend for anyone interested to sign up now! Karene is fun, informative, and professional. Well worth your time if you are curious about Afternoon Tea.

- Amy Lynne

Attending the Tea Academy at the Willard was a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon. The information presented was inciteful and the interaction of the group made it great fun. Kudos to Ms. Putney.

- Mary Taylor-Acree

I loved the engaging energy Karene was able to create at the Tea Academy. From her slide presentation to her wonderful smile, this experience was indeed one I enjoyed!

- Torene B.

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Beautiful place to learn, Mrs. Karene Putney is very soft-spoken and elegant. Really enjoyed our time at Afternoon Tea

 

- Kayla Berry

This event was so informative jammed packed with so much information but at the same time fun. I laughed, enjoyed some delicious food, and met some new friends. The host and her daughters were on point.

-Ann Evans

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The experience with Etiquette Etiquette for the Tea Academy was amazing. Very professional, and I learned a lot about proper table manners as well as afternoon tea academy.

-Keisha Clarke-English

The experience was well worth it. A wonderful afternoon, elegant and informative. I would attend again and recommend that others attend. Lady Karen and her beautiful assistants exhibited grace, elegance, and class as well as style. Truly an A1 rating.

-Gina Boddie

Afternoon Tea Dress Guidance

Afternoon tea is a moment to dress with intention and enjoy the elegance of the setting. Guests are encouraged to wear attire that reflects the refined atmosphere of The Willard while remaining comfortable and true to their personal style.

We recommend formal or semi-formal attire, including dresses, tailored separates, and collared shirts. To preserve the tone of the experience, guests are kindly asked to avoid athletic wear, casual denim, t-shirts, shorts, or sportswear.

Thank you for helping us create a polished and refined ambiance for all guests.

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Parking Details:

Getting Here

Located in downtown Washington, D.C., two blocks from The White House and steps from the iconic monuments, memorials, and museums on the National Mall, Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C. is easily accessible by many modes of transportation.

Parking Garage: Colonial Parking®

Parking at The Willard:

➢  Valet parking is available for all hotel guests 24 hours a day.

➢  Guests may call for their vehicle at least 20 minutes prior to departure.

➢  The overnight valet parking rate is $78.00 and includes unrestricted in and out privileges.

➢ The Willard garage vehicle height restriction is 6′ 5″.

➢  All oversized vehicles, including buses, campers, RVs, and cars with trailers, are not permitted in the garage. Please see alternative parking options available at Union Station.

Parking Rates:

➢  0-1 Hours: $26

➢ 1-4 Hours: $32

➢  Max/All Day: $37

Address: 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Phone number: (202) 628-9100

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Media Release Consent

By registering for the Afternoon Tea Class with Etiquette Etiquette®, participants grant permission for photographs and video to be taken during the event for promotional and educational purposes.

These images may be used across Etiquette Etiquette’s platforms, including our website, printed materials, and social media channels.

We value your participation and are thoughtful in how event imagery is shared. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the use of your image, please feel free to contact us.

Registration Is Now Open

Sunday, October 18, 2026 | 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

The Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C.

Signature Afternoon Tea Etiquette Experience
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Signature Afternoon Tea Etiquette Experience

$175.00

Experience Afternoon Tea Etiquette at The Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C. Join Etiquette Etiquette® for a refined three-hour experience combining traditional afternoon tea with guided instruction in tea etiquette, table manners, conversation, guest courtesies, and social confidence.

Sunday, October 18, 2026 | 1:00 PM–4:00 PM

Reserved seating is limited to preserve an intimate and personalized learning experience.

Afternoon Tea Academy

Autumn Elegance Afternoon Tea Etiquette Experience

Sunday, October 18, 2026Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Join Etiquette Etiquette® for an elegant afternoon of traditional tea, guided etiquette instruction, and practical social refinement at The Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C.

Your reservation includes afternoon tea service, reserved seating, guided instruction, and an immersive three-hour experience designed to strengthen dining confidence, conversation, and social presence.

27 in stock

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Description

Afternoon Tea Etiquette at The Willard An Elegant Afternoon of Confidence, Refinement & Social Grace Step into one of Washington, D.C.’s most distinguished historic settings for a refined afternoon designed to elevate how you carry yourself at the table and in social environments. Hosted by Etiquette Etiquette®, this three-hour Afternoon Tea Etiquette Experience at The Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C. blends traditional afternoon tea with practical, guided etiquette instruction in an intimate and elegant setting. This is more than an afternoon tea. It is an opportunity to strengthen the confidence, composure, and social awareness that shape how you are experienced in both professional and personal settings. What You Will Gain Guests will leave with greater confidence in the customs and courtesies of afternoon tea, along with practical social skills that extend well beyond the tea table. Throughout the experience, you will develop a stronger understanding of:
  • Afternoon tea etiquette and proper tea service
  • Table manners and dining confidence
  • Conversation and social interaction
  • Guest and host courtesies
  • Posture, poise, and composure
  • Navigating formal and upscale social settings with greater ease
  • The subtle behaviors that contribute to refinement and polished presence
The goal is not simply to memorize rules, but to understand how etiquette creates comfort, confidence, and consideration in shared spaces. Your Experience Includes Guided Afternoon Tea Etiquette Instruction: Practical instruction integrated throughout the experience, allowing guests to learn and apply proper etiquette in real time. Traditional Afternoon Tea Service: Enjoy the elegance and ritual of afternoon tea in the distinguished surroundings of The Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C. Reserved Seating: Your place is reserved for a carefully curated, intimate learning experience. Practical Social & Dining Guidance: Instruction includes tea etiquette, table manners, conversation, guest courtesies, social confidence, and the finer details that help guests feel comfortable in sophisticated settings. Event Details Sunday, October 18, 20261:00 PM – 4:00 PM The Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C., 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004 Reserve Your Place Attendance is intentionally limited to preserve the intimate, instructional nature of the experience. If you have ever wanted to feel more confident attending afternoon tea, formal gatherings, professional events, or elegant social occasions, this experience was designed for you. Reserve your seat now and experience an afternoon where tradition, refinement, and confidence come together at The Willard. Hosted by Etiquette Etiquette®Where Executive Presence Begins™Register at EETTQ.com

Related products

Etiquette Etiquette’s collaboration with The Willard was formally announced through a national press release.

Read the Press Release
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Where the Journey Began: These moments were captured during the very first Etiquette Etiquette Afternoon Tea Etiquette Class in March 2022.