FLYNN MANSION TEAS

Sometimes you just need to feel a little bit fancy! Indulge your inner Victorian with an elegant tea service in the historic Flynn Mansion. Hat and gloves are optional, but an interest in learning about Victorian manners is mandatory. Living History Farms interpreters wearing 1870s period dress will serve hot tea, tea sandwiches, scones, traditional cakes, and other sweets and share tea traditions. Chat with friends at the tea table, then explore the interiors of this elegant Italianate home built in 1870 by one of Des Moines’ first families.

Ages 8 and up (except Mad Hatter Tea).

Please note: You’ll meet your host inside the Kemin Cultivation Center, 11121 Hickman. From there, you will walk together to the mansion. In bad weather, your host may lead you up the road to the mansion by car; from the road to the front door, the walk is less than 100 yards. The paths from the Kemin Cultivation Center and from the road are not paved. Please wear comfortable walking shoes or boots, as well as appropriate layers for the weather.

• Program length 2 hours.
• Tables seat 18 guests total.  (Dates that do not meet our minimum requirement of 12 guests may be rescheduled.)
• No alcohol, please.
• $65 per person ($59 for members).

Menu changes with season and theme but includes:

• Three seasonal tea sandwiches
• Scones, sweet bread, pastry
• Cake, cookies, sweets
• Hot tea with cream or lemon

CHRISTMAS TEA WITH THE FLYNNS
Sunday, December 7, 1 p.m. SOLD OUT
Sunday December 14, 1 p.m. SOLD OUT

The Flynn Mansion is dressed for the season, and scones, cakes, and cookies are on Mrs. Flynn’s holiday menu. Get a glimpse of Christmas in times past and share a hot pot of tea with friends.

JANE AUSTEN BIRTHDAY TEA
Saturday, December 13, 1 p.m. SOLD OUT
Sunday, December 21, 1 p.m. SOLD OUT

We’re celebrating Jane Austen’s 250th birthday with this one-of-a-kind tea! Jane’s life and work are from an earlier time, but 1870s American readers would know her name. Join us for tea and cakes from the Victorian and Regency eras, test your Austen knowledge, then go on a scavenger hunt through the Flynn Mansion.

WINTER COMFORT TEA

Saturday, January 17, 1 p.m. 
Sunday, January 18, 1 p.m.

Cozy up on a cold day in Victorian style! Enjoy tomato soup, cheese toast, and a roast beef tea sandwich followed by winter-theme pastries and ending with winter warming spices in cake and cookies.

VALENTINE’S DAY TEA
Saturday, February 14, 1 p.m. SOLD OUT
Sunday, February 15, 1 p.m.

For couples, for galentines—anyone who wants to explore Victorian valentine traditions in our historic setting.

GEORGE AND MARTHA WASHINGTON TEA

Saturday, February 21, 1 p.m. SOLD OUT
Sunday, February 22, 1 p.m. SOLD OUT

It’s the 250th birthday of the United States, and we’re celebrating with a tea that honors one of our foremost founding families.

MAD HATTER’S TEA for Kids and Their Adults
Sunday, April 12, 1 p.m.

This one is for ages 5 and up! It’s an “Alice in Wonderland” theme with a craft, a game, and tables set with lemonade, fruity tea, cookies, and cupcakes. Children must be accompanied by a ticketed adult. 

SPRING FLOWER TEA
Saturday, April 18, 1 p.m.
Sunday, April 19, 1 p.m. 

Victorians loved flowers, and this tea explores the many ways they enjoyed them. 

Our facilities are not food allergen or gluten-free. Please be aware that our food may contain or come into contact with common allergens, such as dairy, eggs, wheat, soybeans, tree nuts, peanuts, fish, or shellfish. Our meals are prepared and served family-style and we are unable to accommodate all food allergy concern

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