Tammy Perez, owner of Duchess & Teacups. Photo courtesy of Duchess & Teacups

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - Pinkies up. It’s time for tea.

Step into the unique world of Duchess & Teacups, a complete mobile tea experience based in Citrus Heights and providing customers in El Dorado, Placer and Sacramento counties the essential magic of a classic tea party right to their front door.

Good tea tends to bring people together, said owner Tammy Perez. Bookings for her home-based mobile tea business have grown steadily over the last 18 months as Duchess & Teacups has gained considerable public attention on social media.

“Life is simply better when shared over tea, treats, and beautiful moments,” Perez said.

Duchess & Teacups originated in Southern California where Perez first operated “Cup a Tea,” a similar mobile tea business while working as an insurance agent. She later rebranded the business when she and her husband relocated to the Sacramento area.

Whether a host is planning a children’s tea party, bridal tea, ladies’ tea, holiday gathering, birthday celebration or an elegant afternoon with friends, Dutchess & Teacups mobile tea events blend tradition, creativity and connection, she explains.

The business designs thoughtful tea settings, serves delicious bites and adds sweet details so participants and guests can focus on laughter and connection. Pricing is based on the number of guests in attendance, she said.

“Duchess & Teacups frees any host from creating the complete tea party experience exclusively by themselves,” she explained.

Originating in 19th-century England, afternoon tea traditionally includes three courses: sandwiches, scones and sweets, all served with loose-leaf or bagged tea.

Today’s tea parties can be as classic or contemporary as their host may like, tailored to one’s guests’ tastes with a mix of old-world charm and modern flair.

Duchess & Teacups creates that level of ambiance and experience with each event, she said. Selected tablecloths, floral arrangements and tiered trays set the theme.

Duchess & Teacups designs thoughtful tea settings, serves delicious bites, and adds sweet details so participants and guests can focus on laughter and connection. Photo courtesy of Duchess & Teacups

Perez chooses individual teacup and saucer settings for each event from her own growing collection of fine china and offers a charming variety of mis-matched sets that are easy for younger children to hold and enjoy.

She counted just under 100 different tea settings in her collection the last time she checked and dozens of teapots of all types. New individual cup and saucer settings are sourced from thrift stores and estate sales she frequents.

“Creating each and every tea experience I’ve hosted has been a special journey for me,” she said.

What began as a passion for creating individual pretty tea moments has become a traveling experience especially made to delight every guest.

On average, it takes between 40 to 45 hours of advance preparation to carry out a two-hour tea party, she said. She hires additional staff to handle the responsibilities of larger events.

“I’ve always loved bringing people together and turning that passion into a mobile tea party experience for everyone has been incredibly rewarding,” she said.

Perez reflected on a successful spring and summer season of past adult and children’s tea parties, wedding showers and special events, looking forward to a busy fall and Christmas season.

And tea parties, she said, aren’t just for little girls . . . they’re for little gentlemen, too, providing an opportunity for the younger set to learn simple tea etiquette and good manners.

“This fall we’ll be creating special tea experiences for little ladies and gentlemen for ages 5-12 during holiday school breaks,” she said.

Bookings are opened for a Thanksgiving break themed tea event bringing fall inspired scones, Thanksgiving-themed tea bites and warm fall tea or hot cocoa to area families in Citrus Heights, Fair Oaks, Orangevale and Carmichael and the surrounding area.

In December, Duchess & Teacups will offer a “Magical Christmas” tea experience for children during winter break with time to enjoy Christmas music, holiday scones and festive Christmas bites on beautiful holiday table settings.

Recent business growth is leading Duchess & Teacups into a new opportunity as the business sees potential in increasing its marketing efforts to bring its mobile tearoom experience into the workplace, Perez said.

“Customized tea event packages can help celebrate important business milestones, show appreciation and help build morale,” she said.

Thinking of a special tea party this fall? Just gather your favorite people and put your pinkies up.

Let Duchess & Teacups bring the tea sets, beautiful décor, tablescape, tea, delicious treats and all the little details that make your personal celebration feel extra special.

For more information visit: https://duchessteacups.com/tea-parties and follow Duchess & Teacup on social media. For booking information, email: [email protected].