SF LIFE: Ring In 2019, High Tea
2019 is almost here and the ball will be dropping in just a few days! SF has a billion things to do on NYE, or you ca
n stay home in your jammies and celebrate with a toast on NYC time. Following are some fun finds if you get a wild hair and want to put on sequins and head out on the town. High Tea is always a good idea, and if you are looking for something to do with friends and fam, here are a few locations that will have you saying Cheerio. May your New Year Celebration bring you joy and delight and best wishes for the most wonderful year yet!
New Year’s Events
Bell Ringing
The Japanese New Year’s Bell-Ringing Ceremony is an event new to us. It’s not a wild New Year’s Eve celebration, rather it takes place on December 30th from 11:30 – 2:00 p.m. The bell will be struck 108 times to usher in the New Year and curb the 108 mortal desires that, according to Buddhist belief, torment humankind. The inspiring ceremony will include a purification ritual and chanting of the Buddhist Heart Sutra.
After the traditional ringing, participants may then take turns ringing the bell to leave behind any unfortunate experiences, regrettable deeds or ill luck from the previous year. While you wait your turn, fold paper cranes for luck and prosperity in the new year. I’m all in to manifest Good Luck in ’19. $15 fee to enter the museum. Asianart.org
Davies Symphony Hall
In a bit of a twist for the symphony hall, you can ring in the New Year with big stars, big laughs and big hair with SF’s famed drag sensation Peaches Christ and the symphony. Featuring holiday hits played by the orchestra, a star-studded lineup including Cheyenne Jackson and the ever fabulous Jane Lynch. Before the ball drops kick off your New Year’s celebrations with a festive evening of wicked sass and fabulous flair. Sfsymphony.org
Commonwealth Club
If you are willing to stretch your wallet quite a bit, you can join the fancy folks at The Commonwealth Club at their premier Embarcadero location. For the first time ever, the club will be transformed into a multi-level experience. As the rest of us crowd the street below to catch a glimpse of the fireworks, you will have a front row seat, and be cozy and toasty sipping champers dahling. Indulgent cuisine and lively entertainment will accompany the best view in town for the famous explosions in the sky. Commonwealthclub.org
Sf Jaz Center
If you enjoy the sultry sounds of jazz, you may want to celebrate the ringing in of the New Year at the SF Jazz center with the king of the funky saxophone, Maceo Parker. Known as one of the primary architects of R&B, he is also a well-known bandleader, and soulful vocalist. Opening for this special guy is Deva Mahal (daughter of blues legend Taj Mahal). Her supberb band performs a set of groove heavy R&B, just the thing to melodically usher in a New year. Sfjazz.org
Comedy
Always a great way to end a year – laughing! Greg Proops, known for his hilarious antics on “Whose line is it anyway” will bring his standup and improve skills to the bay area audience at The Punchline. Witty tomato Paula Poundstone brings her quick wit and amazing repartee to the Nourse theatre.
High Tea
The following locations are architectural beauties in their own right, but with the addition of tiny tea sandwiches, scones and freshly brewed tea, your visit will be made even better. Keep the holidays going with a tea time treat.
Pardee Home Museum
Anglophiles this one is for you. This cream colored Victorian built in 1869 celebrates its roots with oh-so British high teas. Served either in the house’s elegant dining room or its manicured garden, the Pardee Home pairs their brew with platters of sweet and savory treats. When you’ve cleared your plate, take a tour of this beautifully decorated house museum. Teas are private and must be scheduled in advance. 672 11th St. Oakland. Pardeehome.org
Lovejoy’s Tea Room
This quirky little tearoom has two locations, one in SF and one in Redwood City. It feels like the best version of a grandmother’s attic, with mismatched china, hodgepodge furniture and even hats you can borrow for the full effect. Bottomless pots of tea will have you lingering for hours. Lovejoystearoom.com
Dartealing Lounge
Love the name of this petite retreat in SoMa. Nestled in the busy tech corridor, it feels like a quirky-cute living room and you can choose from a refined afternoon tea, or a filling high tea. You will love the names of their tea collections, Game of Thrones, Sherlock Holmes, Downton Abbey and the Purist. Adorable! dartealing.com
Kim Selby, the SF life editor of The Three Tomatoes, is your gal for info on what’s hot and happening in the beautiful bay area. Having lived on the Left Coast for 27 years, after almost a decade in NYC, she has explored and continues to have adventures all over the San Francisco area. Passionate about fashion, formerly with GLAMOUR magazine and Fashion Director at Saks Fifth Avenue , Palo Alto, Kim produced fashion shows in the bay area for over 20 years. She now creates events to empower, delight and inspire women, aka “Tomatoes”. Learn more about Kim at www.kim-selby.com
