My husband and I have booked a package deal for New York City the week of Christmas this year. It includes High Tea at the Plaza hotel. I have a couple of questions, if anyone knows the answers.
1. What is the dress code?
2. How early do we need to arrive?
3. Should we plan a substantial lunch or just do the tea and dinner?

We had high tea at the Plaza a few years ago and really enjoyed it. As I recall the dress was well dressed casual; sweater with good slacks for men; nice casual for women. We did not see blue jeans or sloppy clothes not at those prices. We had enough food for we ate breakfast and eliminated lunch and then went to a late dinner. As I remember we went after 3 o'clock but why don't you check with the hotel to double check dress code and time. Last year they were not letting people into the Plaza to look around if you were not staying there.

Hi Amber -
high tea is fun, and the Plaza is certainly a classic place to have it! Usually it consists of tea, little finger sandwiches, scones, and a dessert. I would plan your meals according to when the tea is - if it's at 3, have a late breakfast and no lunch, or if it's at five, have brunch, and just do a light late supper - maybe you could do tea and then a show, and then the supper - it's up to you. You don't need to show up early but do make a reservation. Enjoy!
-ADF

I called the Plaza last week to make reservations for tea when we are in NYC in August, and was told they don't take reservations for tea. Seating is on a first come, first served basis.

Dress nicely. It is Tea at The Plaza Hotel.

The correct term is afternoon tea. High tea refers to the afternoon meal laborers take.

The Plaza website states: "Business Casual attire is recommended"
http://www.theplazany.com/dining/palmcourt/

So, no jeans and nothing overly casual. So, slacks and a collared shirt or nice sweater for a guy probably, and for ladies - slacks or a skirt with a nice top.

The OP went to the Plaza 12 years ago.

Humphries, are you deranged? You are responding to an 11 year old post about a hotel that no longer is anything like what it was then. Why on earth would you do this? Surely you got to this thread by searching and the date of the post must have been very clear.

Ridiculous that postings can be made to this ancient post from 11 years ago. The original post should be closed to additional posts.