The Soubrette Brunette's 2024 Holiday Gift Guides

The gift-giving season is upon us, so you know what that means: My 2024 holiday gift guide post is finally here! Every year, I try to come up with as many unique gift guides as I possibly can to ensure you've got all sorts of ideas for everyone on your list. My holiday gift guide 2024 edition has a total of 8 different themes (with over 150 gift ideas!), from the best hostess gifts for family members to nerdy gift ideas for your friends, partner, or coworker. 

Don't forget to check out my previous gift guide posts for even more gifting inspiration! Here's a quick reference list of all my seasonal gift guides from the previous five(!) years:

• My 2023 Holiday Gift Guides
• My 2022 Holiday Gift Guides
• My 2021 Holiday Gift Guides
• My 2020 Holiday Gift Guides
• My 2019 Holiday Gift Guides

Without further ado, here are my brand new holiday gift guides for 2024! Leave a comment and let me know which Christmas gift guide is your favorite of the year!

The Soubrette Brunette: Holiday Gift Guide 2024

Please note that this post contains some affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, I may receive a small commission (at no cost to you!) that helps to run my blog and social media channels. Thank you for supporting The Soubrette Brunette!

Little Women Christmas Gifts 

The 1994 film version of Little Women has always been one of my holiday staples. Now that Little Women Christmas has become an aspirational aesthetic for many, it seems like a great time to share some Little Women gifts that would make Jo, Meg, Beth, Amy, and Marmee proud. Whether you're looking for Little Women inspired Christmas decorations for your own home or you know someone who wants to emulate #littlewomencore in everything she does, no one has to endure Christmas without presents this year.

1.  Little Women gold scissors pendant necklace 
2.  "Smells like she's watching Little Women again" candle
3.  Little Women
4.  Orchard House tote bag
5.  A New Day velvet hair bow
6.  Kristen Ess velvet hair bow
7.  J.Crew velvet hair bow
8.  Jo's attic candle
9.  Writing quill lapel pin
10. Little Women holiday loose leaf tea
11. Magnolia antique brass taper candle holder
12. Civil War style leather bound journal
13. Orchard House Christmas print
14. Little Women charm bracelet
15. Velvet capelet
16. Little Women book wallet
17. March family Christmas sweatshirt
18. Orange spice live wreath and garland
19. Little Women perfume oils
20. Victorian lace-up boots

Nerdy Gift Ideas

Whether you're dating a gamer, you've got a sibling who escapes into fantasy novels, or you've put together a D&D campaign with a few coworkers, I've got some ideas for nerdy gifts to get your shopping started. From DND gifts to nerdy Xmas gifts involving ren faires, LOTR, gaming, and more, check out the nerdy gift ideas below to satisfy any special interest.

a.  Stardew Valley chickens sweatshirt
b.  Pusheen Nintendo Switch skin
c.  Dungeons & Dragons mug
d.  Here for the turkey leg baseball cap
e.  The Shire Lord of the Rings candle
f.  Gamer earrings
g.  Medieval cat pin
h.  English language grammar chart
i.  Dungeons & Dragons tea sampler
j.  Legend of Zelda keychain
k.  LOTR second breakfast sweatshirt
l.  Ren Faire game
m.  "The Frog" Mary Jane flats
n.  Moon headphone stand
o.  Shakespeare memory game
p.  D&D sweatshirt
q.  A History of Magic book purse
r.  Lord of the Rings cookbook
s.  C-3PO Star Wars Legos
t.  The Master Theorem book of puzzles

Bookish Gifts for Writers and Readers

I've put together lists of book lover Christmas gifts before. But this time, I'm combining some gifts for readers with some writer gifts to create a comprehensive list of literary gifts any wordsmith or bookworm will love. Check out these perfect gifts for a writer (like me!) and Christmas gifts for the book lover on your list.

1.  Team Oxford Comma mug
2.  Anne of Green Gables microfiber glasses cloth
3.  Typewriter earrings
4.  Book locket
5.  Typewriter pen holder
6.  She just wanted to read books and do nothing else print
7.  Pride and Prejudice book vase
8.  Book nook canvas banner
9.  Handmade miniature books ornament
10. Writing dice
11. Where is the bookstore hat
12.  Fully booked sweatshirt
13. Book slippers
14. Nostalgic book fair kit
15. Book-shaped wireless charger
16. Classic books mug
17. Book journal
18. Rooms of Their Own: Where Great Writers Write
19. Book stack planter
20. 2025 book lover's wall calendar

Gifts for Gen Z

When you're a millennial, finding the right gifts for Gen Z coworkers or friends may seem like a tough task. But I've had fun putting this list of possible Gen Z Christmas gifts together. It includes a lot of silly and dark humor, a good dose of kitsch, and some self-care and social justice mixed in. If you can't find second-hand gifts to appeal to their sustainable sensibilities, the slightly younger folks in your life may enjoy these Gen Z gifts this holiday.

a.  Trader Hoes baseball cap
b.  Life is pain au chocolat sweatshirt
c.  Tulip salt and pepper shakers
d.  Cowboy boot vase
e.  Strawberry milk tree ornament
f.  Silly goose juice koozie
g.  Save Me an Orange 
h.  Pasta pendant necklace
i.  Tomato hair claw
j.  Aur naur possum pin
k.  Reductress therapy candle
l.  Professional yapper sweatshirt
m.  Bink water bottle
n.  People I've Loved print
o.  Cat snack dishes
p.  Fanny pack
q.  Protect Trans Kids tee
r.  Tiny treat mission bumper magnet
s.  Sleepy thoughts journal
t.  Sabrina Carpenter poster

Coquette Aesthetic, Balletcore, and Girly Gifts

As a lover of pink and bows, you know that balletcore fashion, coquette aesthetic, and girly gifts really appeal to me on a personal level. I wanted to compile some ultra feminine gift ideas to appeal to those following the balletcore trend or who love the coquette style. These coquette gift ideas and balletcore gifts are perfect for anyone who is "literally just a girl" (or identifies as one).

1.  Bow print canvas
2.  Poodle salt and pepper shaker set
3.  Pink bows glass can
4.  LoveShackFancy x Pottery Barn clock
5.  Selkie Baby Soft Big Bag
6.  Pink handheld mirror
7. POPFLEX Pirouette Skort
8.  Pat McGrath lipstick
9.  Selkie Baby Soft Empire Stay Corset
10. LoveShackFancy perfume
11. I'm Literally Just a Girl sweatshirt
12. Heart-shaped locket
13. AE pink hair bow clip
14. Bow trinket tray
15. Natasha Denona mini starlette eyeshadow palette
16. Big bow satin throw pillow
17. Jenny pink bow shaped throw pillow
18. Rothy's The Ballet Flat
19. LoveShackFancy x Pottery Barn bow garland
20. Selkie Confection Muff Purse

Hostess Gift Ideas

If you happen to be traveling for the holidays, plan to attend a house warming, or want to show your appreciation for a hard-working loved one, you need a good hostess gift. I tend to think that food items tend to make the best hostess gifts, but I also love the idea of pampering the recipient or giving them something they might not otherwise get for themselves. This is a totally new gift guide addition for 2024, so I hope I can use some of these hostess gift ideas for someone this year!

a.  Harney & Sons Nutcracker tea duo
b.  Amish popcorn gift set
c.  Monet water lilies chocolate box
d.  Mini jam trio
e.  Peppermint bark pretzels
f.  Snowman maple syrup
g.  MacKenzie-Childs floral cannister
h.  Dahlias: Beautiful Varieties for Home and Garden
i.  Infused olive oil gift set
j.  Oven mitt and potholder set
k.  Tomato tea towel
l.  Holiday simmer pot kit
m.  Naughty or nice snack mix
n.  Pancake and waffle mix sampler
o.  Marble tree cheese board
p.  Cheese knife set
q.  Kitchen essentials soap kit
r.  Marble snowflake coasters
s.  Le Creuset mini cocotte 
t.  Wood dough bowl candle

Gifts for Musicians, Artists, and Other Creative People

I'm lucky enough to have a lot of musicians, artists, and fellow creatives in my life. But sometimes, finding just the right gifts for creative people can be a challenge. The best gifts for artists and crafters are creative ones that don't feel like a cliché. And choosing unique gifts for a musician in your life requires you to think a bit outside the box. If you're struggling to find Christmas gifts for creatives, I've got some inspired thoughts.

1.  Musical instruments button-up shirt
2.  Keith Haring mug
3.  I'd rather be at the theatre pin
4.  Kate Spade 3D drum crossbody purse
5.  Concert memory journal
6.  Treble clef heart-shaped trinket dish
7.  Art supply print tote bag
8.  Otter paint brush rest
9.  It's a good day to make some art t-shirt
10. Monet sunflowers scarf
11. Button coasters
12. Art Odyssey journal
13. Sewing caddy
14. Modern Art Desserts
15. Hokusai Great Wave apron
16. Degas ballerina ornament
17. Baggu pointe shoe bag
18. The Artist's Way
19. Pulse wearable metronome
20. Grand piano handbag

Farmers Market Gifts and Gifts for Gardeners

As a gardener and supporter of agritourism, I had to end this year's holiday gift guides with some gardener gifts and gifts for farmers market lovers. Of course, I'd highly recommend that you head to your local farm markets and farm stores for some unique holiday gifts. Additionally, there are likely some agritourism experiences in your area that allow you to buy season passes, which can be a great gift for families that supports local farms. (If you're in Rochester, I've included one in this list for you!) That said, ordering gifts for gardeners online can also be a great option if you don't have much nearby. Check out these gifts for farmers market lovers and gardeners that'll delight anyone with a green thumb or a penchant for produce.

a.  Personalized harvest basket
b.  Farmers market tote bag
c.  Strawberry hook
d.  Herb markers
e.  Farmers market candle
f.  Glazed stonewear fruit basket
g.  Just one more plant pot mug
h.  Crabtree & Evelyn gardeners hand therapy cream
i.  Gardening for Abundance
j.  Bouquet tote bag
k.  Seed sprout necklace
l.  Wickham Farms 2025 season pass
m.  Vegetable print dish towel
n.  Lavender gardening gloves
o.  Reusable produce bags
p.  The Farmers Market Cookbook
q.  Meet me at the farmers market print
r.  Embroidered veggie baseball cap
s.  Crocheted tomato coasters
t.  Jam jar t-shirt

I hope you find these gift guides to be as helpful and fun as I do. Let me know if you end up getting any gifts from them!

Happy Holidays!

Black Friday 2024: My Holiday Wish List + Favorite Black Friday Sales and Promo Codes

If you're anything like me, you've already been doing some shopping with early Black Friday sales. But while I've mostly been buying for others on my list, I've got my eye on a few things for myself...and you know I'll be taking advantage of any available Black Friday 2024 deals! 

As is my yearly custom, I've compiled Black Friday sales info and promo codes from my favorite brands for you to reference during your Black Friday online shopping. I'll add more sales and promos as they go live. Take a look at what's on my holiday wish list—and don't forget to check for a discount code before you check out.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, I may receive a small commission (which helps to run my blog and social media channels) at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting The Soubrette Brunette this holiday season!

a.  Ivy City Co. Snowflake Dress
b.  Lenox Spice Village charm necklace
c.  LoveShackFancy x Pottery Barn Teen nutcracker pillow
d.  J.Crew bow print pajama set
e.  Rifle Paper Co. cherry enamel keychain

f.  A New Day velvet bow set
g.  Betsey Johnson book club purse
h.  Packed Party pinkmas gingerbread house tea towel
i.  Pretty Painter pink cake print
j.  Baggu everything bagel bag
k.  The Peach Fuzz possum hair claw
l.  Barbie: The World Tour book
m.  Pusheen Society of Little Treats sweatshirt
n.  Kate Spade glamwich 3D crossbody bag
o.  Anthropologie patisserie doormat
p.  How to Be a Wildflower book

Black Friday 2024 Sales and Promo Codes

Abercrombie & Fitch: 25% off everything
Aerie: 40% off everything + Best Black Friday Ever deals
Aerosoles: 30% off site-wide with savings of up to 60% off
American Girl: 20% off $100+, 25% off $200+, 30% off $300+, plus doorbusters
Anthropologie: 30% off (excludes select items)
ASOS: up to 70% off almost everything
April Cornell: up to 50% off select styles
Ava Gowns: 30% off with code BLACKFRIDAY
ban.do: 35% off everything with code THEBEST
Betsey Johnson: 35% off sitewide with code BABE
Box Lunch: 30% off sitewide + up to 60% off doorbuster deals
Buff City Soap: 40% off all full-size body care items (today only)
Chelsea Crew: 25% off full-priced + sale items
Chronicle Books: 35% off site-wide
Claire's: 25% off site-wide with code THANKS25 + doorbuster deals
Coach Outlet: 25% off site-wide + $99 doorbusters
Colourpop Cosmetics: 30% off site-wide + $5 palettes
Disturbia: 30% off almost everything with code BF30
Erstwilder: 30% off hundreds of designs + earn double reward points
Girlfriend Collective: 30-60% off site-wide
GOODAFTERNINE: 25% off site-wide
Heart of Haute: 20% off site-wide + 50% off sale items
Hearts and Found: 30% off with code BLACKFRIDAY
Hill House: 30-75% off with code EVERYTHING30
Hollister: 30% off everything
Hot Topic: 30-50% off site-wide + additional deals
Irregular Choice: 20% off site-wide
Ivy City Co: up to 70% off (+ get an extra 15% off for new customers with code SAMMI15)
J.Crew: 50% off your purchase
J.Crew Factory: 50-70% off site-wide + extra 20% off orders $100+
Jenny Lemons: 30% site-wide with code STUFFING + free shipping on orders $35+
JessaKae: 50% off select styles
Joanie Clothing: 40% off everything
Kate Gabrielle: buy 3 get 1 free pins with code PINSGALORE
Kate Spade: up to 50% off almost everything
Kate Spade Outlet: up to 70% off + extra 25% off everything
Katie Daisy/The Wheatfield: 25% off store-wide
Katy Perry Collections: 40% off site-wide with code BLACKFRIDAY24
Kitten D'Amour: up to 75% off select designs
La Femme en Noir: 35% off site-wide with code BACKTOBLACK
Lenox: 30% off site-wide with code SAVEBIG + up to 75% off ornaments
Loungefly: up to 70% off site-wide with 20% off new exclusives
Lulu Guinness: up to 40% off almost everything
MacKenzie-Childs: up to 50% off select styles
Madewell: 50% off with code MADEBETTER
Middle Class Fancy: 30% off all orders, 40% off orders $100+
Mischief Made: 20-80% off site-wide
Miss Candyfloss: 40% off site-wide 
ModCloth: 40% off site-wide + $1 goodies
Modern Millie: 15% off site-wide
Not Picasso: 25% off your order + free tote on $100+ orders, gift card raffle, and more
Old Navy: 50% off everything
Out of Print: BOGO t-shirts
Packed Party: 35% off everything with code CONFETTI35
The Peach Fuzz: 20% off site-wide
Pigment: 20% off site-wide
Pippi Post: 40% off with code BLACKFRIDAY
Pottery Barn: up to 50% off
Pottery Barn Teen: up to 70% off gifts, bedding, furniture, and more
The Pretty Dress Company: 30% off with code BLACK30
Princess Highway: 20-60% off everything
Printfresh: 25% off site-wide with code JOLLY25
Pusheen Shop: 15% off site-wide with code CHEER15
Red Dress Boutique: 30% off with code BF30
Re-Mix Vintage Shoes: 15% off with code BFCM24
Retrolicious: 30% off site-wide
Retrospec'd: 30% off almost everything
Rifle Paper Company: 30% off everything + 50% off flash deals
Samantha Pleet: 25% off site-wide with code thanks
Selkie: Black Friday markdowns of up to 60% off thru 12/1 with surprise bags launching 12/2
ShopDisney: 25% off site-wide + free shipping on orders $40+ with code GIFT
Sweet and Lovely: 25% off eligible orders
Tarte: up to 80% off everything
Too Faced: up to 50% off extreme deals
Torrid: 50% off everything
Trashy Diva: 40% off site-wide (exclusions apply)
Trixie Cosmetics: 35% off select items
Ulta: up to 50% off Black Friday deals + $10 off $40 orders
Unique Vintage: 40% off site-wide with code CYBER40
Urban Outfitters: 40% off your entire purchase 
Vendula London: up to 70% off 
Vixen by Micheline Pitt: 35% off site-wide with code BACKTOBLACK
Wax Poetic Clothing: 30% everything
Well Read Co: shop the sale
World Market: shop Black Friday deals

Happy Shopping!

The Soubrette Brunette's FAIRY Happy Birthday Giveaway

Tomorrow is my 36th birthday, and of course, I'm marking the occasion with a giveaway! In honor of one of my favorite costumes of this past year and something I've loved since childhood, this year's giveaway is all about having a FAIRY happy birthday.

This 35th year has been one of unexpected change—both good and bad—and undeniable transformation. Interestingly, I'd already decided on the theme of this giveaway before researching whether it has any relevant symbolism. Lo and behold, it does: Among other things, fairies can represent magic, nature, and...transformation. 

With that in mind, I've put together a magical prize package that will help you transform into a fairy princess in your own right and to live out your fae fantasies. Because you're never too old to believe in fairies (or become one).

One (1) winner will receive a fairy-themed giveaway prize package that includes:

• $50 gift card to Selkie or JessaKae (winner's choice)
• cottagecore wicker mushroom basket purse
• The Complete Book of the Flower Fairies
• pumpkin fairy print from The Art of Stephanie Marie
• Pacifica animal magic eyeshadow palette
• mystic faerie tarot deck
• fairy perfume by Wanderlust Botanicals
• butterfly temporary tattoos
• flower potion stickers
• fairy realm candle
• butterfly hair claw
• acorn necklace

This package is worth over $250! But if you want to win, you must follow the rules outlined below.

All giveaway participants must enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter below. (If you have trouble getting it to load, please try again on your desktop or laptop instead of your mobile device!)

** You MUST complete ALL REQUIRED ENTRIES EXACTLY AS WRITTEN to be eligible to win. ** I will disqualify entrants who fail to complete required entries correctly. Follow all directions so you don't lose out! :)

This giveaway is now open worldwide and will close at 11:59 PM ET on Saturday, November 2nd, 2024. One (1) giveaway winner will be chosen at random through the widget and contacted via the email address provided in their entries, so remember to include a valid email address in your blog post comment! Anonymous commenters must identify themselves clearly so I can contact them if they win. No other platforms will be used to contact winners for this giveaway. The contacted winner must respond to my email within 48 hours of message receipt or a new winner will be chosen. Once confirmed, the winner will be displayed via the widget below. 

This giveaway is hosted and sponsored by The Soubrette Brunette. No other brands or businesses represented in this giveaway's prize selection have contributed or are otherwise associated with this giveaway, nor is the giveaway sponsored by any platform. Note that in the event of stock or availability issues, comparable prize substitutions may be made. This giveaway prize package has no cash value.

Now that you've read the rules, go ahead and enter the giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thank you for entering and best of luck!

BOO BASKET HALLOWEEN GIVEAWAY

Just popping in to say that I'm hosting an Instagram giveaway for a fun and festive "boo basket" filled with seasonal goodies (including Trader Joe's treats, Halloween hair clips, and a jack-o'-lantern purse)! Head over to Instagram to enter the Halloween giveaway!

Where to Have Afternoon Tea in Rochester NY

I've loved tea parties for as long as I can remember. Early on, my mom instilled a love of dressing up, setting a beautiful table, and eating delicious treats. It's a tradition that continues to bring me joy... but tea parties aren't quite as common once you reach adulthood.

I think that's quite silly – and so do many other ladies I know! So I've dedicated my time to finding all of the best places for afternoon tea Rochester NY has to offer! I've put together this guide so that local friends and Western NY visitors alike can enjoy a sophisticated spot of tea at virtually any time.

But before I share my favorite Rochester tea rooms and high tea destinations, let's go over everything you need to know about these special events and how to prepare for high tea in New York state.

What is High Tea, Anyway?

Technically speaking, afternoon tea and high tea are actually two different things. High tea typically refers to a full meal (like an early supper), while afternoon tea traditionally involves just a quick snack or treat to fill the gap between lunch and dinner. The "high" in high tea refers to the high-back dining chairs used by the upper class, in contrast to the garden or parlor chairs utilized by the working class for afternoon teas.

However, most of us in the U.S. use these phrases interchangeably! For the purposes of this guide, you'll find both mentions of afternoon tea and high tea. You can safely assume that all of the places listed here will have more than just a biscuit or scone alongside your cuppa.

What's on a Typical High Tea Menu?

So with that in mind, what's usually included when you go for afternoon tea in Rochester and elsewhere? High tea menus will certainly vary depending on the occasion and venue, but you can usually expect your afternoon tea to include:

• Scones (often served with jam, preserves, and/or clotted cream)
• Assorted finger sandwiches (popular fillings include egg salad, tuna salad, chicken salad, cucumber and cream cheese, salmon salad or smoked salmon, or ham and cheese)
• Savory and sweet baked goods (mini quiches, tarts, cookies, cream puffs, petit fours, cakes, etc.)
• Fresh and/or chocolate-covered fruit
• Assorted hot teas and other beverages
  

I've also attended high teas with special soup, salad, or cheese courses! It's always a lot of fun to see what kinds of dishes are being served and it's a great excuse to try new things. 

That being said, most tea houses are incredibly accommodating of allergies and dietary restrictions if you let them know in advance. It's a lot harder to make those changes on the fly with high tea, so take it upon yourself to find out what's being served beforehand or get in touch with the host to ensure you can thoroughly enjoy your meal!

What is Appropriate High Tea Attire? 

In all honesty, there are no hard and fast rules for high tea outfits. I use these events as an excuse to dress to the nines, but I've also seen attendees wear some pretty casual ensembles. That said, I'd steer clear of wearing jeans and a t-shirt to high tea! A day dress or skirt and blouse are more appropriate. And if you really want to go all out, bring along a hat or fascinator! 

I'll usually stick to light neutrals, pretty pastels, or bright hues rather than jewel tones and dark neutrals, since these events take place in the afternoon. A cardigan or shawl is usually a good touch for events like these, too. As for shoes, a ballet flat, low heel, or wedge heel are great options. 

If you're looking for high tea outfit inspiration, be sure to follow me on Instagram and TikTok for ideas!

Where Can I Experience Afternoon Tea in Rochester?

Now that you know what you might eat and what you might wear to a high tea party, it's time to plan your visit! I've compiled the finest places for high tea Rochester can provide, as well as some tea rooms 1-2 hours from the Rochester area. While I've visited several of these myself, there are a bunch on my to-try list that I'm including! Learn more about each Rochester tea room and Upstate NY teahouse below. Please note: all included dates are for 2024 unless otherwise noted.

Best High Tea Near Me (Rochester, NY Area)

Mad Hatter Restaurant and Bakery – Rochester, NY

Mad Hatter, located right off of Park Avenue in the city, has been one of my favorite breakfast spots in Rochester for years, but they also have a lovely high tea experience. They serve high tea at 1 PM Thurs–Fri. every week, but their weekend tea services are limited to the second Saturday of each month at 3 PM. Note that you must make a high tea reservation via phone or their website. Saturday tea services do sell out regularly, so plan ahead if you're looking for a weekend afternoon tea experience!

For $30 per person, you'll get a personal pot of tea (from their vast selection of organic loose leaf blends), petite scones with clotted cream and local preserves, a variety of tea sandwiches, and petite pastries. Gluten-free and vegan options are available upon request. 

Red Bird Café & Gift Shop – Brockport, NY

Red Bird Café has become one of my favorite spots for afternoon tea Rochester has to offer. It's located on the quaint main street of Brockport (which has some really cute shops!). Not only do they serve a delightful tea in their back dining room – on Saturdays at 2 PM only – but they have a ton of beautifully curated gifts right when you enter the store. 

Enjoy scones, finger sandwiches, quiches, tarts, fresh fruit, a large assortment of teas, and more for $39 per person. This is a truly lovely and serene experience, with delicious food and excellent service.

Geneva On the Lake – Geneva, NY

Best known as a historic wedding venue and boutique hotel, Geneva On the Lake sits on 10 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds in the heart of the Finger Lakes wine region. But a local follower on Instagram let me know that they actually host high tea in Geneva, NY as well! Available on Fridays and Saturdays from 2-4 PM year-round, as well as select dates throughout the holiday season, their afternoon tea looks to be a lovely (if not slightly unconventional) affair.

Unfortunately, high tea pricing is not spelled out on the hotel's website, but the menu indicates that their afternoon tea experience may feature three different types of sandwiches, a flatbread, a yogurt parfait, scones, and several different sweet offerings (including crêpes, éclairs, and cookies), as well as two glasses of Cava and your choice of loose leaf organic tea. It's unclear from the menu whether all of the selections are included, or whether guests are required to pick and choose – but my follower had only good things to say about their tea experience there!

Genesee Country Village & Museum – Mumford, NY (Seasonal)

As a member of Genesee Country Village and Museum, I'm always delighted to see the creative events they come up with – and their seasonal teas are no exception! Typically offered sporadically throughout the spring, summer, and fall, GCVM's teas are always beautifully themed with an educational bent. This summer, their remaining garden teas are scheduled for July 10th and 11th (1 PM-3PM) and include a brief history of croquet, with a game played by their costumed interpreters, as well as a best-dressed contest.

Tickets to this summer's garden teas are $50 per person ($45 for museum members) and include a menu of hot and iced summer teas, savory tea sandwiches, cold strawberry soup, and baked goods from the museum's confectionary. Admission to the museum is also included in your experience! This is a wonderful way to spend the afternoon.

Sonnenberg Gardens – Canandaigua, NY (Seasonal)

Sonnenberg Gardens is a 50-acre public garden and historic mansion estate located close to Canandaigua Lake. It's a treat to tour their themed gardens and the mansion, but their rare seasonal teas actually allow you to experience the property in a whole new way. This year's teas will take place on August 20 and 21 (with a 12:15PM check-in) on the mansion's veranda!

Pre-paid reservations are required for this event. For $65 per person ($60 for museum members), you'll savor a selection of loose leaf teas – including Sonnenberg's exclusive themed blend – along with scones, savories, sweets, and a complimentary glass of wine. Gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options are available. You'll also receive free and exclusive admission to Sonnenberg Gardens from 10AM to 4PMwith your reservation; only high tea guests will be permitted on the property during the weekend. Additionally, you can enter a local raffle or take a guided tram tour of the property during your visit.

Hurd Orchards – Holley, NY (Seasonal)

Hurd Orchards offers a full schedule of beautiful themed luncheons throughout the spring, summer, and fall. If you're a fan of afternoon teas, I'd highly recommend attending one of these luncheons; it's a very similar experience (only heartier!). Of note, afternoon tea lovers might enjoy the "Classic Gooseberry Fool – An English Garden Party Luncheon" on July 17th, the Midsummer Night's Tasting on August 2nd and 3rd, "A Taste of Tart – Sweet and Savory Luncheon" on August 9th, or the Historic Hurd Orchards Luncheon on August 16th, among others.

Hurd Orchards has also been known to host a few formal teas throughout the season. Their Mother's Day tea was held back in May, and while I'm not currently seeing any others on their event schedule, I attended a scrumptious Christmas tea one year – so keep an eye out for new additions as the year progresses. They also offer u-pick fruit and have a stunning store with fresh produce, housewares, and locally made items.

The DeLand House on Main – Fairport, NY (Seasonal)

The historic DeLand House on Main in the village of Fairport is now a private event venue that also houses a secret hideaway called The Blind Pig. They host a number of events, including seasonal teas; while I have yet to experience their high teas for myself, I plan to change that this year! They host both indoor and outdoor teas throughout the year, with upcoming afternoon teas scheduled to take place on July 13th, July 27th, August 10th, September 7th, and September 21st.

For $35 per person, you'll enjoy delicious savory tea sandwiches, a variety of scones, sweet house-made desserts, and great service featuring teas from local vendor Happy Earth. Mimosas, beer, and wine are also available for purchase, with kid-friendly and dietary restriction accommodations also available upon request.

High Tea in New York State (<2 Hrs From ROC)

In doing research for this blog, I found that there are a number of promising places for high tea New York State residents and visitors can enjoy just 1-2 hours from Rochester! While I've yet to visit any of these locations myself, these spots come highly rated – and I can't wait to take a day trip to experience them myself! Here are four places to experience high tea in NY state just a short drive away.

McFarland House Tea Room – Niagara-on-the-Lake

One of two spots for high tea in Niagara-on-the-Lake, the McFarland House Tea Room is a beautiful, glass-enclosed space located on a historic 1800s property. This experience looks like it combines two of my favorite things – delicious treats and historic homes! – so I'm eager to see it for myself. The tea room is open Wednesday–Sunday from 12-5PM (last seating at 3PM), while the property itself is open for tours from 11:30AM to 5PM.

For $40 per person, the menu includes your choice of beverage, finger sandwiches, house-made scones with accompaniments, and house-made desserts. You can reserve a table on their website or by calling the tea room directly. *Both of these Niagara-on-the-Lake tea rooms are must-visits if you're seeing a Shaw Festival show!*

The Drawing Room (Prince of Wales Hotel) – Niagara-on-the-Lake

Located inside the Prince of Wales Hotel, The Drawing Room looks to provide an upscale-yet-whimsical twist on high tea. They offer both a traditional tea service each day from 11AM to 5PM, as well as an intriguing candlelight Highland tea on Friday and Saturday evenings from 5PM to 8PM (which has slightly heavier fare). The stunning hotel also features a spa and two other dining options on-site.

Traditional tea costs $55 per person and includes a section of premium tea, finger sandwiches and croissant sandwiches, assorted pastries, and scones; you can also upgrade to include a local cheese selection, and/or sparkling alcoholic beverages. There are also kid-friendly options, as well as a charcuterie-centered menu. For $65 per person, the evening Highland tea includes a choice of teas, finger sandwiches, scones, a savory steak pie served with Branson Pickle, and a cocktail.

Asa Ransom House – Clarence, NY

Asa Ransom House in Clarence (close to Buffalo, about 1 hour from Rochester) is a bed & breakfast and restaurant that looks to be perfectly quaint. The inn has three levels and also boasts an event space. While they offer dining at Adelaide's, their on-site restaurant, and offer breakfast exclusively for overnight guests, they also host afternoon tea by reservation only on Thursday and Saturday afternoons from 12–2:30PM. (They offer extended seatings for Saturday teas in December from 11:30AM–4PM.)

For $35 per person, tea room guests can enjoy a selection of tea or coffee, finger sandwiches, scones with Devonshire cream and curd (or butter and jam), and a selection of desserts. Offerings change seasonally, but there's a sample menu on their site that sounds just delectable – and I imagine it would be at any time of year!

Lana's The Little House  – Forestville, NY

If you're planning a trip to Lily Dale, Fredonia, or Jamestown, you might want to make a stop in Forestville to have high tea at Lana's The Little House. (Bonus: you can actually rent a room in this storybook cottage and stay overnight – what a dream!) 

Open daily for their Tea & Tour program, you can learn about the 21-acre property, tour its rambling gardens, and enjoy your tea in the dining room for $50 per person. The service includes an unlimited selection of more than 80 blends of tea, as well as homemade scones, butter tarts, and tea sandwiches – plus live music on a baby grand piano!

Alternatives to Tea Rooms in Rochester

While there aren't an overwhelming number of options for afternoon tea in Rochester proper, there are several tea-adjacent alternatives that will wet your whistle. If you're a fan of Rochester tea experiences, you'll want to check out the other businesses on this list.

• Crumpets: A small café on Monroe Ave. specializing in English crumpets with special toppings (you can order full pots of tea, too!)
  
  
• Happy Earth Tea: A local loose tea shop in the South Wedge offering over 60 organic teas and herbal blends available for in-person or online orders
  
  
• Good Life Tea: A Canandaigua-based loose leaf tea and tea ware shop with an online storefront
  
  
• The English Rose Tea Shoppe: Take a short drive to Medina for a beautifully curated store dedicated to loose leaf tea, teabags, and tea accessories
  
  
• The Chai Guy: With locations on Park Ave. and at the Public Market, this customizable chai shop lets you choose your tea base, sweetness level, milk, and flavorings for the perfect cuppa
  
  
• Mochinut: This chain does donuts and drinks right, with unique pastry toppings and options for milk tea, matcha, thai tea, and more – for an afternoon tea experience on-the-go
  
  
• White Rabbit Dessert Experience: While technically not a tearoom Rochester purists will accept, this family-friendly local chain will satisfy your sweet tooth while providing a nice selection of loose leaf teas and hot beverages

Where's a Spot For Afternoon Tea Rochester NY Tea Lovers Should Know About?

Sadly, many places for high tea in NY and tea rooms in Rochester close after just a few years. (RIP, La-Tea-Da!) While researching for this blog post, I came across a number of Rochester tea rooms and high tea locations throughout NY state that have since closed their doors. I plan to update this post on a yearly basis, at the very least, with additional dates and need-to-know info relating to high tea Rochester NY locations. 

That being said, if I forgot your favorite spot for afternoon tea in Rochester and the surrounding areas, please leave a comment and let me know! Or if you'd like more local guides like this, reach out so I can add it to my content list. And if you go to any of these Rochester tea rooms, let me know about your experience! I love taking you along with me when I have high tea, so I hope you'll report back if you visit.

Have a tea-riffic day!

The Soubrette Brunette's 2024 Mother's Day Gift Guide

It's hard to believe, but Mother's Day is just around the corner. And since I've found myself with a bit more free time these days, I was able to put together a Mother's Day gift guide for this year! If you're looking for some last minute Mother's Day gifts or are racking your brain trying to come up with unique Mother's Day gift ideas, I've got you covered. Check out my 2024 Mother's Day gift guide below (or take a look at my previous Mother's Day gift guides for even more inspo!) to find the perfect present for the awesome mama in your life.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, I may earn a small commission (which helps to run my blog and social media channels) at no cost to you. I link only to items I truly love! Thank you for supporting The Soubrette Brunette.

Ideas for Mother's Day Gifts 2024

My Gift Guide for Mother's Day

a.  Le Creuset enameled cast iron petal braiser
b.  Kate Spade strawberry garden satchel
c.  Roar! A Collection of Mighty Women book
d.  Betsey Johnson floral pearl drop earrings
e.  Floral ceramic berry basket
f.  Earl grey tea caddy
g.  Sunflower butterfly feeder
h.  Fir + grapefruit bath bomb
i.  Flower garden vintage puzzle
j.  Colette round porcelain box
k.  Gua sha + face roller set
l.  Enamel hydrangea necklace
m.  Spring garden serving platter
n.  MacKenzie-Childs Rosy Check tea kettle
o.  MacKenzie-Childs honeycomb planter
p.  Chantilly fruit cake stand
q.  Lavender + balsam candle
r.  Bee spoon rest
s.  Glass plant mister
t.  Estee porcelain vase

I hope these Mother's Day gift ideas will get your wheels turning and help you find something your recipient will love. 

Happy shopping!

The Soubrette Brunette's 11th Blogiversary Giveaway: Garden Party Time!

It's hard to believe that another year of blogging has gone by! While I'm not nearly as active on here as I once was (working full-time, owning a home, and having several creative projects on the side will do that to you), I still cherish this space – the outfits I've shared, the friends I've made, and the opportunities that have fallen in my dressed-up lap. 

When I started this blog 11 years ago, I didn't have any idea I'd still be publishing posts more than a decade later... or that I'd be writing for a living... or that I'd be interviewed in several publications... all as a direct result of starting The Soubrette Brunette! I'm thankful I took the leap all those years ago – and that there are still folks who take time to follow along and feel inspired by my personal fashion philosophy.

Every February, I host a big "blogiversary" giveaway to commemorate the start of The Soubrette Brunette and to thank you all for your support along the way. This year is a fun and flowery one! So without further ado... it's (garden) party time!

With help from my friend Val at Sungrove Blossoms, I've really leaned into the floral theme for this year's giveaway and curated a prize package that feels like a garden party in a box! My 11th blogiversary giveaway winner will receive a beautiful, blooming bounty. Keep reading to learn what's up for grabs and how to enter the blog giveaway. 

One (1) winner will receive:

• $50 Ivy City Co. gift card (for the perfect garden party dress!)
• a dried bouquet, artisanal crackers, and Katie Daisy sticker from Sungrove Blossoms
• Floriography: An Illustrated Guide to the Victorian Language of Flowers
• vintage floral veil hat and vintage decoupaged floral purse
• lady head vase brooch by Lipstick & Chrome
• Colourpop "Heavy Petal" eyeshadow palette
• Rifle Paper Co. floral stationery set
• The Secret Garden book vase
• forget-me-not necklace
• pink tulle gloves
  
• assorted teas + other goodies

But if you want to win, you must follow all the giveaway rules below!

All giveaway participants must enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below. (If you have trouble getting the widget to load, please try on desktop instead of your mobile device!)

** You MUST complete ALL REQUIRED ENTRIES EXACTLY AS WRITTEN to be eligible to win. I do and will disqualify folks who fail to follow directions, so triple-check to make sure you've completed all necessary entries! **

This giveaway is open worldwide and will close on 11:59 PM (EST) on Sunday, February 11th, 2024. One (1) giveaway winner will be chosen at random through the widget and contacted via email; no other platforms will be used to contact winners for this giveaway. Remember to include a valid email address in your blog post comment (btw, I'll never use your email address for any other purpose!). Anonymous commenters must identify themselves clearly so I can contact them. The contacted winner must respond to my email within 48 hours of message receipt or a new winner will be chosen. Once confirmed, the winner will be displayed via the widget. 

This giveaway is hosted and sponsored by The Soubrette Brunette, with generous contributions from Sungrove Blossoms. No other brands or businesses represented in this giveaway's prize selection are associated with or have contributed to the giveaway. Note that in the event of stock or availability issues, comparable prize selections may be made.

Now that you've read the rules, you can enter the giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway Thank you for ALL your support and best of luck!