High Tea Hunter Valley

High tea in the Hunter Valley comes with a creative twist at Hollybrook Hunter Valley, a valley farm at 2269 Wollombi Road, Sweetmans Creek. Its private Art N Sip High Tea is built for groups of 8 or more, setting out bubbles and a tiered spread of sweet and savoury bites while a host leads everyone through a painting.

That mix changes the feel of the afternoon. Instead of a formal sitting, guests have something to do with their hands and something to talk about, and each finished canvas goes home with the person who painted it. The sessions are adults-only and BYO wine, so it reads more like a long, relaxed celebration among friends than a tea-room booking.

Hollybrook lists bridal showers, baby showers and hens parties among the groups it hosts, along with 30th, 40th and 50th birthdays, reunions and team days. Prices start From $88 per person, and as it's a private booking the table is your group's alone.

Points to settle when you enquire:

• Head count: the private high tea starts at 8 guests.
• Guest list: sessions are for adults only, so check before inviting younger family.
• Drinks: bubbles come with the tea, and you can bring wine of your own.
• Take-homes: every guest leaves with their canvas, which doubles as a memento of the day.

Planning a celebration around it? See ideas for a bridal shower or a baby shower in the Hunter.