From the Revolutionary War onward, tea has never truly regained its once-prominent place in American culture. So when Gerri Gwarnicki relocated from her native Ireland to the Chicago suburbs, she decided to reintroduce the concept of high tea to her neighbors. To give the experience a proper feel, she dons Victorian attire before manning her vintage teacart. As guests recline in the quaintly decorated tearoom, she brings out trays filled with cups of steaming tea and a choice of eight finger sandwiches, such as the classic cucumber and watercress or the open-faced roquefort and pear slices. When the chattering and clinking of antique dishes and silverware slows, she refills her cart with a range of English desserts. Guests can try one of the assortment of petit fours and pastries, a slice of homemade rhubarb and apple pie, or the homemade scones layered with fresh lemon curd, strawberry preserves, and soft fluffs of devonshire cream. Gerri also curates events for little girls, in which they can sample the high tea while donning playful hats and learning the proper etiquette for eating your napkin.