Your personal Versailles experience: High Tea and 18th century French glamour

In celebration of the National Gallery of Australia’s exclusive Versailles exhibition, and International Women’s Day, End2End Events is hosting an opulent high tea on Thursday 23^rd March from 3:00pm to 5:00pm.

Held in the Sculpture Garden of the National Gallery, the Autumn High Tea is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to escape work and the 21^st century, and immerse yourself in a French-inspired vintage setting with herbal teas, French patisserie and delicacies, and beautiful baroque music.

Both men and women are welcome to attend. There will be a number of surprises and lucky door prizes to giveaway on the afternoon. Those who purchase tickets early will also go into the draw for a 2 for 1 pass to the 28^th French Film Festival, presented by the Alliance Française at Palace Electric Cinema (until April 9).

End2End Events have partnered with a number of local suppliers to create a world of french finery and elegance, with vintage furniture (supplied by A Vintage Look Furniture Hire and Fox Antiques) and live music from Leonard & Helena (award-winning harp and violin musicians from the Canberra Youth Orchestra).

Guests who would like to purchase jewellery to wear to the event are being offered 10% off any statement piece from Devine Goddess. Simply mention that you are attending The E2E Autumn High Tea at any of the three Devine Goddess stores.

Marwa Rida, Director and Conceptual Event Designer at End2End Events says, “I have great admiration for the lifestyle of 18^th century France and specifically life at Versailles Palace. It was a beautiful and dramatic period in world history, and to have a piece of it here in Canberra at the National Gallery is very special.

We are making the most of it by creating an event where Canberrans can really take part and celebrate French culture – by getting dressed up and walking into an 18^th century French setting, complete with music, food, tea, French champagne and more…all in the beautiful surrounds of The Sculpture Garden.

Even though it’s a work day, it will be quite a networking opportunity. We encourage people coming straight from work to bling it up with some Devine jewellery or change if they feel like getting more into the spirit of the event, though we realise this may not be possible so the official dress code includes work or lounge suit attire.”

The E2E Autumn High Tea will also pay homage to the most iconic woman in French history (who spent most of her life at the Palace of Versailles), Marie Antoinette. The Sculpture Garden setting will imitate the way Marie is said to have liked to enjoy tea with her guests La Société particulière de la Reine, with the gallery in the background providing the perfect imitation of the Versailles Palace.

“It’s going to be an amazing event on an ordinary day. We are really looking forward to transporting people out of 21^st century work and into 18^th century French extravagance.”

The Autumn High Tea will be held on Thursday 23^rd March at 3:00pm. You can purchase tickets directly from Eventbrite.

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