Eleanor’s Birthday Tea and Tour
On Sale Dates
Friends of Ford House
Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 10 a.m.
Public
Friday, May 15, 2026 at 10 a.m.
Eleanor's Birthday Tea & Tour
Discover Eleanor Ford’s connection to the Detroit Institute of Arts and her passion for the arts.
Celebrate Eleanor Clay Ford’s birthday on Sunday, June 14, 2026, in the Lake Shore Room overlooking Ford Cove. This special tea marks what would have been Eleanor’s 130th birthday and offers guests a deeper look into her lifelong appreciation and support of the arts, including her meaningful relationship with the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA).
Enjoy a chef-prepared tea service served at your table in a beautiful lakeside setting. After tea, explore the Main Residence and grounds at your own pace. Throughout the experience, guests will discover how Eleanor’s passion for collecting, philanthropy, and cultural stewardship helped shape the Ford family’s artistic legacy.
Tickets are sold by table so families and friends can sit together. Space is limited—purchase early to secure your spot for this memorable celebration at Ford House.
Guests will also receive:
- A handout highlighting Mrs. Ford’s relationship with and contributions to the arts
- A map to use during the self-guided tour of the Main Residence, highlighting works once displayed in the Ford family collection that are now part of the DIA’s collection
- Access to view never-before-seen items from Ford House’s collection displayed for this special occasion
Menu
Musicians
carla Rivers-Johnson and jasmine James
Florella Strings is a dynamic Detroit-based duo bringing fresh energy to classical performance. Violinist Carla Rivers-Johnson and cellist Jasmine James blend extensive classical training with vibrant soul and artistry while performing contemporary favorites alongside classical hits, creating an unforgettable musical experience that will have you swaying in your seat from start to finish.
What to Wear
It’s a great excuse to wear your favorite hat or party dress, but you may want to wear comfortable shoes to walk the grounds and up and down stairs.
Pop-Up Shop
Select local vendors will be on-site in the Cove outside of the Lake Shore Room, offering unique and delightful shopping opportunities during the tea. Plus, don’t forget to visit The Shop at Ford House to find the perfect gift!
The Beaute Loft
The Beaute Loft is an artisanal beauty tech studio in Grosse Pointe serving Metro Detroit. That creates handmade soaps, body butters, lotions, bath products, and signature soap fleur bouquets that make perfect gifts for holidays, weddings, and events. Beyond shopping, their studio hosts immersive soap, skincare, and fragrance workshops—ideal for birthdays, bachelorette parties, and corporate team-building. Visit The Beaute Loft to shop unique gifts, book a workshop, or plan your next corporate or private event.
The Spice & Tea Exchange of Grosse Pointe
The Spice & Tea Exchange is a specialty retail franchise offering over 140 spices, 85 proprietary blends, and a diverse selection of loose-leaf teas, salts, and sugars. With more than 85 locations across the United States, each store provides an immersive, old-world spice trader atmosphere, allowing customers to explore and sample products in a sensory-rich environment.
TWAL
TWAL is a Michigan-based design studio creating destination-driven Pop Art and Classic Christmas collections inspired by the places, traditions, and experiences people love most. Founded in Grosse Pointe, TWAL creates gifts, home décor, accessories, and paper goods that celebrate both iconic landmarks and the everyday details that make communities feel like home. TWAL has previously participated in events at Ford House, including Harvest Days, and also creates custom designs and collaborates with retailers, organizations, events, and hospitality partners. TWAL regularly appears at local markets and community events, with retail and hospitality partnerships including Small Favors, Schaap Center, and Hotel Walloon.
SOLD OUT
LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE
ADMISSIONS
- Friends - Table for 2: $140
- Public - Table for 2: $160
- Friends - Table for 3: $210
- Public - Table for 3: $240
- Friends - Table for 4: $280
- Public - Table for 4: $320
- Friends - Table for 6: $420
- Public - Table for 6: $480
- Friends - Table for 2: $140
- Public - Table for 2: $160
- Friends - Table for 3: $210
- Public - Table for 3: $240
- Friends - Table for 4: $280
- Public - Table for 4: $320
- Friends - Table for 6: $420
- Public - Table for 6: $480
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Refund Policy
All ticket sales, memberships, and other purchases are non-refundable. Refunds will only be issued if Ford House closes or cancels an event. In such cases, guests with tickets or reservations will be notified.
Accessibility
At Ford House, we are committed to ensuring all guests can enjoy our events. If you have any questions or need additional information about accessibility before booking your tickets, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. You can contact us at info@fordhouse.org or call 313-884-4222, and we’ll be happy to assist you.
Enhance your visit!
Enhance your experience by becoming a Friend of Ford House where you’ll enjoy exclusive perks like discounts on tickets, dining, and shopping, all while supporting this historic estate. Or reserve a table at The Continental for a perfect lunch or dinner before the event. And review Ford House rules and policies to make the most of your visit.
