As spring approaches, the cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C., and its surrounding areas come into full bloom, bursting into a spectacle of pink and white that draws more than a million visitors every year.

Many of the city's popular tea services go all-out with cherry blossom-themed blends, bites and decor. State of play: Afternoon tea is increasingly popular in D.C., especially at luxury hotels — though more casual places are joining the fun (most require reservations regardless).

The tradition of cherry blossom festivals in the U.S. dates to 1935 in Washington, D.C. That’s when the National Cherry Blossom festival was launched to honor Japan’s 1912 gift of some 3,000 trees. Not only do these celebrations in communities around the country persist as symbols of international peace and friendship,