TeaTime July/August 2019

Afternoon tea is the perfect way to beat the late summer doldrums. With the wonderful produce available during this season, teatime menus can be full of fresh, ripe flavors. If the afternoon heat isn’t too oppressive, set a table outdoors and use the blooms in the garden or a pretty picket fence as an inviting backdrop, such as ours on page 40. But if the temperatures or humidity dictate an indoors tea party, blue-and-white teawares—always my favorites—make for a cooling and inviting setting. (See “Teatime with Blue & White” on page 21.) When selecting the china for each of photo shoots, we try to be vigilant about using teacups instead of coffee cups. We prepared “A Cup Primer” on page 39 as an aid in differentiating between them as well as…

Cheers to the British Issue “Received my March/April issue, and I think it’s one of my favorite editions! So many delicious recipes, and the lovely china is presented so beautifully.” JANINE HILDEBRANDT via Facebook “This year’s annual British issue is absolutely my favorite so far from cover to cover!” ANNE CIMON via Facebook Issue Inspiration “Thanks so much, TeaTime magazine, for your beautiful May/June issue! I’m relaxing with my Fortnum & Mason Elderflower, Strawberry and Rose Infusion and cranberry-orange scone as I savor each page. I was inspired by this issue to try this delightful infusion over ice, and I love it for spring and summer!” DEBORAH BADRAN via Facebook Loyal Readers “I’ve been a happy subscriber since 2007 and want to specifically share my appreciation of the Resources for Readers and the Recipe Index. Upon receipt, the first…

Piled High Strawberry Pie Makes 1 (8-inch) pie 9 sheets honey graham crackers4 tablespoons butter, melted2 pounds strawberries1 cup granulated sugar5 tablespoons cornstarch1¼ cup water2 tablespoons fresh lemon juiceSweetened Whipped Cream (recipe follows) • Preheat oven to 350°. • In the work bowl of a food processor, pulse graham crackers until they are fine crumbs. With processor running, pour in butter. Press crumb mixture into an 8-inch pie pan. Bake until lightly browned, 8 to 12 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack. • Wash strawberries and pat dry. Hull strawberries and cut lengthwise into quarters. • In a heavy-bottomed pot, combine 2 cups strawberries and sugar. Mash with a potato masher, leaving some clumps of strawberry. Add cornstarch and stir until dissolved. Stir in 1¼ cup water and lemon juice, and…

July 16 Princess and Heroes Tea Party 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Sweet Remembrances Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania This lovely adult and kid-friendly tea party will be a hit with children as they are entertained by two beloved characters, Elsa and Spidey. Hosted in the Sweet Remembrances Tea Room and the outdoor herb gardens, this summertime gathering is a great way to introduce the little ones to the beloved tradition of teatime. This event costs $30 person, and tickets can be purchased by calling 717-697-5785. For more information, visit sweetremembrancestearoom.com. 20 Hunger Games Tea 6:00 p.m. Erika’s Tea Room & Gifts Clermont, Florida To celebrate the anniversary of the districts from the popular Hunger Games novels and movies, we are seeking “tributes” to attend a fun evening full of trivia and activities. This evening tea features a four-course dinner along…

Handy Dandy Transform your brewing process for loose-leaf teas with this powder blue 24-ounce Primula Addison Tea Maker. ($29.95, crateandbarrel.com or 800-967-6696) Polka Dot Bliss Steep tea in style and keep it hot with this charming 1.5-quart Simple Elegance teapot and matching warmer handmade in Poland. ($79 for teapot/$39 for teapot warmer, janelleimports.com or 860-749-7906) Pretty Porcelain Welcome afternoon-tea guests to the table with hand-painted Ginger Jar Place Card Holders. ($24.95 for set of 4, williams-sonoma.com or 877-812-6235) Wreathed Style Present an array of sweets on a monogrammable Arbor Blue cake pedestal embellished with a garland of leaves and branches. ($80 plus $5 for monogram, caskata.com or 508-242-5573) Seaside Charm Incorporate beautiful coastal blues into your tablescape with Victorian-inspired Annalouise napkins. ($29 for set of 4, aprilcornell.com or 888-332-7745)…

Japanese Sencha GRACE TEA COMPANY gracetea.com • 978-635-9500TEACUP: Spode Colonel Blue “Less than 2 minutes in 160° water brings out the rich umami taste and subtle spinach-like sweetness one expects from this iconic Japanese green tea.” —Lorna Reeves, editor Pomegranate Green MARK T. WENDELL marktwendell.com • 978-635-9200TEACUP: Mottahedeh Blue Lace “Pieces of pomegranate and rose petals mixed among the leaves of this blend produce a delicate, flavorful infusion perfect for a balmy summer afternoon” —Courtni Bodiford, stylist Volcano Green TEA HAWAII teahawaii.com • 808-967-7637TEACUP: Royal Doulton Challinor “When steeped in 140° water for 3 minutes, this handmade Hawaiian tea yields gentle flavors that remind me of ripe pineapples and ocean breezes.” —Leighann Bryant, art director Madame Butterfly LOT 35 us.fairmontstore.com • 800-866-9566TEACUP: Royal Crown Derby Blue Mikado “Intricately handcrafted leaves shaped to resemble a butterfly unfurl to release pleasing notes of jasmine. Each sip feels every bit luxurious.” —Katherine…