TeaTime May/June 2020

come for tea If you want to see me swoon, all you have to do is place a blue-and-white teapot in my hands. And if it happens to be gold-trimmed, I might just get a little weak in the knees. You can imagine how I reacted when I opened the box and pulled out the gorgeous bespoke teapot I’m holding in this picture. I could hardly wait to showcase it on the cover of this issue as well as in one of our tablescapes (page 22). (For more information on ordering this Golden Aviary teapot that was designed exclusively for TeaTime, turn to page 6.) These early summer months give us many wonderful reasons to host a tea party—Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and graduations, among them. As you turn the pages of…

Family Bonding “I love each issue of TeaTime magazine. This past year, my three sisters, my mother, and I have been having what we call ‘virtual tea parties.’ We go through our magazine and pick out a few recipes to make ahead of time, and then we do a group video chat as we enjoy our tea and treats together. I look forward to these, as we live in three different states. It has been an absolutely delightful way to spend time and have tea.” SUSAN TIMMERMANvia teatimemagazine.com “I grew up spending every summer at my grandmother’s, where we would make things from your recipes, and she would teach me about table settings and other important life lessons over afternoon tea. I have since moved North with these fond memories and can’t express…

MAY 9 Mother’s Day Officers’ Tea 11:00 a.m. & 3:00 p.m. USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum Alameda, California All aboard! Gather in the Officers’ Wardroom on the USS Hornet for a delightful Mother’s Day tea service. Partake in an exclusive experience to dine and sip tea from vintage U.S. Navy china while on the historic aircraft carrier. Proceeds from this event, which costs $20 for youths ages 17 and under and $30 for adults, benefit improvement of exhibits and artifacts as well as care at the museum. Tickets for this event also include general admission to the museum. To purchase your ticket or learn more, visit uss-hornet.org. 16 An English Spring Tea on the Farm 11:00 a.m. Miss Spenser’s Special-Teas New Virginia, Iowa Celebrate spring and all things English at a lovely four-course tea accompanied with sandwiches, scones, and sweets.…

Benefits Cinnamon & Blackberry Herbal Tea BIGELOW bigelowtea.com • 888-244-3569 TEACUP: Wedgwood Florentine Turquoise Rim “With a unique blend of spicy cinnamon and sweet and tart blackberry, this herbal tea is perfect year-round enjoyment.”—Katherine Cloninger, editorial assistant Chamomile, Honey & Vanilla AHMAD TEA ahmadteausa.com • 800-637-7704 TEACUP: Rosenthal Blue Danube “Once steeped, this herbal blend produces a lovely, sweet aroma reflected in each sip of this relaxing brew.”—Britt Stafford, associate editor Banana Split Caffeine-Free Fruit Infusion ELMWOOD INN FINE TEAS elmwoodinn.com • 859-236-6641 TEACUP: Royal Albert Moonlight Rose “Laced with a hint of coconut oil, this flavorful fusion of dried fruits—banana, apple, mango, and strawberry—is best served hot.”—Lorna Reeves, editor Market Fresh Herbal Tea LOT 35 us.fairmontstore.com • 800-866-9566 GLASS: Lenox Butterfly Meadow “The bits of fruit, cucumber, and hibiscus in this mélange create a refreshing infusion that can be enjoyed all summer long.”—Janice Ritter, dealer program manager Sundown Herbal…

I still remember my first encounter with a tea sandwich. I wasn’t sitting in the tearoom at Harrods or the Palm Court at The Ritz—those adventures would come later. The setting was a chilly church hall in Paisley, Scotland. I was a member of a male chorus in the spring of 1979 when we made our first European concert tour, beginning in Scotland. Fresh off an overnight flight and with only a few hours before our first performance, we were treated to a late afternoon tea prepared by our hosts. Pots of strong black tea were poured to awaken us from our jet lag as trays of savories and sweets were piled high on the buffet table. Sitting down to this generous repast, I mentioned to my wife, Shelley, that I…