TeaTime November/December 2020

come for tea This year has been one most of us probably won’t soon forget. Some will remember it as a year of challenges, changes, and even of losses, while others will cherish it as a time of refocusing priorities and investing in relationships and pastimes in entirely new ways. I hope that in either case, you have found it possible to enjoy afternoon tea in some form as a daily ritual and that it has provided a sense of calm in the midst of these unprecedented times. Our creative team has been busy developing the delectable recipes and inspiring settings in this issue to help you usher in the holiday season in grand style whether you celebrate Hanukkah or Christmas. Some of the foods are tea-sized, but others are larger and…

September/October Praise “I was screaming with delight when I walked my dogs (Strider & Gimli) to the mailbox and discovered your autumn edition: gorgeous! As we strolled back through the forest, I scanned the pages: this has been a spectacular TeaTime year, but I think you outdid yourself with Sept/Oct! Every spread showcases lovely table-scapes and recipes and resources. The feature on Grandma Rae was especially interesting, as I am also a seamstress. As we strolled, I spotted a bush loaded with wild huckleberries—I used the magazine mailing sleeve to hold them and will use the berries in your ‘Fruit-filled Goodness’ recipe when I host October Book Club and a ‘Forest Friends’ tea.” MICHELLE PARNELL ROHRER via email Recipe Testing “Love your magazine—have been getting it since I fell in love with my first issue…

NOVEMBER 14 A Thankful Tea 10:30 a.m. Anna Marie’s Tea Shop Liberty, Missouri Friends, family, and cozy tea—these are just a few of the things we are truly thankful for this year, and every year. Welcoming friends to tea at Thanksgiving is an expression of gratitude toward friends and all the blessings they have brought to your life. Invite your loved ones for a celebration with tea and fare inspired by the season. This event costs $28 per person. To learn more or purchase your ticket, call 816-792-8777 or visit annateashop.com. 14 Titanic Tea Party 1:00 p.m. Belle Grove Plantation King George, Virginia Get your first-, second-, or third-class ticket and be ready to step back to a period of luxury, elegance, and five-star service at a Titanic-themed tea party. Set in the historic surroundings of the Belle Grove Plantation, this event…

Chai Rooibos ELMWOOD INN FINE TEAS elmwoodinn.com • 800-765-2139 TEACUP: Tirschenreuth TIR8 “Anyone looking for a caffeine-free chai alternative will thoroughly appreciate this blend of South African rooibos with cardamom, cinnamon, and clove.”—Courtni Bodiford, stylist Organic Masala Chai TRUE LEAF TEA COMPANY trueleaftea.com • 713-218-6300 TEACUP: Royal Crown Derby Old Imari Holiday “This award-winning black tea is most worthy of any accolades it receives. Well balanced with cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger, it also has pleasing hints of clove and pepper.”—Lorna Reeves, editor Earl Grey Masala Chai VAHDAM TEA vahdamteas.com TEACUP: Royal Gallery Queensberry “The hint of bergamot quintessential to aclassic cup of Earl Grey combined with vibrant chai flavors makes this a unique and refreshing blend when craving a beloved favorite.”—Britt Stafford, associate editor Double Spice Chai BAHATI TEA COMPANY bahatiteacompany.com • 417-619-8818 TEACUP: Christian Dior Dior Christmas “A mixture of brisk black tea and an impressive assortment of…

When my wife, Shelley, opened her central Kentucky tearoom in 1990, I would often stand in the foyer of the Elmwood Inn and chat with guests as they departed. Time after time, they would say, “You know, we never drink hot tea, but we consumed two full pots this afternoon! Where can we buy more?” “You cannot find good loose tea in America,” I replied. “You will have to come back for another teatime.” It did not take us long to realize that America was rediscovering its thirst for quality tea. We quickly added a retail tea shop and eventually a tea company to supply tea to other tearooms and retailers across the country. Thirty years later, and amid a pandemic, we can see how deeply tea has immersed in our culture. As…