TeaTime May/June 2022

come for tea The pleasant temperatures of May and June, along with the blooming flowers of summertime, beckon us outdoors to enjoy afternoon tea alfresco, and in this issue, we are happy to oblige. Our Mother’s Day tea party (page 23) is set in a charming garden, where the serene sounds of water falling into a koi pond and the occasional croak of a frog are more melodious than almost any chamber music, making it the perfect setting for enjoying meaningful conversation. Seasonal produce shines in our “Summer Garden Party” menu, also set against a lush natural backdrop, beginning on page 49. For our celebration of Dad on his special day, we opted for a nautical theme indoors (page 35), though it would certainly be lovely outside, too. Calm moments over afternoon…

Rave Recipe Reviews “TeaTime magazine has the best recipes, but there doesn’t seem to be a way for me to post my glowing reviews. The Creamy Parsnip & Leek Soup with Chocolate Brioche Croutons is divine, and more people need to know how delicious it is!” @PICKLES_THE_BASSETHOUND via Instagram High Tea? “First, I would like to say how much I enjoy your magazine. The subscription was a gift from my aunt. In your November/December 2021 magazine, I fell in love with your classic Christmas display using the Noritake 175 china. I liked it so much I went on replacements.com and purchased the teapot and teacups. My question comes from taking high tea at some local tea shops here in Oregon. My question is, does high tea involve soup and salad along with the scones, savories,…

MAY 7 Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea Tasting 3:30 p.m. Tea’s Me Community Café Tarkington Park Indianapolis, Indiana Join fellow tea lovers in an afternoon of fun to celebrate Mother’s Day. Attendees will have the opportunity to try several new blends and brews and learn about the myriad of health benefits found in the various teas. A few tasty bites will be offered as well. Treat your mother, aunt, or grandmother to this delightful event, which costs $20 for adults, and reserve your spot by visiting teasmeindy.com. Limited seating is available. 7 & 8 Mother’s Day Tea 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Serenity Garden Teahouse & Café West Palm Beach, Florida Bring the special women in your life together for a lovely Mother’s Day Tea. The menu for this celebratory occasion includes Cranberry & Orange Scones, a bowl of Sweet Potato and Pear Bisque,…

Heartwarming Read Enhance your library with Clovis Keeps His Cool, an endearing picture book that will teach young tea lovers the importance of grace and patience. ($15.49, amazon.com) Paper Pretties Add an element of whimsy to your tea table with these easy-to-assemble Truly Alice Teapot Cake Stands, which are just the right size to hold a standard-size cupcake. ($11 for set of 6, talkingtables.com or 888-982-5546) Marvelously Miniature Grace your table with the porcelain Tea For Me, Too! tea set, perfectly sized for little hands. ($116, rosannainc.com or 866-767-2662) Darling and Durable With the cute Birdie Afternoon Tea Set, featuring rubberwood treats on a wooden stand, children will love hosting their dolls and teddy bears for tea parties. ($50, store.moma.org or 800-851-4509) Fit for Royal-tea Choose magically themed blends from Bellasia Tea’s Royal Tea Collection for delicious caffeine-free infusions…

Peaches n’ Cream Oolong PLUM DELUXE | plumdeluxe.com TEACUP: Royal Crown Derby Cotswold “This blended tea is beautifully complemented by notes of peach, apple, and apricot to create an infusion that is delicious hot or iced.”—Courtni Bodiford, stylist Formosa Fancy Oolong SIMPSON & VAIL | svtea.com TEACUP: Spode Peplow “Bold in flavor yet also gentle thanks to subtle hints of honey, the brown leaves of this Taiwanese oolong yield a lovely light amber cup.”—Katherine Ellis, associate editor Pouchong Oolong Sweet Jade Dew GRACE TEA COMPANY | gracetea.com TEACUP: Lecot Dusty Blossom “The hand-rolled leaves of this lovely oolong unfurl when steeped to release a pale liqueur with a marvelous, smooth flavor and subtle floral aroma.”—Shelby Duffy, editorial assistant Shangri-La Oolong THE TEA SHOPPE | theteashoppewv.com TEACUP: Royal Crown Derby Derby Days (Surrey Shape) “The twisted leaves of this Nepalese oolong yield slight spice and floral…

I am often asked, “How did you get into tea?” My answer is tea got into me. I didn’t set out with an intention to have a life in tea. Tea entered my life and said, “Let’s have an adventure!” At age 21, I first encountered tea outside the United States when I drank hot tea at breakfast in the Middle East. Later, I celebrated afternoon tea in the grand hotels of London. Eventually, I drank tea only hours old in the high-mountain gardens of Darjeeling. Tea was a passion that soon became my vocation. The ancient beverage has taken me around the world and introduced me to fascinating friends. I consider these acquaintances to be fellow members of my extended tea family. In The Book of Tea, Okakura Kakuzo refers to those…