TeaTime November/December 2018

The words “come for tea” are like music to our ears, especially at this time of year, as there are so many wonderful holidays to celebrate in this fashion. If you’ve been fortunate enough to be invited to such an event, you’ll find in this issue a plethora of lovely items that would make great hostess gifts—think flavored teas and tisanes, festive teaware, books about tea, and other thoughtful things. If you haven’t received such an invitation, why not host your own afternoon tea? There are plenty of recipes, tea pairings, and other ideas for Christmas and Thanksgiving within these pages, not to mention table settings for both, as well as for New Year’s Eve. With the cold winds of winter soon upon us, a trip to visit the tea places…

Scottish Teatime “The July/August 2018 edition of TeaTime magazine featured an article on The Willow Tea Rooms in Glasgow, Scotland. I recently visited Glasgow, and I was privileged to enjoy tea at the newly restored Mackintosh at the Willow Tea Room located at 217 Sauchiehall Street. I also visited the Chinese Room at the Willow Tea Rooms on Buchanan Street. After reading the article in the magazine, it was such a joy to actually visit these famous tearooms.” CAROL ANN NICKLE via teatimemagazine.com Loving TeaTime “I love TeaTime magazine SO much! If I didn’t have a full-time job, I would have a tea party every day using TeaTime recipes and party planning ideas!” NANCY CONLEY via Instagram “Received my very first issue today in Australia. I love all the pretty teapots/ cups and the beautiful full-page…

November 3 & 4 San Francisco International Tea Festival 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Ferry Building Marketplace San Francisco, California This two-day event is perfect for tea lovers around or visiting the San Francisco area. Festival attendees will be able to taste different teas from nearly 40 vendors, have access to hundreds of different brews for sale in the tea market, and learn from professionals all about the beloved plant and beverage. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit sfitf.com. 10 Hairspray Tea 6:00 p.m. Erika’s Tea Room Clermont, Florida Rat-up your hair and follow the beat to Erika’s Tea Room for an evening inspired by the music and characters of the popular musical Hairspray. Sing along to your favorite tunes and enjoy a four-course themed menu accompanied by four different teas. This event also includes trivia…

Holiday Classics Enhance your tablescape and add a bit of whimsy with these adorable Nutcracker Napkin Rings inspired by the beloved Christmas ballet. ($9.99 for set of 4, worldmarket.com or 877-967-5362) Cup of Cheer These adorable Christmas Tea Mugs and Spoons are sure to put you in a jolly mood with every sip. ($22.50, mudpie.com or 678-397-0170) Seasonal Sweetness With 10 scrumptious blends, like Blueberry Cinnamon Crumble, Coconut Macaroon, and Crème Brûlée, among others, this Dessert Tea Sampler Gift will delight your sweet tooth. ($27.95, svtea.com or 800-282-8327) Argent Wares Adorned with silver trim and images of festive botanicals, Wedgwood’s Winter White set of four teacups and saucers will thrill any fine china enthusiast. ($239.95, wedgwood.com or 877-720-3486) Stay Cozy This Christmas Insulate hot tea and adorn your teapot with holiday flair with this Thistledown Holiday Medley wrap-around tea…

Red Panda Chai TRAIL LODGE TEA traillodgetea.com TEACUP: Royal Crown Derby Paradise Maroon “A just-right blend of green tea, orange rind, and warming spices (cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger) makes this a great choice for the holidays.” —Lorna Reeves, editor Noel CHADO TEA chadotea.com • 562-801-9600 TEACUP: John Aynsley Gold Dowery “Before you even add hot water, the wonderful aromas of cinnamon and orange stir the Christmas spirit. Once this black tea is steeped, flavors of vanilla and almond linger.” —Janice Ritter, dealer program manager Rum Raisin Biscotti TEA FORTÉ teaforte.com • 800-721-1149 TEACUP: Wedgwood Whitehall (Artis Green Rim) “The nutty flavor of almonds and the fruity taste of raisins bathed in rum create a rich and decadent black tea that requires no added sweeteners.” —Katherine Cloninger, editorial assistant Holiday THE LARKIN TEA COMPANY larkintea.com • 304-707-0142 TEACUP: Noritake Fleurgold “This blend’s aroma only hints at its sweet flavor…

There is something magical about the combined aromas of cinnamon, citrus, and cloves that sparks memories of holidays past. Years ago, I blended a tea with all these ingredients, and during a sampling session, one staff member took a sniff from the cup and exclaimed “That’s Christmas in a cup!” Voilà! My new holiday blend had a unique name, and it soon became a best seller. A similar combination of tea and spice launched America’s second largest tea brand in 1946 when Ruth Bigelow created a blend in her New York City kitchen. She shared her concoction with a friend who served it at a party to delighted guests. “Ruth, there was nothing but constant comments about your tea!” the friend reported. Ruth’s husband, David, began packaging the spiced tea with hand-lettered…