TeaTime January - February 2007

A new year holds such promise—a clean slate, 365 new days, fresh pages in the day planner, just waiting for our notations of appointments, luncheons, parties, work, and vacation days. Don’t forget to pencil in personal time for relaxing with a cup of tea and TeaTime magazine. A new year also brings changes, and we have incorporated a few, beginning with this issue. We are introducing Lindsay’s List, with the hope you’ll enjoy seeing and reading about products selected by our photo stylist, Lindsay Keith. You have seen her beautiful and creative work in the pages of our magazine, and we want you to benefit from her time spent scouting for props for our photo shoots. Another change allows us to expand our spotlight on individuals whose work goes hand-in-hand with the…

Q What is an acceptable age for me to take my young child to experience tea in a tearoom? A The age depends on the child’s maturity and exposure to dining in public places. Since children take cues about table manners from their parents, practice with your child at home. Present your child a written invitation to join you at tea, explain how the tea is poured, the addition of sugar and milk, and describe each course and how it is eaten. Then, practice, practice, practice. This can be a fun and educational experience for you and your child. Q Which tea blends are suitable for using when I am introducing my child to tea? A All fruit herbal teas may be used. I recommend a fruit infusion such as “Strawberry Kiwi” which…

I awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving for my friends, the old and the new. — RALPH WALDO EMERSON Commonplace at dinner parties, wedding receptions, and corporate affairs, the toast can also be a celebratory touch at a seated tea. Easy-to-make cards bearing a written toast can be used to add a special touch to each place setting. Choose a verse that is signifi- cant to the guests, or one that speaks to the occasion. Or, write your own heartfelt sentiments on cleverly assembled take-home cards. To make, cut cardstock 5x7½-inches and attach 4x6-inch decorative scrapbook paper by using double-sided tape. Embellish with the selected verse or thoughts. Fold down 1-inch of the top edge. Using a pushpin or a ⅛-inch hole punch, make small holes in the top, approximately 2-inches…

“Simplicity, simplicity, simplicity.” Thoreau was really onto something with that cry. And what better time to get back to basics than with the New Year and its promise of a fresh start? Get inspired with some of Lindsay’s favorite vintage tea-related pieces. 1. Here’s proof tea will never go out of style. Once commonly available, Tetley and Bigelow tea tins are now lovely antique accents for your home. Group them, use for small storage, and admire the timeless choice of tea. 2. The difference is in the details with these dainty porcelain place cards. Decorated with a sprinkling of flowers, these are the perfect tabletop complement to an afternoon tea. 3. Do you like the look of classic design but yearn for modern day practicality? Then the Classic Teakettle by Chantal was made for…

Some mark February 14 on their calendars with flourish while others simply brush the day off as a holiday built on an empire of heart-shaped boxes and wilted rose petals. But we prefer to imagine the possibilities rather than dwell on the negatives. We believe that love and devotion can be expressed with pastry and tea. We believe setting aside a special day to honor love, in all its many forms, is a wonderful idea. And most of all, we believe that whatever you give, you will receive—many times over. For this reason, on February 14, we encourage you to join us in celebrating Valentine’s Day, to accept the love you are offered, and to share that love with others in equal measure.…

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE MIGHT BE FRIGHTFUL, BUT THIS FLAVORFUL SCONE IS SIMPLY DELIGHTFUL. Let the classic combination of cinnamon and pecans carry you back to Saturday mornings spent in flannel pajamas and fuzzy slippers, munching cinnamon rolls at the kitchen table. Back then, this breakfast served as fuel for a day of making snowmen, sledding, and maybe even ice-skating. This grown-up version serves a slightly different purpose. Whether you’re savoring scones and conversation with friends, or warming by the fire for an afternoon tea break, you’re sure to add this creation to your list of teatime favorites. And there’s no need to fret about spreads and such for this sweet treat. Made with sour cream, this scone is perfectly moist and delicious, with or without a dollop of our Honey Cream.…