TeaTime January - February 2008

New year—new opportunities. That’s how I view the coming of January. One of my resolutions for 2008 is to “take time for self,” and to that end, I pulled one of my favorite books by contemporary philosopher Alexandra Stoddard from the shelf and immersed myself in her very inspiring, yet practical, writing. “Single days experienced fully add up to a lifetime lived deeply and well. Today is your life—not yesterday and not tomorrow. If we have tomorrow, it will be a gift, but what we do today, right now, will have an accumulated effect on all our tomorrows. Living well is a habit, and rituals improve and reinforce good life habits,” writes Alexandra in her book Living a Beautiful Life. Adopting a daily teatime ritual can certainly bring an added measure of…

Cell phones and hand-held computers have produced a noticeable decline in people’s public manners. The focus is more on the gadgets than on respecting others. It’s a “me” era that demands immediate access and instant gratification. Why bother with other people? Well, as someone who wants to build a more humane attitude, I believe it’s time for us all to reclaim civil behavior. And in the spirit of change and civility, I urge everyone to practice these electronic protocols. After all, technology and manners can be compatible—if we make an effort. Cell Phone Etiquette If you are in a theatre, church, restaurant, or business meeting, set your phone to “vibrate,” or use the caller ID feature for screening options. For an emergency call, excuse yourself and move to a private area to talk.…

A Cup of Kindness Inspired by traditional folk songs of his homeland, Scottish poet Robert Burns first published the song “Auld Lang Syne” in the eighteenth century. More than two centuries later, it remains traditional to sing the song of departure at the stroke of midnight as one year ends and another begins. The soulful chorus is the heart of the song, and the familiar words urge us to “take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne,” an ode to “days gone by.” This year, on January 1, take a moment to do just that—honor the old as you welcome the new, and, of course, share a cup of kindness, and tea, with those you cherish.…

Eternal symbol of romance and beauty, the rose is perhaps the most classic and beloved of all flowers. The timeless bloom, a favorite of poets and gardeners alike, has been treasured for more than 3,000 years for its sweet scent and delicate petals. Both Greek and Roman mythology include fables about the beginnings of the rose, suggesting that the flower was born of beauty and love. Give your winter a rosy outlook with these flowery finds just in time for Valentine’s Day. 1. A vessel holding beautiful, fragrant roses should be as lovely as the blooms. An enchanting bouquet displayed in these Victorian-inspired cachepots is the perfect way to say, “Be mine.” 2. Nothing complements smiling faces more than pretty flowers. Cottage-chic frames surround photos with a spray of roses and add…

ENTERTAINING DIARY Though a woman may be born with the inclination to entertain, the skill and organization needed to do so well requires keen organization. An entertaining diary or hostess journal can help coordinate every task along the way, from guest lists and contact information to seating arrangements and menus. Available in most stationery boutiques and many bookstores, an entertaining diary—an indispendable accessory for the clever hostess—will prove helpful for all your future tea parties. And it makes a lovely hostess gift when it’s your turn as guest!…

ENJOY A WARM WINTER TEA TRADITION A cup of soup is a delicious way to begin the delightful respite of Afternoon Tea. Often served at the start of a full tea, warm soup can be especially comforting when the weather outside is chilly. Winter is the perfect time to incorporate delicious root vegetables in tea menu planning, and here, parsnips are showcased, blended with cream into silky perfection. The parsnip, ivory in color and shaped like a carrot, dates back to ancient Roman times. This once-ubiquitous ingredient was treasured for its sweet flavor and high starch content. Over time, the parsnip was edged out of many recipes by mild-flavored potatoes. Give this unique vegetable a try in this scrumptious, velvety soup. Its nutty sweetness pairs pleasantly with many tea varieties and…