TeaTime May - June 2007

Our office is abuzz with talk of romance. Our recent and soon-to-be brides are comparing notes on favored china patterns, best colors for bridesmaids’ dresses, and what to serve at a wedding reception. So many decisions to make in such a short period of time! My advice is to select a china pattern that reflects your lifestyle and that brings a smile to your face each time you use it. For bridesmaids’ gowns, try to choose a color and style that will be flattering to all your attendants. And for the reception, plan an event that will be remembered as an over-the-top special tea, complete with the most beautiful and delicious foods, and an array of teas, hot and cold. With our wedding-bound co-workers as inspiration, the TeaTime staff set about planning…

Q I am engaged to be married, and I am not certain about the protocol for sending wedding invitations. Should I also send a “save-the-date” card, or is this necessary? A First, send a save-the-date card, simply because people are so busy today. Once this notice is received and posted on a guest’s calendar, your invitation will be expected to arrive four to six weeks later. Q Some of my dear friends are planning a bridal tea in my honor, and I am not sure whom I should suggest to pour the tea. Should I suggest my bridesmaids, my aunts, or my sister? A It is considered an honor to be asked to pour tea at an Afternoon Tea. The role of the tea pourer involves the most stylized and personal element of…

Celebrating tea is an occasion rich in tradition and love, making it the perfect match with all things wedding. The care put into brewing a soothing pot of tea and preparing magnificent morsels for friends and family to enjoy is similar—on a smaller scale—to the planning required for wedding preparations. But the joy of sharing both events is immeasurable, and the memories priceless. The beauty of a tea gathering is that, unlike a wedding, it can become a lovely custom repeated frequently among your family, and an even lovelier way to spend time with your husband. Toast a new marriage with a tea, and continue for years to come celebrating that union in the same way, keeping the same setting or favorite menu to remind you always of that original sweet…

The Bridal Book is more than a keepsake of the wedding day—it is an invaluable tool to help brides organize thank-you notes for gifts, and an address book that will assist in assembling guest lists for future events. Because this book is one you will want to keep—and use—choose one that will be an elegant addition to your favorite writing desk. Also, let your Bridal Book serve as a happy reminder of your wedding every time you thumb through it. Along with the names and contact information, leave space for guests to pen in a special sentiment about the ceremony, or the reception afterward—whatever they might choose to share. These lovely comments will glow in your memory and help build lasting connections with those who provided them.…

Any occasion for tea is special, but when an upcoming wedding is the reason, there is something especially meaningful to celebrate. An aura of excitement fills the atmosphere, and love is literally in the air. To share the many emotions surrounding an engagement and marriage, friends and relatives traditionally give showers for the bride-to-be, and a tea party has been a staple for years in the selection of events. A bridal tea, though, isn’t just an everyday tea. This gathering beckons planning, enough sparkle to match the gleam in the bride’s eyes, and extra attention to detail. With so much going on, why should the bride be the only one with a book to help her plan? Try our suggestions for planning a perfect Afternoon Tea for the special bride in…

From an early age, we realize there are basic tea wares you need, and imagination will only take you so far. The experience of tea is made finer not only with pretty teacups but also with a seemingly endless supply of tea accoutrements. And because a complete tea service suitable for anyone past the age of six is hard to find all in one box, it can be intimidating putting together a collection worthy of an adult. From strainers to caddies to sugar tongs, the options can be overwhelming. But once you have the basics in your cabinet, or displayed in your dining room, the rest will fall easily into place. First and foremost, a teakettle is a convenient appliance to have on hand. Today a kettle typically remains on the stove…