TeaTime July/August 2020

come for tea Tea is a powerful beverage, one that has played a key role in world history for centuries. The mere thought of that amazes me, and yet, I cannot imagine doing without tea. By the same token, I daresay that many of us never thought we would have to do without going to afternoon tea at our favorite tearooms or would be prevented from attending a tea festival, traveling abroad, or hosting a group of friends for teatime in our homes. And yet, as I write this letter, the novel coronavirus has forced us to cancel or change plans, including the re-scheduling of our TeaTime retreat to London and Lancashire, England, from May to now October 2020. (Turn to page 12 for the new dates and to find out…

A Stirring Story “I have just finished reading my January/February issue of TeaTime magazine and wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed the story by Elizabeth Poteet [page 61]. She is a wonderful writer, and I felt particularly envious of her relationship with her father and tea. Thanks for sharing such a heartwarming story! MAY KITAGAWA via email TeaTime Tea Sandwiches “Thank you for sharing and showing the most lovely finger sandwich shapes, fillings, and decorations. I needed plain yet delicious and good-looking sandwiches for traveling to an event. Using these ideas will make me feel like a professional. Kind regards.” ELIZE BUCHANAN via teatimemagazine.com Appreciation for TeaTime “I start looking for the next TeaTime magazine as soon as I receive your current one. Every page is so interesting, filled with new tea information, and the settings are…

JULY 11 Celebrate America Teatime 10:30 a.m. Anna Marie’s Tea Shop Liberty, Missouri Show your appreciation for the United States of America at a red, white, and blue celebration full of food, tea, and camaraderie. Sip, savor, and socialize at this patriotic tea party honoring those who have contributed to our privileges in this country. This event costs $28 per person. Reserve your spot and learn more by calling 816-792-8777 or visiting annateashop.com. 15 Princess and Heroes Tea Party 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The Rosemary House and Sweet Remembrances Tea Room Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania Parents and children are invited to an unforgettable afternoon tea spent among beloved characters. Hosted in the herb garden, this outdoor festivity, which costs $30 per person, is a perfect summertime activity with a menu everyone will love. To hold your place at this event, call 717-697-5111. For…

Perfect Cup The gorgeous Camellia teacup and saucer instantly elevates teatime to an elegant affair. (£70.00, fortnumandmason.com or +44 20 7734 8040) Commemorative Blend Harney & Sons celebrates The British Galleries at The MET with a tea-riffic tribute to England’s long-time favorite beverage. (Read more on page 54.) ($10 for 20 sachets, harney.com or 888-427-6398) Bespoke Collection This keepsake set from Newby, decorated with drawings by English designer Matthew Williamson, includes three specialty blends. ($150 for boxed set or $45 per caddy, newbyteas.us or 917-819-0574) Classically British The iconic Big Ben caddy from Ahmad Tea comes with a varied selection of beloved English teas. ($15.50 for 40 teabags, ahmadteausa.com or 800-637-7704) Modern Beauty Adorned with black-and-white botanicals, this stylish three-tiered cake stand by British artist Sarah Horne is perfect for almost any tea table. ($139.99, tasteofbritain.com or 770-242-8585) Charming Details Insulate…

Fortnum & Mason’s Queen Anne Blend WILLIAMS-SONOMA williams-sonoma.com • 877-812-6235 TEACUP: Wedgwood Charnwood “Just one sip of this commemorative blend will tell you it was created with royalty in mind. Its tippy Assam and FBOP Ceylon teas yield a smooth, yet full-bodied, infusion.”—Lorna Reeves, editor We Are Tea’s Super Berry Infusion Tea MARK T. WENDELL TEA COMPANY marktwendell.com • 978-635-9200 TEACUP: Royal Albert Serena “In addition to a beautiful bright liquor, this bagged tisane releases a fruity taste that requires no additional sweetener. It is an idyllic drink for summertime.”—Courtni Bodiford, stylist English Breakfast AHMAD TEA ahmadteausa.com • 800-637-7704 TEACUP: Wedgwood Hathaway Rose “This British brew offers a bold taste from the blend of Assam, Ceylon, and Kenyan teas. For an authentic cup, enjoy with milk or sugar, or both!”—Katherine Cloninger, editorial assistant Ringtons’ Fairtrade Earl Grey TASTE OF BRITAIN tasteofbritain.com • 770-242-8585 TEACUP: Royal Albert Moss Rose “Those…

As German bombs fell on London in September 1939, the British government faced a dilemma they had feared for some time. How would they protect the vital commodity that fueled an empire? That fuel was tea. The London tea auctions, begun in 1679, soon came to a halt, and the Ministry of Food commandeered the nation’s tea stocks. Mincing Lane, the center of London’s tea trade, was bombed in 1941, and half of the brokers’ offices and records were destroyed. More than 8,000 tons of tea were damaged that year. By 1942, most of the contents of 30 tea warehouses along the River Thames had been dispersed to 500 locations across the country for safekeeping. Attempts at rationing took place, but somehow there was always tea to be had. The Rationing Division went…