Victoria Tea Pleasures 2016

Welcome to our sourcebook for entertaining with tea. Within these pages, you will find useful tips, an array of recipes for parties, and a selection of interesting places that feature lovely tearooms. We believe serenity can be found in enjoying a solitary cup of tea in the quiet comfort of your favorite chair, but we also know the pleasure sharing this flavorful beverage brings. No matter the number or the setting, you are sure to find it restorative. And accompanied with tempting, bite-size savories, sweets, and scones, tea achieves perfection. Serving tea can be as simple or as complex as you wish. For simplicity, a teapot for brewing and a thin porcelain cup for serving are really all one needs. Tea experts insist that the brewing of the beverage be properly timed…

There is nothing trivial about tea. Its consumption is one of modern civilization’s most sublime pleasures, while the ceremonies that surround the beloved beverage are embedded in the very cornerstones of hospitality. Though it is without question the British who elevated the taking of tea to its once and again place of prominence in polite society, history reveals that tea parties were a popular pastime in Europe and in the American colonies for almost a century before becoming the high fashion of England’s aristocracy. The Dutch were among the first not only to widely consume tea but also to serve it with dainty cakes and other delicious tidbits in a convivial setting of friends, flowers, elegant apparel, and cultured conversation. The English expanded tea-party menus, adding a savories course, as well as…

When both the setting and the hostess are warm and inviting, every guest feels welcome and at home; the ultimate goal of hospitality has been achieved. While some lucky people seem to have been born with a special flair for flawlessly hosting teas and other social occasions, others—despite their best intentions— have to first overcome a few obstacles. Above all, consider every aspect of an event from a guest’s perspective, and you will be well on your way to becoming a perfect hostess. MANAGING THE MENU The heart of any get-together is always the food, regardless of the reason for the gathering. After compiling a list of invitees, pull out your favorite cookbooks or catering menus, and start planning a list of treats. Will you be hosting a summer afternoon tea? Make…

GETTING STARTED The first step in planning a tea party is the simplest: putting pen to paper. If you have not yet developed the practice of keeping a journal, now is the time to start. Part diary and part daybook, the ledger will be a valuable tool in planning not only today’s tea party but tomorrow’s as well. In its pages, you can record party themes, personal narratives about potential guests to help in coordinating final guest lists, and a host of other pertinent details. Compile a series of lists to cover the event’s theme and décor concepts, kitchen responsibilities, and sample menus. Once all the possibilities before you are written, consider them carefully until your party begins to take shape. You will have a clear picture of what is available…

Whether it’s tea for two or a buffet for many, a well-dressed table is an integral element of any successful party. Consider this comparison: If a party were a theatrical production, the table would serve as the stage. Designing dramatic yet tasteful tablescapes requires a sense of balance, a little creativity, and a bit of know-how. Try these tips: • A balanced tablescape should include a fabric element, a floral or botanical element, accent pieces, and a light source that enhances without overwhelming or washing out the look you wish to achieve. • The basis of a dazzling tablescape is fine linens. If your selection is limited or you are just beginning your collection, choose solid-colored tablecloths in neutral shades. These can be paired more easily with a variety of sheer fabrics,…

1. Fill a kettle with fresh, filtered cold water. 2. Warm the teapot with hot tap water. 3. Heat the water in the kettle according to tea type: • For black, heat to a rolling boil (212°). • For green, heat to less than a boil (approximately 170°). • For oolong, heat to less than a boil (190°–205°). • For white, heat to much less than a boil (approximately 160°). 4. Discard the warming water in the teapot. 5. Place 1 teaspoon of dry tea leaves per cup of water in a tea sack or an infuser basket. Place the sack or infuser in the teapot. 6. Pour heated water over the leaves in the pot. 7. The brew time varies by type: • For black, steep 3–5 minutes, or to taste. • For green, steep 2–3 minutes, or to taste. • For…