Tea Time

"There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea."    Henry James

My first experience drinking tea was when I was volunteering in high school at a senior living home.  I would join the women for tea in the afternoon.  I came to enjoy drinking tea with sugar and lemon and always remember the elegance of drinking from the china tea cups at the home.

Years later, with Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts at every corner and throw away cups the norm, the pleasure of afternoon tea time in our daily life seems unrealistic.  I decided that  I wanted to add the joy of such a time to our life and planned a tea party with my daughter for some of her friends and their moms.  

I was not the owner of tea cups and began searching.  I saw many tea sets online and found expensive sets in stores.  I decided on a pretty cup and saucer set with flowers and butterflies.  They were somewhat costly and although  I saved them in my online basket I delayed purchasing them.   To my delight, the next day I discovered a shelf full of tea cups at the Christmas Tree Shop.  The cups were almost identical to those I had chosen the day before, they were on sale and I had to pick through to locate 12 cups and saucers.   To add to the joy of the purchase, they were marked from $5 a set to $2 a set and then an additional 50% off.  I was able to buy 12 cups and saucers for $12!!  I was so happy  I couldn't wait to have my first tea party. 

                                                                   My special find


We sent out invitations and served tea sandwiches of turkey with pesto, egg salad, cream cheese with cucumber and as per Scarlett's request, peanut butter and banana.  We also baked scones and served them with the traditional cream and jam and had mini desserts.    

Our tea table

hot tea with lemon, sugar, vanilla milk and honey

iced tea, ice bucket and glasses

 

 

We had a wonderful time.  It was great to sit together and enjoy each other's company while sharing the pleasure of tea.  I am looking forward to our next tea party, and the opportunity to share my beautiful tea cups again.

Pull out your tea cups or begin collecting tea cups of your own.  Invite some friends and share the joy.

Here is a great site with lovely ideas, recipes and tea cups of course!

The Tea Party Place