Innehållsförteckning för January - February 2008 från TeaTime

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…

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…

At the start of the New Year, we all make resolutions to try different things, set new goals, and focus on what’s important. Getting healthy is usually at the top of the list. This year, think mind, body, and spirit: Read a good book, take a walk every day, and enjoy the powerful benefits of sipping tea. As if you needed another reason to enjoy your favorite pastime, many types of tea are remarkably good for you. Green, white, and black teas are packed with natural antioxidants. So go ahead, pour that second cup and sip to your health. In the spirit of wholesome living, this teatime menu features delicious sweets and savories that won’t weigh you down. And lightening up doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor. Just remember the…

Roses A nosegay of fresh garden roses and miniature red roses is an ideal way to designate where the guest of honor will be seated. For an even more lavish effect, decorate each of the other chairs with a smaller nosegay of similar or complementary flowers. The lovely fragrance is yet another delightful detail for your tea. The smallest detail can have the greatest impact in determining the ambience of a gettogether. Whether it’s heirloom teaspoons, delicate monogrammed linens, or another festive element in your décor, taking care of the small things will make your guests feel special. Though simple to assemble, chair embellishments are a perfect way to add thoughtful detail to any fête. Made with colors and elements that correspond with the table theme, these decorations can be…

Cover/Enchanting Details Cover and Page 10: All china~Haviland in “Louveciennes.” Lindsay’s List Page 12: Photo frames~available at Wisteria Cottage. Rose Soap Petals in Apothecary Jar~by Gianna Rose Atelier. Cachepots~by Two’s Company. Floral plates~by Room Service Home. Rosebud bowl~by Kirkland’s Home. Inviting Words Page 14: Hostess Journal~by Pamela Barsky for Anthropologie. New Year, New You Tea Page 16-23: Blue and white cake stand~by Spode, available at Hobby Lobby. Blue and white dishes~available at Hobby Lobby. A Valentine’s Day Tea Page 28-39: Cherub~T.J. Maxx. Flowers~by Tana Avery for Dorothy McDaniel’s Flower Market. Cherub~T.J. Maxx. Paper box~Michaels. Teapot~HomeGoods. Cake stand~America Retold. Heart-shaped plates~Williams-Sonoma. Chair Embellishments Page 40-41: Ribbon~Michaels. Picture frame~Hobby Lobby. Beaded ribbon, cherub box, and gold wreath ornament~Michaels. Brown satin ribbon~Hobby Lobby. The Tea Experience at The Greenbrier Page 42-28: The Greenbrier Cookbook~available…

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…

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!…

Folded napkins can be used in a multitude of creative ways—use as place-card holders or a clever spot for the silverware. Add colorful flair to the table by placing fresh flowers on top of a simply folded napkin. In the stylish court of Louis XIV, there was no such thing as overindulgence. His opulent banquets were known for the lavish food and equally lavish table décor. Platters of fruit and roast lamb, and trays piled high with decadent desserts were accented with glistening crystal glasses and sparkling silverware. Instead of a mere square of linen, napkins intricately folded into whimsical figures were placed next to the plates. It was there that the art of folding napkins became synonymous with sophistication. Bring the same sophistication to the tea table with a…

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.…

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…

FRUIT STUDDED SCONES The addition of sugary dried and candied fruit makes The Greenbrier’s delightful scones so sweet almost no sugar is needed—or used—in the recipe. FRUIT STUDDED SCONES Makes about 2 dozen 2-inch scones 13/4 cups all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 4 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, cut in pieces 1/4 cup mixed candied fruit (cherries, apricots, pineapple), very finely chopped 2 tablespoons dried currants 3/4 cup milk 1. Preheat the oven to 400°. Grease a baking sheet. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. With a pastry blender or your fingers, cut or rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the texture resembles coarse meal. Add the fruit and currants. 2. Add the…

Though chocolate-covered cherries seem a long-standing Valentine’s Day tradition, in the timeline of chocolate, this creamy, sweet confection is but an infant. Chocolate had been a cherished luxury for centuries, but it was not until 1875 that Swiss chocolatiers perfected the manufacture of milk chocolate. An all but instant hit with the buying public, the delicious discovery—and the demand that followed—paved the way for filled bonbons a few decades later and the chocolate-covered cherry in 1929. Today, this union of flavors not only holds old-fashioned appeal, it also creates a sumptuous treat for tea lovers on Valentine’s Day. Tart dried cherries, rich chocolate, and a light, creamy dough create a moist and flavorful scone. Baked by the dozen and served with lightly whipped homemade almond crème, the mouthwatering combination is…