Innehållsförteckning för March - April 2009 från TeaTime

When the March winds seem to blow in sunny April days, I am ready to move my Afternoon Tea breaks outdoors. The patio is welcoming with the bright blooms of annuals I have planted; however, the spot that offers me serenity amid my day is an area I call “the outdoor room.” The open circular space was created several years ago when a hurricane downed trees within a copse, leaving a fringe of trees around the edge. With a little planning and planting, we created an inviting spot, perfect for entertaining as well as for solitary moments. If the idea of an outdoor space dedicated to the pleasures of tea appeals to you, perhaps you will follow the tips in our article titled “Basking in Sunlight” and create a blooming…

With great gossamer wings that outscale the tiny heft of its body, a butterfly will flutter off course with even the slightest breeze. The dizzying flight of these exquisite creatures is, nonetheless, a calming sight and a reassuring sign that, after a long hibernation in the shadow of winter, dear spring has arrived and is here to stay. And as we are beckoned outdoors to enjoy our morning’s first cup of tea, a garden setting envisioned with luring colorful butterflies is as calming and comforting as the beverage we have chosen. Indeed, no finely appointed tea table can match the simple pleasure and pure majesty of a canopy of butterflies flitting here and yon in a sea of spring flowers. Through the trials and errors of science, we have come…

As th e calendar days of March unfurl into April, people from Okinawa to Tokyo gather in clusters of a few and groups of many to watch with quiet admiration as the flowering cherry tree, or sakura, begins to bloom. Adrift with blossoms of white and petalsoft pink, groves of trees burst forth with color and splendor across the Japanese countryside, at temples, and in parks. There, people celebrate the spectacle with viewing parties known as hanami. The centuriesold custom venerates not only the radiant beauty of the trees, but also their all-toobrief blooming cycle, often only a week from bud to falling bloom. Today, the observance of cherry blossom season, which remains sacrosanct in Japan, has been embraced with festivals in the United States, from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C.…

Easter is a time when adults reflect on many of life’s deeper and more somber themes, but for little ones, it is a holiday of immense promise and pure joy. From filled baskets of candy and confections left bedside before dawn to laughter-filled searches for hidden dyed eggs, Easter, for children, is a day of surprises—all of them happy. Add to the seasonal fun with an Afternoon Tea designed for the children in your life. Set a small-scale table with linens and china in shades that mimic the delicate pastel hues of Easter eggs. Add pint-size teacups and saucers, utensils, serving dishes, and diminutive plates, and little hands won’t fumble as they partake in the celebration. And don’t forget a take-home sweet or keepsake—one that will serve as a lasting…

Often, something simple to create can make a dazzling impression—such is the case with a Napoleon. Traditionally, the confection is made of layer upon layer of puff pastry and rich custard, but as a tribute to the sunny spring days ahead, our simplified take on the classic is light and refreshing. Tart-sweet sorbet is layered with crisp featherlight meringue for a beautiful teatime dessert. The sorbets—a medley of raspberry, mango, and lime—mingle in a lovely dance of springworthy flavors, while the airy crunch of meringue adds a perfect contrast of texture. Though it’s quite simple, the colorful combination makes a stunning springtime treat that’s sure to impress. SORBET NAPOLEONS Makes 4 servings 4 large egg whites ½ teaspoon cream of tartar ½ cup fine sugar ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract Fruit…

Cover Anna Weatherly “Springtime” china, available at Bromberg’s Fine Jewelers, brombergs.com. Lindsay’s List Page 12: Honey Blossom Soap, $13.99, and Bee Bar lotion, $10.95, available at honeyhousenaturals.com. Ceramic dish by HomArt, $12.99, available at Four Seasons Antiques and Art, 4seasonsantiquesandart.com. Honey soaps by Produits Naturels, $14, available at Marguerite’s Conceits, 205-879-2730. Honeycomb teapot, $24, and cup and saucers, $48 set of 4, available at victoriantradingco.com. Page 13: Accent plates, $28 set of 2, and tumblers, $24 set of 4, available at Williams-Sonoma, williams-sonoma.com. “Heart of Provence” metallic gold on brown wallpaper, $61.99 per roll, and “Villa Classic” metallic gold on beige wallpaper, $51.99 per roll, by Seabrook, available at seabrookwallpaper.com. Note cards by Felix Doolittle, $5 each, available at felixdoolittle.com. Natural beeswax candles, $2.95-6.95, by Thornberry Creek, available at tbkgift.com.…

USE THE FOLLOWING CHART AS A BEGINNING TEMPERATURE GUIDE, AND THEN EXPERIMENT • Black tea: 4 to 5 minutes at 212° • Oolong tea: 4 to 7 minutes at 195° to 210° • Green or white tea: 2 to 5 minutes at 165° to 175° the tea • Use fresh, whole-leaf tea from a reputable tea merchant. • Keep tea stored in an airtight tin away from heat, light, moisture, and odors. the equipment • Invest in a good-quality kettle (electric or stove top) to heat water to the proper temperature. • Purchase a teapot that is heavy enough to hold heat. Porcelain is often best. • Use a basket infuser or disposable paper tea filter to hold loose tea in the teapot. (A tea ball does not allow the…

There are many milestones in a child’s life, but perhaps the most meaningful is also one of the first. On the day of their christening, little ones are showered with love and attention as their friends and family gather to celebrate the beginning of a new life. A delightful way parents can share the joy of this day is by hosting a tea for those closest to the wee one. A spread of beautiful bite-size tea foods that please grownups and children alike makes a lovely after-church celebration. Set the table with a nod to childhood—request baby photos from each of your guests before the party, and place the photos in coordinating frames. Display the framed pictures as part of the table décor. Tiny silver cups and pastel-hued china add…

Welcome Springtime Anticipation lingers as we await the first fresh breath of spring. Henry David Thoreau describes this presentiment best: “I am on the alert for the first signs of spring, to hear the chance note of some arriving bird, or the striped squirrel’s chirp, for his stores must be now nearly exhausted, or see the woodchuck venture out of his winter quarters.” Like an old friend, the time we’ve been looking forward to has finally arrived, bringing an abundance of growth. The rich colors of nature begin to emerge in every corner of your world, as butterflies frolic among delicate young blooms and fresh buds appear like the rising sun each new day. Brimming with inspiration, nature reveals a positive energy, rejuvenating the heart and soul. Take in all…

An inspiring Austin, Texas, teacher and mother delights in cooking for an enchanting tea party with recipes that keep children at the forefront. Spring is the perfect time for a whimsical tea party adorned with sweet pleasures. And teatime memories often begin around an adorable small-scale tablescape with friends wearing the loveliest of dress, a magical time-honored tradition darling young girls dream about. To commemorate such an occasion, author Barbara Beery created Pink Princess Tea Parties, a cookbook filled with recipes fit for a princess. Known as the “Queen of Kids’ Cuisine,” Barbara is the quintessential children’s cooking instructor. In Pink Princess Tea Parties, she features more than just tea and cakes. Simple step-by-step recipes such as Sweet Chai Tea and Sugar-and-Spice Cider teach the fundamentals of creating a magical…