Start a Tea Party Tradition…

When I was 3 years old one of my favorite things to play with was a miniature porcelain tea set in a small wicker suitcase. I’d sit my dolls and stuffed animals at my play table to have a tea party several times a week. My mother wasn’t a tea drinker so she would fill my teapot with water or juice. My grandmother would fill it with the real deal; tea with milk and sugar. Tea parties are a tradition I still carry on today, and why I have a collection of teapots. There is nothing more heartwarming than putting on the kettle for good friends. Sharing a cup of tea with friends during happy times can be a spiritual experience. During sad times it can be quite healing.  There are so many kinds of delicious teas to choose from. I love black tea and white, but I also enjoy green tea, chamomile and several herbal teas. Tea’s health benefits are attributed to polyphenols (a type of antioxidant) and phytochemicals. I start each day with lemon tea – lemon in warm water detoxifies the liver and aids the digestion. Another favorite of mine is a delicate medley of spearmint and peppermint tea, it soothes the stomach and clears the mind and the sinuses. Hosting a tea party in todays uncertain times is a nice way to unwind and bond with old friends and new ones. Setting a pretty table when having a tea party is a good excuse to use some of your nicer cups and dishes (pictured is one of my settings). It doesn’t have to be expensive ware though, any cups and dishes will do. The company you invite is much more important. Be sure to have a variety of teas in a basket for your guests to choose from – and some delicious cookies, pastries or cake. So, put on the kettle and invite some friends over for tea and fun conversation. You’ll be surprised how it will catch on and soon you’ll be invited to others tea parties. Don’t forget to have tea parties with your children, it’s a tradition that will stay with them forever. They will always think of you whenever they sip tea – and some day they may even host their own tea parties.