Spring

Afternoon Tea

 

 

 

 

Spring is like awakening from a restful slumber.  Everything is fresh, renewed.  A crocus wiggles its way through snow.   A litter of puppies arrives, a foal is born.  The first of the vegetables emerges.  We are reminded that life is a cycle of bounty, to plant, reap, enjoy once again.  Spring is a particularly important time in the growing of tea.  The first "plucking" (harvest) occurs between March and April, kind weather permitting, with slight variations from country to country.  These first leaves are the tenderest, providing a nearly ephemeral taste in the cup that is different from the flavor of teas from summer or autumn.

 

Of all the seasonal hallmarks, the spring equinox means the most to me.  It is a gentler change of seasons, a slow-moving moon and sun, a time for reflection on the past and on hope for the future.

 

 

 

 

Tea is like a hug and a handshake;  something about it warms friendships and inspires confidences.  Though we don't always stand on ceremony with good friends ~ mugs will do for that marathon chat at the kitchen table ~ it's also fun to honor them with the flourish of a tea nicely presented.  Whether you invite four or fourteen to tea, stick to what works best for your own home and personal style.  Though in an earlier day the hostess poured, asking each guest in turn his or her preference, you might let them fix their own tea (made ahead very strong) and dilute it with hot water to taste.  Small tables within reach ~ no one really likes balancing a cup and saucer on a knee~ and miniature, varied delectables that fingers or little plates can handle gracefully help put everyone at ease.

 

 

Pretty linens, pretty tea cups and saucers (don't have to match), small plates, shiny flatware, delicate napkins, some fresh flowers, a little something each guest can take home (a basket with seed packets is nice for spring).  Great food.  Nice music in the background.  You have a tea party just looking for a place to happen.  Keep it simple, allow your guests to serve themselves, relax and enjoy your party.

 

PS . . Tablecloth is available for purchase.

 

 

 

Menu

 

Daffodil cake

Coconut Pecan Muffins

Apricot Bavarian Cream

Smoked Turkey Sandwiches

Scones with Devonshire Cream

Red Radish Tea Sandwiches

Shortbread Flowers

Chocolate Truffles

Savory Tartlets

 

Recipes for Our Spring Afternoon Tea

 

Other Uses for Tea

 

Tea-Dye linen fabrics or tired looking white cottons and prints:  blouses, drapes, nightgowns.  A mixture of black tea and plum tea gives a soft pinkish cast.

 

Create "Antique" Documents or a treasure-hunt map.  Roughly tear the edges of a firm white paper, crinkle it up, then spread it out.  Run a hot tea bag over the paper, blotching here and there. If the look is not aged enough, let the paper dry, then blotch again.

 

Soothe sunburn or bee stings with a chilled used tea bag or used leaves.  This is also an excellent poultice for puffy or tired eyes.

 

For a facial, put plenty of chamomile tea and hot water in a large bowl.  When the steam is safe, bend over the bowl, your head tented by a towel, and feel the steam open your pores.

 

Give your plants a boost by treating them to your leftover tea.  Mix used leaves (not in bag) into houseplant or garden soil.  Roses love it.

 

 

 

 

Remember. . . . Love isn't like a reservoir.  You'll never drain it dry.  It's much more like a natural spring.  The longer and the farther it flows, the stronger and the deeper and the clearer it becomes.  Live, laugh and love!

Have a wonderful spring!