The Joy of Tea
The world over loves taking tea!! From New York, to Paris, London, Japan, Hawaii, India, China and beyond… Today, I'm sharing the joy of tea. From different varieties to serveware, here are the ways the world enjoys this delightful drink.
TL;DR
Today, Marlene is sharing the joy of tea
Marlene deep-dives into everything from the different varieties to how different cultures enjoy the pastime of tea-drinking
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The Joy of Tea
1. For the Love of Tea
With luscious sweets, and savory treats…. the charm and romance of tea unites! Our senses awaken with its delicate scents, and delectable tastes, in modern and traditional settings! Southern Belles and Gents alike take their teas with ceremony and love!
Some celebrate with teatime for special occasions, others enjoy it when traveling, yet many enjoy it daily at home…morning, noon, and night!
Collectors are inspired by more than 350 varieties and blends, a wild array of tea-drinking vessels, and accessories in every imaginable design!
Tea Strainer Loose Leaf Tea (Etsy) | The Ritz London Book of Afternoon Tea: The Art and Pleasures of Taking Tea (Amazon | Baccarat Dom Perignon Champagne Flutes, Set of Two (Neiman Marcus)
Aficionados of Tea, Pastries and Specialty Foods adore the ritual together. Numerous cultures and locales around the world have devoted entire businesses to its ceremony, history and joy! Think Hotels, Restaurants, Salons, and Antiquarians and exceptional Dinnerware companies …
Visitors to The Ritz London, Paris, New York, or Maui can enjoy the elegance of High Tea and beauty.
This 14 February, they are offering a Rosé Champagne Valentine’s Day Afternoon Tea at The Ritz in Mayfair. You “Choose from a variety of 18 loose-leaf teas and indulge in a selection of delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and a mouth-watering range of pastries.”
Who can forget tea at the famed Palm Court - The Plaza - New York or at the beautiful Plaza Athénée after an afternoon of shopping?
Bernardaud Galerie Royale Bleu Nuit Dinnerware Collection (Bloomingdale's) | Bernardaud Galerie Royale (Replacements) | Bernardaud Tout Paris Dinnerware Collection (Bloomingdale's)
The Bernardaud’s French Limoges Galerie Royale Bleu Nuit – Bleu Night is new for today’s generation of tea lovers, reminiscent of the original from their Salon on Rue Royale!!
Mandarin Blue Salad Plate (Ralph Lauren) | Herend Chinese Bouquet (Neiman Marcus) | J Seignolles Balmoral Celadon (Gracious Style) | Haviland (Gracious Style) | Raynaud (Gracious Style) | Royal Crown Derby (Gracious Style) | Royal Crown Derby Derby Panel Green Saucer (Neiman Marcus) | Mottahedeh Blue Canton Dinner Plate (Gracious Style) | Blue Willow Salad Plate by Royal Stafford (Replacements) | Spode, Billingsley Rose Pink by Old Backstamp Replacements (Ltd.) | Royal Albert (Bloomingdale's)
2. Tea & Serveware Companies
French and English Dinnerware companies love the tea ceremony: Bernardaud, Raynaud, J Seignolles, Haviland, Haviland Parlon, Royal Crown Derby, Spode, Wedgwood, Royal Albert, and more! Whether Bone China, Porcelain, Ceramic or Stoneware, all are beautifully inspired! Of course, tout le monde loves it too…every country now shares the passion!
Early on, French tea companies acknowledged this worldwide enchantment and have now extended their offerings for us to enjoy. Among them are Dammann Frères, Kusmi Tea, Fauchon, Mariage Frères and Palais des Thés.
Mariage Freres International Earl Grey French Blue Tin (Horchow) | Mariage Freres International Rouge In Love Tea Set (Horchow) | Mariage Freres French Tea: Three Centuries of Savoir-Faire (Amazon) | Dammann Freres Tea My Little Boutique Tea Set (Neiman Marcus) | Kusmi Tea Tea Travel Kit Gift Set (Neiman Marcus) | Fauchon Tea Gift Box (Horchow)
Of course, Mariage Frères is my love. It’s also the most famous and one of the earliest …since 1854! I love giving and receiving all!! Their extensive selections are elegant, fragrant flavours and packaged in beautiful, collectible black tins. Many are available in sachets (teabags). Marco Polo is certainly one the best loved with a mysterious blend of fragrant Chinese and Tibetan flowers.
Ladurée Tea Time: The Art of Taking Tea (Amazon) | Laduree: The Savory Recipes (Amazon) | Ladurée Macarons (Amazon) |The Story of Tea: A Cultural History and Drinking Guide (Amazon) | The Book of Tea (Amazon) | A Social History of Tea: Tea's Influence on Commerce, Culture & Community (Amazon)
Ladurée opened a tea room/restaurant on the elegant Champs-Elysées and soon followed with London, Dublin, Geneva, Monaco, Tokyo, Milan, and New York. Today, many of their delicate recipes are available in the US to enjoy. This certainly exemplifies the international LOVE of teatime! Pastry chefs rejoice!! Volumes like Ladurée Tea Time: The Art of Taking Tea are lovely gifts too!
3. How to Drink Tea
England has an extremely long history with Tea – as I have shared with an earlier post celebrating our dear Queen Elizabeth II’s June Jubilee… A Very British Tribute. Hope you enjoy it again.
Her favorite, English Twinings opened Britain's first known tea room in 1706 London, and happily it continues to this day!! Wild!! Queen Victoria granted them it’s first royal warrant and they have had this incredible honour of supplying every successive British Monarch ever since!
Enjoying the luxury of tea is wonderfully egalitarian! No need to be royalty, to delight in the virtues and even its numerous health benefits!
Many teas are named in honor of Earls, Royals and those famed for their love of a particular blend! We all have our favorites, don’t we? Black, Green, Blue, Red, Herbal or White!
For health and simple pleasure, it’s said the Chinese drink tea throughout the day, with meals, in lieu of plain water. Their famed porcelains and tea equate beautifully. Famille Rose continues to be a pattern well-loved and collected by tea and antique lovers alike.
Mixologists over the years enjoy creating specials that mix spirits with tea – Vodka, Bourbon, Whiskey, Gin and Rum! Of course, Champagne is ever present at High Tea!!
Might we want to try an Earl Grey Cocktail, named for the Prime Minister of the UK in the 1830s to celebrate a beautiful Valentine’s Day 2023?
Fauchon Chocolate Hearts Box - Bergdorf Goodman | JOY Macarons Fruit and Florals Assortment | Neiman Marcus
However you choose…cheers and enjoy a very special 14 February!!
With Love ~ xoxo MMK
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Marlene,
I always enjoy reading your stories, and the photos take me on new adventures…but I especially enjoyed this entry. I often feel like a tea lover surrounded by coffee fans! I LOVE tea! And oh, do I wish those 2 yummy cakes could jump off of my computer screen, HA! And the beautiful blue tea pots!
And now I will go make myself a cup of herbal tea!
Thank you for the fun!
Mary Ann