Tea Thought for Today

Tea should not be an exhibition of the things one owns. Instead, the purity of one's heart should be displayed.

. . . Sen Rikyu

A little statement to consider during this time of the year when we are busy accumulating gifts for family and friends. Do not forget the gift of time -- the most precious of them all.

Looking forward to sharing a cuppa with my family and friends soon,

The Tea And Hat Lady.

Tea Wisdom . . .

What part of confidante has that poor teapot played ever since the kindly plant was introduced among us? Why myriads of women have cried over it, to be sure! What sickbeds it has smoked by! What fevered lips have received refreshment from it! Nature meant very kindly by women when she made the tea plant; and with a little thought, what a series of pictures and groups the fancy may conjure up and assemble round the teapot and cup.

-- William Makepeace Thakery

Take a break today from all the holiday preparation by filling your tea cup, and enjoy! Peace and Calm will be yous!

The Tea And Hat Lady

Until, . . . .

Elegant Fall Tea Luncheon

I had the pleasure of accompanying a friend to a lovely tea today at the Messiah Village Retirement Center in Mechanicsburg, PA. The menu offered many delicious foods with eye-catching elegance. The culinary staff certainly remembered that we eat with our eyes first in preparing the presentation of  today's luncheon.

One of the highlights of the tea was being able to enjoy our tea in one of the resident's collection of antique bone china tea cups and pots. I found that even "tea bags" provide a tasteful cuppa when served in an antique bone china cup. Fortunately, the tea bags selected where among the very best -- Harney & Sons Fine Tea. One must search far and wide to find better tasting tea bags than Harney & Sons Fine Teas.

I especially enjoyed the Ginger Peach tea paired with the Pumpkin Bisque and Pumpkin Scones with Egg Nog butter. What a delight to enjoy pumpkin prior to the onset of Thanksgiving and Pumpkin Pie.

This tomato rose on top of greens was centered on each plate of tea sandwiches. Everyone found it fasinating as well as a work of art. I always find it amazing to see what artisans do with vegetables, fruits, and butter.

Today's tea luncheon was a welcomed escape from what was the typical Pennsylvania Fall gray skies and drizzle of rain type of day. Thank you Nancy for inviting me, the culinary staff at Messiah for preparing the delicious luncheon, and Ricki Cook for organizing the event.

Sharing Tea Adventures One at a Time,

The Tea And Hat Lady