St. Patrick's Day tea table: Irish tea, Irish linen and a bit o' green

Hello TEA Friends,

Holidays provide inspiration for tea time tablescapes and St. Patrick's Day is no exception. Key ingredients for a March 17th afternoon tea table include Irish linen, green accents and, of course, great Irish tea.

During a recent visit to Kristea's tea gift shop in Berkely, we were motivated to start our own St. Patrick's Day tea table after viewing their seasonal tablescape on display. The retailer's eye for design and attention to detail comes together with emerald-hued plates and glassware accented with a hunter- green plaid tablecloth.

Inside the store, we also spotted some beautiful Irish linen napkins with a shamrock pattern on the border - what an elegant crumb catcher for our McVities' Digestives.

Back at home, we put the kettle on for some hearty Irish tea and set out to furnish our finest Irish afternoon tea table. Using cherished family treasures, I took out my grandmother's light green depression glass tea cups and dishes and set them on a beautiful Irish linen tablecloth from my mother-in-law. With such finery, only the best of tea would be suitable and we had just the one. My good friend, Joni, just back from a trip to Ireland, brought me a tin of Bewley's Dublin tea. After one sip, it went right to the top of my favorites' list.

St. Patrick's Day tea time should be an elegant affair. With fine design and excellent tea, it can be achieved. However, we reserve commenting on what occurs after tea time. What happens on St. Patrick's Day, stays in St. Patrick's Day!

Top O' the Morning/Evening to all!

Barb