Detroit Institute of Arts was the first museum in America to purchase a Van Gogh: One hundred years later, exhibit (and tea) honor the occasion

DIA's Van Gogh in America exhibit pairs nicely with Artisan Blend tea

Celebrating Van Gough in the D

with a cup of tea

and enjoying it all 

tremendously

For those of us who live in Michigan, the Detroit Institute of Arts is a place of Motor City pride.  As noted in their website, this museum's collection is among the top six of the country. 

Established in 1885, the DIA moved to its current Woodward Avenue location in 1927, five years before Diego Rivera began his "Detroit Industry" fresco in what is now known as the Diago Court and only four years after it acquired Van Gogh's "Self-Portrait, 1887".  What makes the latter purchase even more remarkable is that the DIA was the first museum in the United States to buy a Van Gogh painting. 

The Van Gogh in America exhibit includes 74 of the artist's work, including Starry Night

Coinciding with the 100 year anniversary of that purchase, the DIA is hosting a "Van Gogh in America" exhibit. It consists of 74 of Van Gogh's works from around the world and tells the fascinating story of the early promotion of the artist's paintings in the United States.

Barb and Pam of BTS take a tea break at the DIA cafe

Chris and I attended the exhibit last month with friends (and BTS team member), Pam and her husband, Quint and we all gave it a collective "two thumbs up".  Among the well-known Van Gogh paintings, such as "Self-Portrait" and "Starry Night", was one of my favorites, "Vase with Carnations".  Amazingly, that floral still-life dons the Artisan Blend/Van Gogh tea sold in the gift shop and, yes, I bought a tin to take home.

Vase with Carnations serves as inspiration for Artisan Blend tea

"Carnations from the Garden" tea is a tasty blend of black and green tea, rose and cornflower petals as well as jasmine and chrysanthemum blossoms.  I like it, but, I believe I like the packaging even more. The glossy black tea tin wrapped with a miniature "Vase with Carnations" adds a bit of color - and culture! - to my kitchen counter. 

 

Although the "Carnations in the Garden" tea time can be enjoyed anytime, the "Van Gogh in America" exhibit runs only through January 22, 2023. For more information on times and tickets for an exhibit you won't want to miss, see the DIA website. 

Happy National Gingerbread House Day!

Getting a jump start on the holiday at a gingerbread house display and contest this past weekend

Today is National Gingerbread House Day and I celebrated early this past weekend in our "up north hometown" of Lewiston.  As part of a grand Christmas holiday celebration, the town hosted a gingerbread house contest, and the entries were both varied and extremely impressive.

According to National Days Today, the gingerbread house tradition started in Germany in the 1800's.  Historians trace the custom to Grimm's fairytale, "Hansel and Gretel" where an evil witch lures children to her home made of gingerbread. The storybook abode served as inspiration for creative bakers and, as Germans immigrated to the US, the custom continued in America.

Various themes and ages competed in the gingerbread house contest

However, per the History Kitchen, gingerbread houses were known to be made in Germany as early as the 16th century as part of a Christmas tradition. This source does note, though, that the popularity in this confectionary construction is associated with the early 19th century children's story, "Hansel and Gretel".

Some of the gingerbread houses had decorated interiors as well as exteriors

Event.stuff cites the reason for National Gingerbread House Day, which is "universally celebrated" on December 12th, is "to make these delightful desserts and honor the custom of making gingerbread houses". They also provide a list of five ways to celebrate this holiday and BTS shares its take on all of them.

1.  Join in gingerbread house amusements

2.  Coordinate a gingerbread house challenge

3.  Get imaginative with design

4.  Drink a gingerbread latte

5.  Assemble a gingerbread house

I'm creatively lumping categories 1 - 3 with my visit to Lewiston's gingerbread house contest. My friend, Vicky (of Antiques Depot and Harry's Cabin), alerted me to the sweet competition. Although I did not have anything to do with the coordination, I did participate in an engaging tour of the display and exercised my right to vote judiciously and deliciously.

Again, as a passive participant, I did take in the incredible designs from a keen 7-year old artist's cabin with an open roof for viewing the interior kitchen (complete with tiny mugs of cocoa) to a savvy retail merchant's Halloween town. Also in the mix was a slightly leaning old barn, whose real-life inspiration can be seen just a few miles out of town. Gingerbread houses took on a wide range of  amazing shapes and sizes.

Crooked barn gingerbread house 

As of this afternoon, I haven't even looked up who won. I think I may speak for most who attended and that is, they were all winners and certainly lived up to the spirit of National Gingerbread House Day, creating delightful desserts and honoring the custom of gingerbread houses.

Inspiration for barn gingerbread house close to town

Now then, getting back to Event.stuff's five ways to celebrate, running down to number 4, which is to drink a gingerbread latte. Of course, I'm drinking tea, but still, sort of, on topic. This year's Advent Calendar from Adagio nailed the occasion. Tea for December 12th is "double ginger" and it's as warm and tasty as the holiday.

Celebrating gingerbread house day with double ginger tea from Adagio's

As for the final item in things to do for National Gingerbread House Day, I have yet to create my own gingerbread house. But, I'm thinking of what I might devise for 2023. If you've suspected I may build a gingerbread tea house, I will say, you may be quite right. . . 

Double ginger tea was tasty and paired nicely with the holiday

And for those of you who will find it hard to wait another whole year to celebrate this delectable ginger treat, you don't have to. National Gingerbread Day is June 5th.  Almost all the fun of gingerbread - just minus the house.

In the meantime, Happy National Gingerbread House Day from BTS!

Wednesday, What is It? Broaching "the mystery brooch"

My Fair Lady pin, a special gift waiting for its debut

This week we're broaching the brooch mystery and hoping to uncover more about a lovely vintage pin.

Although, I have had this fancy pin, in the shape of a well-heeled Victorian lady, for at least two decades, I've only recently started wearing it.  It seemed the perfect accessory for my recent Gilded Age presentation, and it inspired me to learn more about it.

I was gifted this pin by my Mom - I'm guessing sometime in the late 1990's - after she returned home from a trip to Stratford, Ontario with her retiree group.  While there, she and her friends were doing some shopping and she came upon this brooch and thought of me. Even back then, I was crazy about past times, especially the Victorian period. Although my Mom's taste usually ran a bit more conservative in accessorizing, she knew this pin had my name on it - all dazzling gold and diamonds and in the shape of a Victorian woman holding a parasol. 

The front of the pin box gives some clues as to is origns.

I absolutely loved it. And, even though I rarely wore it, I kept it in its box on my dresser for years. It was on display, but not exactly in full view.  When my Mom passed away in 2004, it became even more of a guarded treasure and reminder of her thoughtfulness and generosity. But, the pin remained mostly in the box with an occasional determination to frame it or -what it was intended for - to wear it.

Then came this year's Gilded Age presentations. The perfect storm of reviewing accessory inventory and a new velvet dress came together this past Fall and the little black box on my dresser seemed to shout, "wear me now"!

Wearing vintage pin for Gilded Age tea talk sparked compliments and shares

I did, and with rewarding results, may I add. Not only a perfect fit for the tea talk topic, but also a conversation piece. While guests at the talk were admiring my vintage pin, they shared stories of some of their favorite brooches - some bought while traveling someplace special and some handed down from mothers and grandmothers. 

My pin's backstory was limited to what I could recall from my Mom's retelling of her trip to Stratford. So, to start my research, I got on line, backed with only the information that was on the pin's box to see if I could learn more.

Pin alongside the back of the box it came in, displaying name and price tag

Sleuth Time:

• The top of the box states:  "Fifth Avenue Collection, Hand made, www.fifthavenuecollection.com". 
• The back of the box has the following:  "Pin-My Fair Lady - Gold/Diamond" along with the price tag of $69.99.

My search came up with a few hits and misses. I found an image of the same pin was sold on Etsy seven years ago, but no price information. I also found a link to FifthAvenueCollection.com, which states its humble beginnings, starting in a family garage, to now a current, somewhat international operation.  In the jewelry company's present state, it appears to be a home-party type of retail outlet.

And, that's all I got.

If any dear readers recognize this pin and/or the Canadian jewelry company of its origins, please let us know. We'd be delighted to learn more.

Until more is revealed, I will continue to wear my Victorian lady pin, dressed in gold and diamonds, as often as I can. It has also inspired me to orchestrate a vintage pin/brooch afternoon tea for 2023! So, stay tuned. The excitement at BTS never ends! 😀

Mulling things over: Making mulled spices for cider, tea and more!

Retail mulling spices inspire some homemade blends

A recent trip to WIlliams-Sonoma, where the store was filled with the intoxicating aroma of mulled spices that seemed to exclaim, "hello, holidays, we are here!", inspired us to both purchase a tin of premade spices as well as make our own.  While the "ready made" spices were pretty good, we must humbly make an exclamation of our own:  homemade mulling spices are the best!

Mulling spices at BTS kitchen: five spices and citrus peel/zest

For our from-scratch mulling spices, we used Allrecipes "mulling spices" recipe. It's quick and simple and only requires seven ingredients:

    

1. one orange
2. one lemon
3. two cinnamon sticks
4. Allspice berries
5. cardamom pods
6. cloves
7. black peppercorns

The only change-up we made was to swap the two cinnamon sticks for 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon (using reference.com as our conversion guide authority).  The citrus fruit skins are zested and thinly peeled, then placed in an oven (on parchment paper) set to 200 degrees for 60 - 75 minutes. After they bake, just blend them with the spice mix.

After citrus peels bake in the oven, mix with special spices

For Thanksgiving, we put these mulling spices to work in an apple cider slow cooker recipe from Taste of Home (Slow Cooker Apple Cider). We substituted their spices for our own blend, but everything else was the same. And, in BTS' preference for easy creations in the kitchen, this one certainly met the criteria. 

Place spice blend in a cheesecloth and tie with string

Bake citrus peel on parchment paper

We simply put two quarts of apple cider in our Instant Pot, set to "low", and stirred in a half a cup of packed brown sugar. Once the sugar is dissolved, we added our mulled spices (tied in a cheesecloth bundle) and topped with orange slices.  All that was left to do was put the lid on and let the spicy brew simmer for three hours.

Mulled apple cider in Instant Pot

I have to say, it was one of the best apple cider drinks I've sampled, and our Thanksgiving guests seemed to agree, asking for two or three more cups.  An added benefit to steeping mulled spice concoctions is the delightful smell that fills the house, a sweet, savory and citrusy aroma that evokes the holiday season as much as peppermint and hot cocoa.  

Some of our Thanksgiving guests who asked for more than one cup 😀

WIlliams-Sonoma knows what they're doing by filling their space with mulled spices - and now, so do we!

                                                            *        *        *

The mulling spice tin we purchased at WIlliams-Sonoma contains 36 tea sachets which, per the label can be used to infuse apple cider or apple juice or steeped up all on its own for a cup of spicy herbal tea. Mulling spices can be used not only in traditional ways such as cider, wine, or tea, but, per Bon Appetit, in other capacities as well such as: *gasp* coffee, baking, meat rubs or pancakes.

A Gilded Good Time at Troy Historic Village: Barb's Tea Service presents "Gilded Age" tea talk for Thursday Teas at Two

Enjoying tea time with Marcia and Kathy, volunteers at Troy Historic Village

This week, Barb's Tea Service, presented a "Gilded Age" tea talk at Troy Historic Village as part of the museum's monthly Thursday Teas at Two series. We were thrilled to see over sixty wonderful guests in attendance, even with a bit of snow thrown in the mix.

It was exciting to meet new folks and connect with old friends, including Kathy and Marcia, who volunteer at the Troy Historic Village and have attended some of BTS' programs here over the years. (In fact, we had the great pleasure of presenting an afternoon tea and etiquette program at Kathy's church back in 2010).

Stephanie, Adult Programs Director, welcomes guests with opening remarks.

The Thursday Teas at Two events serve up hot tea and a variety of tasty goodies (even gluten free and sugar free offerings). Truly a welcome treat on a cold and blustery November afternoon.

BTS Gilded Age Afternoon Tea Talk.

After Stephanie S., Adult Programs Director, began with opening remarks, we started our Gilded Age talk which included ties to both the Gilded Age series and Downton Abbey and a few highlights from June trip to Newport, Rhode Island.

Selection of tea and treats are included in the program.

And, it wasn't just the tea that warmed us up. We mingled with guests before and after and enjoyed hearing about their favorite teas, tea rooms and even some of the Newport "cottages" they liked the best.  

Truly a delightful afternoon. We're looking to be back soon!

Tuesday Tea and Tomes: The Crown, The Official Companion, Volume 2

 

Refresh for Season 5 of "The Crown" with companion book, Volume 2

This week, Season 5 of "The Crown" will be available on Netflix. In preparation, we're brewing some of the blends from The Republic of Tea's "The Crown" series and refreshing ourselves on previous seasons and the true events that inspired creator, Peter Morgan's riveting historical fiction drama.  With the latter activity, we're specifically looking at Seasons 2 and 3 with the aid of "The Crown, The Official Companion, Volume 2", by Robert Lacy.

Robert Lacy is a British historian who serves as a consultant to The Crown.  Reading the "facts" supplied by Lacy, they certainly provide a lush framework for Morgan's dramatic interpretation.  Volume 2 covers the period of Queen Elizabeth's reign from 1956 - 1977, an over twenty-year span of royal and political scandal which would seem hard to top. But then, enter the 1990's, (Season 5) that included "annus horribilis" - which, in hindsight, probably should not have been limited to a single year in that decade.

Brewing up some Prime Minister's Blend to pair with companion book

Not to say the period of Volume 2 doesn't have plenty of spice. We see Princess Margaret marry commoner Anthony Armstrong-Jones (the first to do so since Henry the VIII married Ann Boleyn), Prince Charles bullied at the same Scotland boarding school his father exceled at as a youth and the Proforma Scandal that brought down a Prime Minister of the Conservative Party with sketchy ties to Prince Phillip.

And, that's just a few chapters pulled from history and "The Crown - Volume 2".

This is the second companion book to the Netflix series, "The Crown" and I found it a quick and interesting read. Text is accompanied by vintage pictures as well as photos from the show.  

Meeting and interviewing The Royal Chef who is not looking forward to Season 5 of The Crown

It's also tasty appetizer to Season 5 which has sparked a lot of opinions ranging from actress, Judi Dench, campaigning for Netflix to add a disclaimer that the show is a fictionalize account of history (as noted in MSN's, The Wrap), to Darren McGrady, The Royal Chef, (BTS met and interviewed in 2013), who expressed his hesitation in reliving the tragic events of that period.  The Royal Chef recently posted the following on Twitter:

"I was there for Princess Diana's funeral and was in the Queen's private apartment helping her move personal belongings during the Windsor Castle fire. I'm not looking forward to the new season of The Crown."

Having The Queen's Evening tea ready for The Crown's Season 5 viewing this week

Like the Royals themselves, The Crown will face detractors as well as admirers, those who tirelessly fact-check and others who will concur with how the imagined intimate conversations play out. Personally, we are of the opinion that it will all pair nicely with a pot of tea and a companion book.

The Crown, Season 5, will be available on Netflix, November 9th.

I was gifted the book and two different teas by my children, Rob, Matt and Rachel. They know what their mother loves and they know where she'll be Wednesday night.

What's next after Next? A Day in Court! (October events for Barb's Tea Service)

BTS had two wonderful back-to-back events in October. First up, was Next

Barb's Tea Service had two wonderful back-to-back tea events in October.  First, we were at Birmingham's Next, a non-profit organization that offers enrichment programs and support services for the 50 plus population. The following day, we were close to home, on our own friendly court, presenting tea time etiquette at the residence of my good neighbor Clay to members of her philanthropic group. The ladies of this organization provide scholarships and support to women to assist in furthering their education. 

So, yes, a pretty fulfilling week for BTS.

Tables set with teacups and treats

Can you spot a Bridgerton teacup?

At Next, the program team turned the presentation room into a charming tea venue. Tables were outfitted with white tablecloths, an eclectic and attractive assortment of teapots and teacups and decorative paper plates filled with macarons and shortbread cookies. Guests had their choice of Earl Grey or herbal (tisane!) tea.

BTS: Pam and Barb

Setting up tables at Next

Pam B. of BTS assisted not only in our set-up and tear-down, but with Next's team as well. Together, we had most excellent time visiting with guests, many who shared the stories of the teacup they brought from home. (One we're told is seen on Bridgerton!).

Almost sixty guests in attendance

A variety of traditional and modern teapots

The day after Next, we had a short commute to shared-court neighbor, Clay. She created a beautiful Fall-themed tablescape, complete with seasonal napkin holders creatively made from envelopes, although it wasn't readily apparent until Clay disclosed their construction. Tea time fare was sourced locally and was incredibly delicious. Serving pieces were as pretty as they were practical. Glass plates with matching cups were perfect for housing mini-quiches and tomato bisque soup, respectively. Large silver trays held tasty pastries and scones and there was plenty of scrumptious, cream, lemon curd and jam on hand.

With neighbor and fellow court resident, Clay

Tea treats delicious and pretty

The presentation was a hybrid of on-line and in-house, so we at BTS were fortunate to meet members that were out of town as well as the locals. And, what an amazing group of women they are! The afternoon and the afternoon tea seemed to pass almost as quickly as the door-to-door walk over. 

Fall-themed tablescape

Great group of ladies

What comes Next, after our day in court?  We've got one more program in November, before we break for the holidays. Then, stay tuned for more BTS events in 2023. 

For up-to-date BTS events, check out the event at our Barb's Tea Service website.

Commute long or short, we'll travel anywhere for your event!

Pumpkin Season, Part II: Glass pumpkins

Our glass pumpkin patch, with two new additions this year

Fall is the time for colorful leaves, cooler temps and pumpkins. But, while some of the season's best features don't last long, pumpkins - the glass variety, that is - keep their festive appearance all year long.

I've been a fan of glass-blown pumpkins for years, starting over a decade ago when I first saw a display at a local art fair.  I didn't purchase any that first year, but, when the same art fair came back the following summer, I had to indulge. My first pumpkin was of the traditional sort, generously sized and a dark orange hue. It looked amazing on my Thanksgiving holiday tablescape.

My second and fifth pumpkin purchase came from Boyer Glassworks in Harbor Springs

But, my glass pumpkin collection was destined to grow. I found a fellow glass gourd enthusiast with good friend, Carol.  On one of our early, annual northern Michigan vacations we take together with our spouses, Carol asked me if I liked glass pumpkins. This was not long after my first purchase and I was delighted to share my new passion. Turns out, Carol was a big fan, too. She also just happened to know a great place to shop for glass pumpkins in Harbor Springs. Next day, we were off and running to Boyer Glassworks.  Appreciating that glass pumpkins need not be limited to orange, we were both drawn to the Monet series and each purchased one to bring home.

Great fun and finds at the Funky Ferndale Art Fair, including a gold pumpkin

A few years later, when my husband and I were in Newport, Rhode Island, we came across a glass gallery and took a tour. While Chris was drawn to spindly, blue octopus (which he bought), we also perused the "pumpkin patch".  We found another multi-colored pumpkin to gift to Carol and I selected a dazzling, translucent green one for myself (thinking this could cover at least two holidays: Thanksgiving and St. Patrick's Day).

Glass pumpkin with artist Mary Cash, made within a week of purchase

Then, my collection remained static until this year when a new crop and an old "haunt" offered up some fine additions. At the Funky Ferndale Art Fair last month, I found a beautiful gold and white pumpkin from RNG Originals. It brings to mind a miniature version of that "plain yellow pumpkin" that became Cinderella's "golden carriage".

Carol with artist Mary, with a smaller version of her purchase

And, just one month later, Harbor Springs was back in rotation for our fall vacation with our bonne amies, Carol and Rik. Was glass pumpkin shopping on the agenda? The answer is sitting comfortably with its diverse pumpkin family on my fireplace mantle. This one was made within the week of our visit by artist Mary Cash. It's bright orange with a dark green stem, no curls. It's adorable.

Colorful leaves and crisp temps may not last, but glass pumpkins do

We at BTS love Pumpkin Season. And, with glass pumpkins, we can enjoy the festive fall fruit all year long.