Barb's Tea Service presents: What's in and What's out for 2023

Welcome 2023!

It's that time of year where we once again submit BTS' annual "What's in/What's Out" list for the new year.

Although we've been publishing our own list for over a decade, in that time, we've seen many of our favored inspirational sources reporting less on updated fashions and outdated fads. But, with the help of a few respected newspapers (primarily The Washington Post), some dubious experts and, BTS' well-respected (well, respected by BTS) opinions, we offer your guide to:

What's In and What's out for 2023.

Food and Drink

We've got a fever for charcuterie and the only (take-out) cure is Kured.

In:  Charcuterie to create at home.  We've been fans of the cheese/meat/fruit plated ensembles for quite some time, but we have been recently schooled by professionals on true artistic placement as well as curating an excellent blend of flavors. 

Fellow charcuterie students and future meat/cheese platter experts

Take-Out:  Charcuterie to go: We have a charcuterie fever and the only cure is "Kured".  As noted in Eater New York, Boston-based Kured is looking to be the "Chipotle of Charcuterie" with take-out meat/cheese boards. Although not yet in Michigan, they did open their first store in Manhattan in December. (We'll be there soon!😃)

 In: Thé:  Say "bonjour" to French teas in 2023.  My tea friend, Barb T. and my neighbor (also tea friend), Clay D. have been singing the praises of Palais des Thes . BTS was gifted an assortment pack of Palais de Thes last month and we now understand. Although our thes came directly from Paris via our favorite NYC connection, one can purchase the French tea on-line at palaisdesthes.com.  

French teas are in, including Palais des Thes. Throw out almost all old teas.

Out:  Old tea. No matter where they are from (unless it's puerh).  This week, I took a hard look at my tea pantry and did some early "spring cleaning".  Say "au revoir" to the vieux and make room for the noveau.

In-home Streaming and Movies:

In:  Wednesday:  Although TWP says Jenna Ortega is "out", we respectfully disagree.  The new spin of The Addams Family, is quirky, but loveable. And, Jenna O. is adorable. The dance alone - that has inspired a wide range of fans from professional ice skaters to toddlers in tiny black dresses - should grant it some staying power in 2023.  In addition, we've enjoyed the Pinterest submissions of Enid/Wednesday cakes (half rainbow/half black).  These are a few of our favorite "things". We're excited this series has been renewed for a second season.

Out:  Sunday Football: This applies after the Super Bowl and until August. For those who didn't see their teams make the playoffs (and, yes, being from Detroit, we know the pain), there's a new year of hope. We believe! Make my Earl Grey a double until the draft starts.

Gilded Age "cottage" in Newport

BTS visit Newport ocean-view home

In:  Gilded Age:  We're waiting for the air date of Season 2. In the meantime, watch for BTS' Gilded Age tea talks AND Gilded Age-related  articles in TeaTime Magazine. In the latter, our first one appears is in the March/April issue. Sneak peek:  it involves an ocean-view tearoom in Rhode Island!

BTS will be back to Meadow Brook in February presenting at Downton Day tea

In:  Downton Abbey:  Yes, yes, we know the movie was last year, but DA will always be "in" at BTS. And, there's a hint of a new movie. . . Again, we believe! In the meantime, we hope to see you at Meadow Brook in February as we present at the annual DA tea!

Home Decor

In:  Plate Walls.   Dishing the Dish! As noted in The Washington Post, supported by an article in Apartment Therapy, the custom of displaying a wall of decorative plates, popular in the 1950's and 1960's is back. With folks like Gweneth Paltrow and Kate Middleton bringing plates from the table to the wall, it's gaining traction.  Quarantine times are also credited with the resurgence of vintage dishes.  "Collecting requires a sense of solace and structure";  we can control what we collect, but not pandemics. 

Destined to move from the cabinet to the wall?

Out:  Plate Walls.  Controversy:  Dissing the Dish! According to an article in Alot Health ("Home Decor that Screams Granny Chic"), plate walls "have no place in society" and just dates your decor.  

Final Ruling:  BTS will always side with any justification for collecting, especially if it requires a sense of solace and structure. We say hello to Granny Chic plate walls for 2023.

For the table

Will granny chic be replaced by coast-er grandma? We give much approbation to JA coaters

In:  Coasters.  Last year, we predicted chargers were making a comeback with the proclamation, "take charger of your tablescape".  For 2023,  we see your "granny chic" and raise you a "coast-er grandma".  Coasters often are chosen for their practicality, when, in fact, they can also  provide color and personality to a coffee (or tea) table. No persuasion necessary for our Jane Austen Coasters.  

Regency, Jane Austen and Bridgerton - all still in

        Which reminds us, the Regency period, Jane Austen, and Brigderston - all still "in".

Knife rests and salt cellars. Great, great granmother chic?

In:  Knife rests.  We're still on the hunt for more knife rests.  Although we could find only one book on these charming items, which can be repurposed as teaspoon rests for afternoon tea tablescapes, their story isn't over. Like the equally captivating multi-purpose salt cellars, they may fall under "great, great-granny chic", and we're "all in" for more.

Color commentary and Royals 

In: Sad Beige Clothes for Sad Beige Children:   These short reels parody pretentious, pricy, monochromatic clothes and toys for infants and toddlers, narrated in the style of German film maker, Werner Herzog. Although the punchline is always the same, despair and bleakness have never been more cheerful.

Veri Peri is out, sad beige is in

Out:   Veri Peri, Pantone's Color of the Year for 2022.  A hue described by Pantone as a color "whose courageous presence encourages personal inventiveness and creativity".  It was replaced this year by Viva Magenta. Like its predecessor, it too, brings a lot to the table.  Per Pantone's website, "it is brave and fearless. . . a pulsating color whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration,"   I think this is way too much to expect of one color for 365 days. To Viva Magenta, I say, it's okay to occasionally be sad. . .and beige.

Out:  Spare.  Although we predict an early expiration date on this tome,  I'm on the waiting list at the library for this true-life reverse Cinderella tale of a handsome prince who marries a pretty actress and together they are taunted by an evil stepmother, her husband and the presumptive heir. They are finally rescued by Madea and a great, almost 6-hour, Netflix documentary deal.

Family portraits: Gulleys on the left, Luxembourg Royals on the left

In:  Luxembuorg Royal Family.  Haven't heard of them? Well, neither had we until December when we were given beautiful postcards of this somewhat humble royal family from one of the smallest  countries in Europe.  Still holding on to a constitutional monarchy, these folks not only look good, they proudly promote their images in a variety of mailable cards available at gift shops throughout their country. This Royal family, however, is not without its own controversy. As recently as last month, it was reported that the Grand Duchess, Maria Theresa, had a verbal altercation with a member of her staff. The staff member asked to be transferred.  We are waiting for the almost 6-minute Netflix documentary.

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Mys-tea-ry dinner or tea attire

Well, that's a wrap for "Ins and Outs of 2023", with  just one last footnote - or. perhaps more aptly stated, "headnote". We leave you with a few more trends we see on the horizon:  tiaras and monocles! Best used for murder mys-tea-ry dinners or afternoon tea.  You may be suspect, but you will be a most distinguished guest!

And, dear tea friends, you are always in and in-vited to share tea time with us. Stay tuned for more blog tales and check our website, barbsteaservice.com, for upcoming new and events.