Scandalous Dessert for the holidays! Watergate Salad with a Teapot (Dome)

Watergate Salad, a sweet side dish with a sketchy origin story.

Watergate salad—also known as “green fluff” or “pineapple pistachio delight”—is a festive family favorite that once again graced our Christmas dinner table this year. I can’t say with certainty when this whipped‑gelatin side‑dish tradition began for us, but I do know it was my mom who first introduced it to our holiday feasts decades ago. It quickly gained a new fan base when she continued serving it on Christmas Eve, and the grandkids loved it—especially my oldest son, Rob.

As a “salad” made with marshmallows, Cool Whip, and maraschino cherries, it’s no surprise this mixed‑green concoction was a hit with the younger crowd. But even now, my maturing millennials still request it, and—considering the culinary skills required (none)—I’m more than happy to keep this gelatin classic alive.

Watergate Salad ingredients include instant pudding, marshmallows, pineapple & cherries

My own introduction to Watergate Salad may be a bit fuzzy, but I’ve since learned that its origin story is equally hazy. Accounts vary on when it first appeared and how it got its name. According to an article in last month’s Southern Living, the recipe debuted in the 1970s when Jell‑O launched its pistachio‑flavored instant pudding mix. Known by several names (as noted above), Kraft—owner of Jell‑O—officially relabeled their version “Watergate Salad” in 1993, after nearly two decades of informal use.

But who first called it Watergate Salad? That question carries almost as much controversy as the hotel and political scandal that made the name famous. Tasting Table (April 2025) offers several theories about how this unpretentious foodie fluff acquired its moniker, but the most credible one traces back to the salad’s cousin: Watergate Cake.

Watergate Salad, requires little in the way of culinary skills

In September 1974, a Maryland newspaper published a recipe for a cake labeled “Watergate”—a satirical nod to its thick frosting “cover‑up” and its abundance of nuts. Whether the cake or the salad claimed the name first remains unclear, but “Watergate” was certainly a high‑profile term in the early 1970s. It inspired not only desserts but also gave us the now‑ubiquitous “‑gate” suffix for political scandals.

Watergate Salad, a sweet and fluffy side dish.

As for the Watergate Salad itself, I’ve tried a few different recipes (Little Sunny Kitchen, Allrecipes), but the basic ingredients remain the same:

• Jell‑O instant pistachio pudding

• Crushed pineapple in juice

• Cool Whip

• Maraschino cherries

• Pecans or pistachios

Preparer’s suggestion: Whatever recipe you follow, we recommend the full container of Cool Whip. Any version that calls for only half won’t be quite as airy and fluffy—and after all, it is called “green fluff.”

And for those in our family who prefer it without nuts, rest assured: the recipe holds up just fine without them.

To keep the political‑scandal theme going, we suggest pairing your Watergate Salad with a full teapot (Dome) of a complementary tea blend. We brewed Thé des Sages, a black‑and‑green blend from Dammann Frères.

For more on the controversy surrounding President Harding’s administration—what we like to call “the political scandal with the pleasant‑sounding name”—see our visit to the Harding Home and Library blog from April 2024.

They're back! The return of the Porch Goose just in time for Christmas!

The Porch Goose has returned - and a welcome treat for Christmas!

 

Last week, when my husband and I made a quick stop at our daughter and son-in-law's home, we were greeted at the front door by a festive goose donning a Santa hat and jacket. Although it summoned up kitschy vibes from the 1980's, we were told this was very new and very trendy. Also, her name is "Matilda".

My daughter is a December birthday girl and her husband gifted her with this porch goose for her special day, complete with a party dress and Santa gear.  

My first question was, "this is new?" And, the answer was not only yes, but very yes. To verify this supposed trend, we took a drive through their mostly millennial neighborhood. To our amusement, porch geese were everywhere—an entire flock of them—each dressed in its own seasonal ensemble. We spotted warm winter coats, college football jerseys, glittery Christmas trees, and even a turkey costume or two.

The return of the porch goose was further confirmed by a recent article this month in Country Living Magazine (These 1980 Home Decor Ideas are Trending Again). The fair (and, often, not-so-fair) weather friends have been gaining traction since 2020 and, fueled by TikTok, are finding favor with a new generation.

When porch geese first made their appearances in the '80's, they seemed to fit right in with the multitude of miniature windmills and garden flags that piled up on decks and porches. This outside decor seemed to provide neighborhood landscapes with an odd blend of old country/miniature golf inspiration.

But, there's no denying - the porch goose is chichi silly and fun. I remember their first go‑around. While walking our dogs throughout the year, my husband and I would occasionally spot one of these ornamental birds dressed for the weather. On a rainy day, seeing a faux fowl in a tiny raincoat and bonnet never failed to make me smile.

So, welcome back porch geese! We love your attitude and fashion sense.

And, shhhhh! - don't tell Matilda, but she's got a special something waiting for her under the Christmas tree this year.

Merry Christmas from more from the 1980's

A holiday hearty cup of tea cheers to all!

Merry Christmas from all of us at Barb's Tea Service

(including Matilda)

Jane Austen Stocking Stuffers (Big and Small) to Bring Cheer to the Janeite on Your List

Austen Fun and Game:  Jane Austen Trivia and Jane Austen Action Figure (complete with quill!)

With Jane Austen's birthday less than a fortnight from Christmas, there's a lot of celebration to be had. While enjoying the festive season filled with Regency-era traditions including decorative evergreens, boughs of holly, the lighting of the Yule Log and sipping syllabub, one may also wish to add to such an Austen-inspired gathering, the exchanging of gifts. And, with the latter, Barb's Tea Service has nine very present-day present suggestions for your favorite Janeite. 

Just for fun and games  🎲🎲:

Lego tribute to Jane Austen, reimagines her home with 361 pieces.

1. Jane Austen Action figure:  

With biting wit and layered social commentary, Jane Austen proves that the pen can, indeed, be mightier than the sword. The Jane Austen Action Figure affirms not all heroes wear capes- some come to our rescue donning bonnets and gowns. The weapon of choice, of course, is her quill. 

Jane Austen Action Figure comes with quill and book.

This amusing item was gifted to me a number of years ago, but can still be found on resale sights, like eBay, for $25 - $35. 

    

2.  Jane Austen Lego Set: 

The Lego tribute to Jane Austen reimagines the author's home in 361 pieces. Once assembled, we find Jane standing by her fireplace surrounded by her writing table, quill, bookcase and piano-forte.

Although not personally in possession of a good fortune filled with Lego blocks, we are intrigued!  We located this themed Lego set on  both Amazon and Walmart websites, retailing for $79.00.

3.  Jane Austen Trivia:

In pursuit of Austen trivia, test your knowledge with Jane Austen Trivia. A pocket-sized quiz collection contains 200 cards with 400 questions. 

We purchased ours at a Brooklyn bookstore, but it's also available on the Barnes and Noble website. Retail price, $25.00.

Jane Austen-inspired books include fan fiction and reference tomes.

Books (of course) 📚📚 

Fan fiction

4. The Other Bennet Sister by Janice Hadlow

Like Jo Baker's Longbourn (BTS Tea and Tomes, November, 2025), Hadlow's novel is inspired by Austen's Pride and Prejudice and puts the spotlight on the less prominent characters of the Bennet household. While Longbourn is written from the servant's point of view, The Other Bennet Sister puts Mary, the plain, bookish middle child, front and center. 

Bonus! A BBC ten episode series based on The Other Bennet Sister is set to air in 2026.

A soon-to-be feature of BTS Tuesday Tea and Tomes, find The Other Bennet Sister at various bookstores, price ranging from $13.00 - $20.00

Reference books

5. Jane Austen's Wardrobe by Hilary Davidson

A great read for those wanting to know specifics on Austen's attire is found in Jane Austen's Wardrobe, written by dress historian, Hilary Davidson. The book details Jane's interest in fashion and the incredible amount of time spent in design and budget in days before "off the rack" was an option. It's also featured in this month's BTS Tuesday Tea and Tomes.

I was gifted this book last Christmas and our favorite NYC couple discovered it in a gift store in Perth, Ontario. However, one need only let their "fingers do the walking" to shop online for this handsome hardcover. Amazon and Barnes and Noble list it at $35.00

6. Jane Austen's Bookshelf

Published just this year, Jane Austen's Bookshelf by Rebecca Romney examines the authors that influenced Jane's own novels. Romney, a rare book dealer, highlights eight writers whose work was read by Austen, including Ann Radcliff and Frances Burney. Jane Austen's Bookshelf also theorizes why these novelists did not achieve the notoriety of Austen whose rock-star status continues to surge some two centuries later. 

Another delightful gift received this month, retail price per the book jacket is $29.99. (Watch for this book to also be featured in a 2026 BTS Tea and Tomes)

Tea Towels 🧣🧣

The Jane Austen Centre in Bath sells this exclusive tea towel, but selling out fast.

Don't throw in the tea towel just yet. There's still fancy cloths to obtain before Christmas (and, if it comes later, just take the quill and impart "gift to follow" on parchment to the destined recipient).

7. Jane Austen tea towel:  Going, going, . . .get going!.  

Exclusive to the Jane Austen Centre in Bath, this tea towel commemorates the 250th Birthday of Jane Austen. The supply is running low per our last look, so act fast if this is the towel you fancy. It's listed on the Centre's website at $20 US (not including shipping).

Shopping at Bath's Jane Austen Centre gift shop, 2023

If the inventory is depleted by the time you log on, we still recommend a browse through the site. We were at the Jane Austen Center in 2023 and thoroughly enjoyed the visit - gift shop and all.

8. Excellent boiled potatoes:  

The Collins Cousin Cafe towel we snagged back in March is still available on Amazon for under $16.00, with a potential arrival of December 24.

Support the banal with this most excellent tea towel.

Sure to please the fans of the Pride and Prejudice film adaption from 2005, this towel and Mr. Collins extoll the virtue of the most excellent boiled potatoes at the Bennet table. Like Mr. Collins, we see no disgrace in banality.

Pick up the latest TeaTime at Barnes and Noble or TeaTime's website

TeaTime and Jane Austen📕🫖

9. November/December issue of TeaTime Magazine

Available at various bookstores and always at TeaTime Magazine's website, this quick "get" is the November/December issue of TeaTime which features not only scrumptious afternoon tea recipes and lovely afternoon tea rooms, but our visit to NYC's Morgan Library to view their Jane Austen Exhibit held this past summer.

TeaTime Nov/Dec 2025 features our article on The Morgan's Austen Exhibit

Whether celebrating a milestone birthday like Jane or taking part in any one of the joyous holidays of the season, we at Barb's Tea Service wish you the merriest of times with family and friends and a cup of tea cheer!

Happy Birthday, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and a Merry New Year!

Tuesday Tea and Tomes: Jane Austen's Wardrobe

Jane Austen's Wardrobe by Hilary Davidson

On the occasion of Jane Austen’s 250th birthday, it feels only fitting that this Tuesday’s tome celebrates what went into clothing the beloved author of six novels, including Pride and Prejudice. Jane Austen’s Wardrobe, written by dress historian Hilary Davidson, offers a comprehensive guide to the gowns, coats, undergarments, and accessories Austen would have worn during the Regency era.

Published in 2023, Davidson’s book draws on exhaustive research and Austen’s own letters—most often to her sister, Cassandra—to provide an intimate glimpse into the author’s closet (shelves included!). We discover not only what Austen wore, but also her keen interest in design. Though not a fashion leader, she remained attuned to trends and took delight in selecting new attire.

Expanding one’s wardrobe in Austen’s world was no simple task. Clothing was custom-made, and considerable time was devoted to every detail of design, from fabric and style to embellishments.

Davidson organizes the book much like a wardrobe itself, with sections ranging from gowns to accessories, all richly illustrated with photographs and drawings.

Austen's ring is back at Chawton, 2012

Rachel plays piano-forte at Chawton, 2011

Among Austen’s accessories is her turquoise ring, now housed at the Jane Austen House in Chawton, England, where daughter, Rachel and I visited in 2011. A testament to her taste for simple elegance, the ring is nearly as famous today for its brief ownership by American singer Kelly Clarkson. The full tale of international intrigue is recounted in Jane Austen’s Wardrobe and in the November/December issue of TeaTime Magazine, where this BTS blogger covered the Morgan Library’s Jane Austen exhibit earlier this year.

TeaTime Nov/Dec issue: Morgan Library and the turquoise ring (and more!)

I was fortunate to receive Jane Austen’s Wardrobe last Christmas from our favorite New York couple, my son and daughter-in-law, Matt and Jenna. The gift was met with great approbation, and I can assure you it will bring equal felicity to any Austen enthusiast on your gift giving list - be it holiday or birthday!

Happy 250th Birthday to Jane Austen!

Barb's Tea Service 60th Podcast: Diamond milestone brings friends and surprises!

Chris and Barb Gulley surprised by dear friends Rik and Carol D. with balloons and bubbly.

In Bridgerton terms, Barb's Tea Service was the diamond of its podcast season, marking an exciting milestone:  60 episodes recorded at ONTV Studios.

We planned our topics, our tea and our attire, but what we didn't anticipate was a surprise visit by our dear friends, and fellow podcasters, Rik and Carol D., who arrived just before recording with congratulatory balloons and a bottle of bubbly.  What a delightful way to toast our 60th podcast!

In our 30 minutes, we talked Royals and Jane Austen's 250th birthday

Like our 50th “Golden” podcast earlier this year, we honored this milestone with its anniversary counterpart: Diamond. While we’re always open to a little polish, the true gems of this journey are the ONTV staff who encourage and assist us, and the friends who continue to support our podcast adventure.

Chris, dapper "arm candy" donned the bow tie for the occasion.

Milestones we showcased on our milestone:

• Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Anniversary (2012) and, just three years later, her historic achievement of surpassing Queen Victoria as the longest-reigning English monarch. We were in London in September 2015, touring Buckingham Palace, when QEII broke the record (though not as guests at the private gala!).

• Jane Austen’s 250th birthday (December 16). We’ve been celebrating Austen all year with themed teas, festivals, and even a feature in TeaTime Magazine on the Jane Austen Exhibit at New York City’s Morgan Library.

Barb accessorized with diamond bling for the big 6-0!

And more!

In the spirit of season, we also shared some of the British Royals Christmas traditions from Darren McGrady, the Royal Chef and a sprinkle of Meghan Markle's Holiday Special.

Watch & Celebrate With Us 📺

Catch the full BTS Diamond Podcast on Barb’s Tea Service’s YouTube channel or ONTV.

A heartfelt thank you to our followers, friends, and the ONTV staff. As we love to say: please, stay tuned!

A Holiday with Michael Aram: From Serendipi-Tea to Snowmen

Barb of Barb's Tea Service with Michal Aram, 2015

We met Michael Aram a decade ago and we were instant fans. 

Serendipi-tea at Somerset Mall . . . 

Ten years ago, a chance encounter at Somerset Mall's Macys introduced us to the artistry of Michael Aram. My son Matt and I were Christmas shopping when we heard he was hosting a meet-and-greet. I hadn’t known his name before, but one look at his biscuit tray designs and I was hooked. That day marked the beginning of a lasting admiration for his work. (see BTS Blog story, Michael Aram, American Artist with India Influences)

Michal Aram ornaments, new this year, dapper snowman.

⛄This Year’s Holiday Treasures

For this December's holiday gift exchange with my cousins, I chose a whimsical snowman ornament - new this year! - tipping his hat inside a charming snow globe. It’s the kind of piece that makes you smile every time you see it, and it perfectly captures Aram’s knack for blending playfulness with elegance.

The Palace Gold Tea Set

The Butterfly Ginkgo Teapot

🍵 Gifts for Tea Enthusiasts

Michael Aram’s artistry extends far beyond ornaments. His handcrafted tea sets are a dream for anyone who loves the ritual of tea:

• The Palace Gold Tea Set
  Inspired by Moghul palaces, this radiant gold set transforms teatime into a regal experience. At $2,500, it’s a true heirloom piece. (Yes, you may call me Lady Glencoe when I serve from it!)

• The Butterfly Ginkgo Porcelain Teapot
  A more accessible treasure at $100, this porcelain teapot accented with brass evokes the delicate beauty of butterfly-kissed ginkgo leaves. Sculptural, poetic, and perfect for elevating everyday tea. (Lady Glencoe still applies here, of course.)

🎨The Artist Behind the Magic

Michael Aram Wolohojian, born in Providence, Rhode Island, studied art history at Bates College and fine art in Florence. His journey led him to India, where he immersed himself in traditional metalworking techniques like sand casting and hand forging. That blend of history, craftsmanship, and imagination shines through in every piece — whether it’s a snowman ornament or a gilded tea set.

📍 Meet Michael Aram

For those of you interested in meeting Michael Aram in person like we did, this month he will be in West Palm Beach and Bocas Raton, Florida. Check his website, Micheal Aram, for details.

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🎄 Whether you’re gifting a dapper snowman or a butterfly teapot, Michael Aram’s creations remind us that artistry can turn even the simplest rituals into moments of wonder.