Jane Austen Fest in Mount Dora: Why we're already planning for next year's visit!

Jane Austen Fest in Mount Dora last weekend - we're already planning for next year!

Regency fashions, afternoon tea, and a deep dive into Jane Austen’s enchanting cousin, Eliza, were all part of a delightful three‑day weekend in Mount Dora celebrating the famed author of six novels, including Pride and Prejudice.

This weekend, the charming central Florida town once again hosted the Jane Austen Fest, now in its sixth year. The Fest is a non‑profit organization that awards scholarships to young women while offering the community and its guests three days of Regency‑themed events. Board President Margaret Anderson, a lifelong Austen devotee, oversees the festivities. Her passion and dedication—supported by a team of tireless volunteers—result in an incredible, and incredibly full, weekend of activities for Austen fans of every level.

The marketplace is Regency shopping in Annie Donnelly Park.

As luck would have it, we were vacationing in Florida for the month and, even better, staying only forty minutes from Mount Dora. During an afternoon of sightseeing with family two weeks ago, we spotted banners for the Jane Austen Fest, and I signed up immediately. Although the afternoon teas at the town’s Victorian jewel, the Donnelly House, had sold out early (note to self: book ahead next year), there were still plenty of activities to enjoy. The marketplace offered a variety of vendors—dresses, crafts, and tea, including a special Jane Austen blend that will be featured in an upcoming blog. There were also fashion shows, a Regency ball, and a central gathering spot—an "Assembly Room" —where guests could chat, browse books, or work on a communal jigsaw puzzle.

Margaret Anderson, JA Fest President

Claire Saim, author, discussed Jane's "almost French cousin".

                       

But one event on the weekend schedule truly captured my attention: a lecture on Jane Austen’s engaging and cosmopolitan cousin, Eliza de Feuillide, presented by French author Claire Saim. Saim wrote Jane Austen: A Visual Encyclopedia (yes, also to be featured in an upcoming BTS Tuesday Tea & Tomes).

In the City Hall Auditorium, conveniently just steps from Mount Dora’s Annie Donnelly Park, the home base for the Fest, Sims shared slides chronicling her Austen research throughout France. Granted rare access to the former home of Eliza and her husband—now a very private residence—Sims even visited what is believed to be the actual bedroom of Jane’s cousin.

Divine Jane tea

More Regency shopping.

BTS’ Austentacious Tea Talk has often mentioned Eliza and her jet‑setting life (before jets existed), including her time at Versailles, where she met Marie Antoinette. We like to imagine the two sharing a cup of tea, perhaps using the fine china the French queen helped design. (We have a reproduction from Bernardaud which we share at our tea talks.)

Mount Dora, a charming town, offers a variety of shops & dining during the Fest and all year.

There was so much to enjoy at the Jane Austen Fest and having it set in Mount Dora only enhanced the experience. After the presentation and a stroll through the marketplace, my husband and I explored the town on foot and ended our visit with a tapas lunch on a sunny outdoor patio.

Next year, we’ll be back—and afternoon tea will definitely be on our itinerary.

Goodwill Hunting: Treasures - and treasured memories - of thrift shopping!

Thrift shopping at Goodwill brings treasures and treasured memories.

 

Like a rags-to-riches movie drama, thrift shopping offers hope, promise, and, on occasion, a hodgepodge of memories.  In the thrill of the hunt, we've also learned, a few bad apples don't spoil the whole bargain barrel.

Last year I was introduced to thrifting—the art of scouring second-hand merchandise at mostly charitable retailers, where big-ticket treasures hide among piles of oddities and miscellaneous clutter. It’s a trend fueled by sustainability, quirky fashion finds, and the thrill of deep discounts.

Limoges tray among Goodwill finds.

Other Thrifts have books from the past.

I’ll admit it took a few outings before I embraced the experience. On my first visits, staring at counters of cast-offs and rifling through racks of items I would have readily placed at the curb, I found myself plotting an early exit. But after scoring a few major deals, I discovered an unexpected perk of bargain hunting: the memories tucked between the shelves.

My most recent thrifting adventure unfolded over two days in central Florida, where our family gathered for a mid-winter break. The temperatures were unseasonably cool, but the deals at Goodwill were undeniably hot. With my son and daughter-in-law in tow, we explored not only the charity shop but also thrift-adjacent haunts—flea markets and lower-end antique stores (think decidedly non-Sotheby’s).

String owl - I made one in the '70's.

My Grandma's Autunm Leaf dishes

                       

My haul was impressive: a mint-condition Limoges ceramic tray, a lusterware teacup and saucer, and two Wedgwood jasperware dishes—all for just over $20. For the cost of two and a half Starbucks Frappuccinos (and zero calories), I walked away with more than beautiful bargains. I found myself surrounded by echoes of my childhood and early adulthood. Though I lingered down those aisles of nostalgia longer than I realized, I’m fortunate to have a daughter-in-law who also leaves no gem-stone unturned, and our timing at checkout was perfectly in sync.

Wood Burning kit for children: The 1960's - early 70's were a different time for kids' toys. Watch out!

Among the cherished items I spotted: a stringed-owl craft kit I completed as a young teen; teacups from my grandmother’s pantry in the Superior Hall Autumn Leaf pattern; a series of famous-battles books my dad once owned; and a children’s woodburning set my brothers received one Christmas. The latter included a heated pen tool meant for decorating wood—though one brother used it to create an unwanted design on my parents’ mattress. (It was a different time. We grew up with ovens that melted plastic goop, klackers, and jarts.)

Wedgwood Jasperware mini dish set.

First everyday dishes, Corelle

                                      



                 

I even came across the first two sets of “everyday” dishes my husband and I owned: the blue-and-white Corelle, followed by our upgrade to Pfaltzgraff’s Village pattern. When I lifted a Pfaltzgraff piece to show my son, he smiled and said, “I remember those.”

How do we like those apples? We like them and we got their number! Pfaltzgraff memories complete with apple.

                                                                                                                                                 

By the end of my thrifting tour, I had gathered treasures that would brighten my dining room and, according to my antiques identifier app and a quick eBay search, if I chose to resell, I'd gain a net a profit of roughly $50. But the strolls down memory lane? Those were, as you might guess, absolutely priceless.

How do I like those apples? Like Good Will Hunting, I like them a lot and I got their (discounted) number!

Tuesday Tea and Tomes: The Secret Book Society - Women who read can be dangerous, especially in Victorian England

 

United by a passion for reading, four women in Victorian England form a clandestine club in The Secret Book Society.

There’s no greater luxury than a good book and a hot cup of tea. Today, that indulgence costs little more than a fragrant Earl Grey and the modest price of a novel. But for a lady of society in Victorian England, reading came with a far steeper price—one that could damage her reputation or even lead to permanent confinement. For women whose passions stretched beyond household guides and etiquette manuals, a simple gathering over tea and gossip could become the perfect cover for a clandestine club devoted to the pleasures of poetry and fiction.

That’s exactly what inspired the women of The Secret Book Society.

I hadn’t heard of this book until a recent stop at Novel, a newer bookstore–slash–sandwich shop in Rochester, Michigan. A particular section called to me, and after reading the back cover of this blue-and-gold–toned tome, I was hooked. Honestly, it had me at “forbidden.”

I found this book at Novel, a book/sandwich shop in Rochester, MI.

Written by New York Times bestselling author Madeline Martin, the novel follows four women—each trapped by the rigid expectations of their era and the pressure to maintain appearances. Martin weaves their seemingly unrelated stories into a seamless tapestry strengthened by support, compassion, and ultimately, the deep bonds of friendship.

These four women are at very different stages of life—widowed, long-married, newly married, and single—but all have endured merciless scrutiny. The consequences for stepping out of line were severe. Writing a poem or speaking an honest opinion could land a woman in an asylum without judge or jury.

If that still prevailed today, I’d be in lockup.

And what authors are they secretly reading? Poe, Brontë, and Austen.

Yes—by those standards, I’d be labeled a lunatic without hesitation.

While the injustice is infuriating, the balm is the way these women lift one another up—thinking not only selflessly, but ingeniously. Each has also known the sting of betrayal from a so‑called “friend” who sought to elevate herself at someone else’s expense.

We’ve all had those encounters—the sadness and frustration when someone breaks a confidence or lies to get a better place in line. But when you find your tribe, their friendship becomes all the sweeter. The joys are shared, and the struggles become a team effort rather than a solitary fight.

We’re lucky to have the bookstores and libraries we love, the freedom to choose what we read, and the chance to find our own special tribe.

And, we're crazy for this book!

We give The Secret Book Society two white‑gloved thumbs up.

Barb's Tea Service's In/Out List for 2026: A return to comfort, calm and moore!

Smart snuggies and celery vases are in for 2026.

We love January—a month to exhale after the holiday hustle, indulge in a bit of self‑care, and look ahead to new opportunities, focus, and adventures. It’s also the perfect moment to shed some clutter, release tired habits, and embrace what’s next. As always, BTS is here to help guide the way, scouring respected media (Washington Post, New York Times, Variety) and adding our own humble opinions to create our annual In/Out List.

For those keeping track, this marks our 16th In/Out List, and a theme has clearly emerged from all our sourcing and (admittedly) biased commentary. Many of this year’s trends—some still tied to our 2025 list—lean into tranquility, comfort, and calm, with a nostalgic nod to life before smartphones and AI. Think granny hobbies, cozy décor, and accessories that soothe the soul. Bonus: savvy thrifting makes it all easier on the wallet. So wrap yourself in your warm snuggie, pour a cup of tea, and rest easy—you’re already trending.

IN/OUT 2026

Hue knew?

In: Cloud Dancer, Pantone’s Color of the Year. Pantone describes it as “a lofty white that serves as a symbol of calming influence… encouraging true relaxation and focus, allowing the mind to wander and creativity to breathe.”

We may need a bigger paint bucket. And although I’ve never met a shade of white I didn’t like, I’ll miss last year’s scrumptious hue.

Out: Mocha Mousse, Pantone’s 2025 pick. Chosen for its nurturing qualities and hints of chocolate and coffee (we added “tea”), it answered our collective desire for comfort. Our vote: welcome Cloud Dancer in, but save a little Mocha Mousse for dessert.

Some have only 3 more podcasts to go.

BTS podcast merch - very in!

Fashionable fashions

In:  Snuggies with a message. Remember the original blanket with sleeves, the pop culture phenomenon from 2008? Well, it's back, but with meaning. While sitting back with a good book, don't lose an opportunity to let the world know, you're not just resting, but you're communicating. We particularly favor the Jane Austen "upscale" version - more of a sweater slanket than an oversized hospital gown - that is emblazoned with quotes from the author of Pride and Prejudice. 

And for those who are passionate about their snack time, snuggies are not only still available, but come in assorted prints featuring Cheetos, M & M's and Snickers. *caution, wear only indoors if concerned about swag gap.

Out: Baggy jeans. According to Hello! Magazine, it's time to hang up those grunge-inspired slacks and replace with cigarette pants.  With a turn to a more polished look, the cigarette pants have the flattering look of skinny jeans without discomfort. Make room for these roomier pants in your closet and we think you'll be, like the Mask, sssssmokin'!

In:  BTS Podcast Swag: This year, BTS Podcast upped the ante with its coffee mug only merch to include five-time guest hoodies. Customized by Honeywood Embroidery, our first recipient was special guest, Rob Gulley.

Out:  Swag gap. One of the last gasps at relationship inequity call outs - which previously included large age differences or "cutability" mismatch - is the "swag gap". This occurs when one member is always dressed on pointe, while the other shows up in sweat pants (and, perhaps, a Cheetos snuggie).

Granma hobbies, a break from digital overload

Granny chic

In: Grandma hobbies. Needlecraft, puzzles, and baking are back, embraced by a whole new generation. Southern Living notes these activities “foster mindfulness and reduce anxiety by activating our senses.” A welcome break from digital overload and doomscrolling.

My millennial daughter, Rachel, who just took up cross stitching, recently hosted a “craft night.” Her friends brought projects, conversation, and plenty of tea to spill. 

Out: Cell phones at restaurants. At least one establishment is enforcing this. Hush Harbor in Washington, D.C., requires guests to check their phones before seating. The owner told the Washington Post he wants diners to rediscover “the magic of being present with others.” For selfie withdrawal, Polaroids are available for rent.

Celery vase thrift find.

Recent thrift store excursion.

                   

Retail therapy

In: A shift to the thrift. Bargains, unique finds, and planet‑friendly shopping—all wrapped into one experience. We embraced this trend last year (see May’s Substack, A Shift to the Thrift), and it’s only gaining momentum. Our latest treasure? A celery vase (another trend!) that felt like a casino win. Instead of three‑of‑a‑kind, we scored one‑of‑a‑kind—for under $10.

Out: Getting Sak’d? Saks Global recently filed for bankruptcy, citing online‑shopping growth, a debt‑financed Neiman Marcus acquisition, and declining luxury purchases. Our daily lives will continue uninterrupted.

Matilda, dressed as Santa, will change outfits to reflect season/occasion. 

Gone Afoul

In: Porch geese. As noted in last month’s blog, They’re Back: The Return of the Porch Goose, these faux fowls are once again dressing for every season and occasion. From Santa suits (see Matilda) to sports‑team gear to a judicial robe and lace collar for RBG‑inspired days, they’re back and delightful.

Out: The Bird Test. A viral TikTok showed a woman telling her husband she saw an interesting bird. He didn’t ignore her—but he didn’t engage either. One million views later, the question stands: is noticing the mundane the true test of compatibility?

A Washington Post article notes that couples who share the ordinary as well as the extraordinary tend to have longer lasting relationships.

I told this story to my husband. He replied, “Sorry, wasn’t listening.” (We celebrate 43 years this May.)

Muppets are coming back!

Looking more like Statler and Waldorf

           

  

The Arts

In: Jane Austen, Bridgerton, and The Gilded Age (see BTS blog for upcoming schedules).

In: More classics‑to‑screen adaptations—Wuthering Heights among them. Will Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi have us asking more of the moors?

In: The Muppets. The beloved puppet menagerie returns to TV in February. We’ll be watching for Statler and Waldorf; since the last airing, we relate to the balcony duo more than we’d like to admit.

Detroit Lions cakes at Home Bakery

Be a Good Sport

In: Winter Olympics and Mountain Skiing. The Games arrive in Milan this month with new events, including “skimo”—athletes climb a mountain (sometimes with skis), then switch gear and ski down. We propose another new event, combining Emily Bronte with cross-country skiing across the countryside. Of course, we'd call it Ski-moor. 

Out: The Lions—at least for this the remainder of the season. We expect Jaymo(re) things in 2026. In the meantime, let them eat cake at Rochester’s Home Bakery.

Celebrating 60th podcast with fellow podcasters. Hard at work?

Mixed Media

In: With Love, Barb’s Tea Service Podcast and its special guests. We hit episode 65 this month and have even more guests lined up for the year. As we like to say—stay tuned.

Out: With Love, Meghan Markle. Netflix and the Duchess of Sussex are parting ways after a low‑energy lifestyle series with disappointing ratings. At Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Summit, Meghan noted, “Eight episodes for two seasons—it’s a lot of work.” Don’t we know it (see above “In”).

BTS banner year of tea events. Ready for 2026!

Barb's Tea Service Tea Events

In:  Barb's Tea Service Tea Talks and more! After a near record-breaking year of tea events, we're ready for 2026. Our most popular:  Downton Abbey, Gilded Age, Bridgerton, Jane Austen, Tea Customs Around the World and Tea and Chocolate Pairings. Contact us at barb@barbsteaservice.com or check out our website, barbsteaservice.com  for more information:  

Last Word (but you know, we’re never quite done!)

In: Barb’s Tea Service friends and family—including those we’ve yet to meet. We are grateful for your support and patronage. You’re all trending, and we raise our teacup (clink) to toast to you and to both a wonderful 2026 and a continued holiday era! 

Celebrating the holiday era all year!

Unmasking Delight: A Green Tea Mocktail for Bridgerton Season 4 Premiere Tonight!

Bridgeton tea inspired mocktail. A Diamond for Season Four!

Bridgerton Season 4 premieres tonight, and we’re raising a toast to Sophie and Benedict with a green tea mocktail courtesy of The Republic of Tea.

My latest Republic of Tea catalogue arrived with a sample of Sophie and Benedict Love in Bloom Green Tea and an inviting mocktail recipe featuring that special blend. Tonight felt like the perfect occasion to give it a try.

Ingredients

• Sophie and Benedict Green Tea

• Fresh basil leaf

• 4 oz water

• 1/2 tsp Bridgerton honey (or preferred sweetener)

• Splash of cranberry juice

• Squeeze of one lime wedge

Steep the tea with the basil leaf for three minutes, then remove both the tea bag and basil. Pour the brewed tea into a shaker with ice, add the honey, cranberry juice, and lime, and shake until chilled.

We made one small adjustment: no fresh basil at our local grocery store, so we used dried basil and strained it through a fine sieve.

Where splashing and squeezing are involved, feel free to adjust to your own taste.

Ingredients for the Love in Bloom Mocktail includes The Republic of Tea's Sophie & Benedict tea

I served this mocktail to a small gathering before our pre‑Bridgerton viewing, and it received an enthusiastic, unanimous thumbs‑up.

The mocktail is a delightful blend of sweet and fruity flavors anchored by the basil and tea to give it a balanced taste that's full-bodied and satisfying. 

While Sophie’s identity may remain a mystery, we’re more than ready to unmask our enthusiasm for this delicious Bridgerton‑inspired tea mocktail.

Cheers to the latest Bridgerton romance (and yes, we'll clink to that! 😉).

***********************************

We've enjoyed many of The Republic of Tea's Bridgerton collection, starting with the Duke and I. See Tuesday Tea and Tomes: The Duke and I, the first in the Bridgerton series with its own tea.

Clink-bait: Has Toasting Etiquette Gone Too Far?

To clink or not to clink: Experts weigh in on proper toasting manners.

I'm a clinker, but a recent etiquette update had me questioning my toasting traditions. Fanning the flames of controversy,  a few near and dear millennials also challenged the drink-but-no-clink twist. 

In December, Good Housekeeping published “14 Common Etiquette Mistakes That Could Be Making a Bad Impression,” and nestled among them was the shocker under: “Clinking Glasses.” The magazine interviewed an etiquette consultant (not me — still waiting for that call), who advised that after a toast, one should refrain from clinking. Even the article’s author had to admit, “this is a surprising one.”

The etiquette expert defended her position, stating the dinner host may be serving their best glassware. As she put it, "you don't want to spill your drink on their nice linens from thrusting your cup around, and you certainly don't want to chip or shatter your host's fine glasses".

In our first Barb's Tea Service's Podcast this year, we challenged our special guests, sons Rob and Matt, to an etiquette quiz based on the Good Housekeeping article. Most questions were answered correctly or with good natured acceptance. That is, until the question to clink or not to clink came up. Both young men were certain a tap was customary and appropriate. When told not anymore and why, we were faced with not only incredulity but defiance. No clinking? They were as surprised as the article's author.

Brothers Gulley, Matt and Rob, challenge the no-clink toasting rule.

The link to the controversial etiquette quiz sneak peek: BTS Podcast 62:  

Rob argued that the no‑clink reasoning was highly situational — relevant only when someone is hosting with their finest crystal and heirloom linens. This update, he felt, was far too particular to apply to all celebratory occasions. Necessary refinement or headline grabber? Dare we say… clink‑bait?

I’m all for respecting the moment and adjusting behavior to the setting. But for most toasts, I remain firmly “team clink.” My philosophy — though I understand not shared by all — is to use the “good stuff” whenever you can. And if a piece meets an untimely end, well, better to go out with a clang than a whimper. 

It's important to note that there are other schools of thought on clinking from other schools of etiquette. For example, the New York School of Etiquette provides allowances for this toasting practice. Per their guidance, in certain circles, clinking is frowned upon at formal dinner parties, however, "if others are clinking, by all means clink. . ."

They do add, however, that it is not necessary to clink with everyone at the table. One can simply clink with the person to the right and then with the person your left.

Still, an informal data gathering of clinking opinions on social media found there does exist a great deal of concern that clinking can lead to breaking. Who are all these heavy-handed clinkers?

At BTS, we're enthusiastic toasters with family and friends, often clinking with folks we see regularly, just to underline how happy we are to spend time with them - and the clink, that's the exclamation point to bring the sentiment home.

Rethinking the clinking? Unless you are a participating in a toast to show your feats of strength, as in Festivus, we'll say, take a pass, but for the rest of us, clink with no fuss.

☕☕☕☕☕☕☕🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷☕☕☕☕☕☕☕☕☕

For more on toasting etiquette, see Section 2, "Toasting" in Barb Tea Service Twelve Etiquette Essentials Formal Dining and Tea Time or

BTS Podcast 3, Chris explains the origins of the "toast", start at the 18:00 minute mark.

For the entire BTS Podcast 62, view here at: Barbs Tea Service Ep62: Special guests, Rob and Matt Gulley take the Etiquette Quiz Challenge

Home Bakery scores again with breakthrough Detroit Lions life-size cakes!

Home Bakery scores again with Lions superheroes, St. Brown and Gibbs

 

Once again, Home Bakery scores big with a life‑size cake tribute to our beloved Detroit Lions. Last year’s sweet sensation featured Amon‑Ra St. Brown in his iconic headstand during the matchup with the Green Bay Packers. This year’s inspired window display brings St. Brown back—this time joined by teammate Jahmyr Gibbs in their unforgettable “Superman–Spiderman” pose after a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The scene is made even more dramatic by St. Brown’s hand appearing to burst right through the bakery’s picture window.

As we shared in last January’s blog, Lions Take the Cake, the creative force behind these lifelike confections is owner and master cake artist Heather Tocco.

Chris having a life altering experience at Home Bakery

According to the Detroit Free Press last week, the superhero‑sized edible sculptures required 24 bakers and artists and a combined 400 hours to complete. Built entirely in‑house, the wide receiver and running back are crafted from eight cases of Rice Krispies Treats, four sheet cakes, 65 pounds of fondant, and a whole lot of buttercream.

Tocco noted that “something as simple as a window could bring strangers together, spark conversations and create joy.”

Kronut sporting Detroit Lion's colors paired with True Blue Oolong from Harney Teas

And, just like last year, we found even more joy inside. This time, we discovered the Kronut—decked out in the Lions’ colors, Honolulu Blue and white. The pastry is made from deep‑fried croissant dough, filled with vanilla bean cream, and finished with a vanilla bean glaze. It claims to be “life‑changing” and “mind‑altering,” and after sampling it, we have to agree.

Back home, we paired our treat with the perfectly named True Blue Oolong from Harney Teas. Its hue matches our hometown team, and its name matches our sentiment. Though the Lions didn’t make the playoffs this year, our loyalty hasn’t wavered. We remain true blue—and hopeful for a future, life‑changing Super Bowl.

Home Bakery is located at 300 South Main Street in downtown Rochester. 

Tuesday Tea and Tomes: Astor - Anderson Cooper delves into another Gilded Age Dynasty

Astor, Anderson Cooper's follow up to Vanderbilt: a compelling mix of known and little known stories.

 

Astor is the second book co‑written by journalist Anderson Cooper chronicling the rise and fall of an American dynasty with Gilded Age notoriety. His first, Vanderbilt, (see our review Vanderbilt, BTS blog November, 2021) explored the clan he knows firsthand as the son of Gloria Vanderbilt and the great‑great‑great‑grandson of Cornelius Vanderbilt, who launched the family fortune in shipping and railroads. For his follow‑up, Cooper turns his attention to the Astors, revealing—much as he did in Vanderbilt—how early generations amassed staggering wealth through drive and ambition, only for later heirs to tarnish, squander, or simply misplace their silver spoons.

Although I knew the broad Astor arc—from John Jacob Astor’s late‑18th‑century fur‑trade and real‑estate empire to his daughter‑in‑law’s dominance of Gilded Age society - I didn't know much beyond the tragic death of John Jacob Astor IV on the Titanic and the subsequent decline of the family's prominence. 

As with Vanderbilt, Cooper and his writing partner, Katherine Howe, present old and new Astor lore in a readable, entertaining style, complete with tantalizing tangents and bits of trivia.

A brief tour through the Astor saga:

• William Backhouse Astor Sr., son of the original John Jacob, married Margaret Livingston Armstrong and had ten children, including the industrious JJ Jr. and William Backhouse Jr.—the latter a noted partier and husband of the formidable Caroline Astor.

• William and Margaret’s first daughter, Emily—grandmother of the “Astor orphans”—was named for Emily St. Aubert, the heroine of Ann Radcliffe’s gothic novel The Mysteries of Udolpho. (BTS note: Austen enthusiasts will recall that another devoted reader of Udolpho is Catherine Morland of Northanger Abbey.)

Rachel outside Waldorf Astoria 2015

Rachel inside the Waldorf Astoria

   


     

• The Waldorf‑Astoria Hotel began as a somewhat reluctant partnership between cousins William Waldorf “Will” Astor and John Jacob “Jack” Astor IV. Originally two separate hotels on Thirty‑Fourth Street—now the site of the Empire State Building—the Waldorf‑Astoria moved to its current Park Avenue location in 1931. My daughter Rachel and I stayed there in 2015, before its most recent renovation, back when it didn’t take an Astor‑level savings account to spend the night. (See BTS blog Adoring the Waldorf Astoria, August, 2015)

The bronze clock in Waldorf Astoria lobby.

• Jack Astor had one son with his first wife: Vincent Astor. Vincent married three times but had no children. His third wife, Brooke Astor, became a legendary socialite who lived to 105 and remained in the headlines right up to her death in 2007. Her son from her first marriage was later convicted of elder abuse and imprisoned in his eighties.

Condensing more than 250 years of family drama into just over 250 pages is no small feat, but Cooper and Howe manage it with style. They deliver a fascinating narrative about a name that still evokes good manners, old money, and impeccable taste. Cooper even closes with a pop‑culture wink: the Muppets’ elderly balcony critics, Statler and Waldorf.

Waldorf with Statler

At our "box", emulating Astors (or Muppets)

                  

It’s a compelling tale of ambition, greed, society, aspiration, and tragedy. Like HBO’s Succession, it isn’t always comfortable to witness—but it’s even harder to look away.

💵💵💵💵💵💵💵💵💵💵💵💵💵💵💵💵💵💵

Ironically, I purchased this book, about the, at one time, richest folks in America, first published in 2023, this month while thrifting with my son and daughter-in-law. With the list price of $32.99 displayed on its mint-condition book jacket, a green sticker add-on boasted a mark-down cost of only $4.00. Bonus:  green sticker items were half-off on the day of our visit. Buying a book about billionaires for less than a cup of hot tea, priceless!

Celery Vases: Trending antique for 2026 and our latest thrifting treasure

Celery vase: a thrifting trending treasure

 

We’ve long adored vintage table accoutrements—most notably salt cellars and knife rests—so when a recent House Beautiful headline announced that an antique glass vase was making a comeback and turning up in thrift stores, it might as well have read, “Barb Gulley, these are for you!”

No question about it: celery vases are our newest passion. They’re trending for all the reasons BTS loves—renewed interest in classic entertaining, a growing enthusiasm for conversation‑starting antiques, and the irresistible thrill of thrifting.

In a stroke of secondhand serendipity, just last week, while scouring shops on Michigan’s east side with my son Matt and daughter‑in‑law Jenna, I found my very first celery vase at only our second stop. At the unbelievable price of $9.99, I struck thrifting gold with this pressed‑glass beauty. I’m still researching its origins—though it resembles several examples in my newly purchased celery‑vase reference book, the exact details remain a mystery.

Celery Vase reference book  - many photos resemble thrifting treasure.

But what distinguishes a celery vase from a familiar flower vase or goblet? The elegant celery urn is typically a tall (6–9 inches), cut or pressed glass vessel with a pedestal base, fluted rim, and intricate decorative pattern.

Like salt cellars, celery vases were once the showpieces for an everyday item that was anything but everyday. These vessels held celery—a vegetable that now humbly appears on crudité platters but was once scarce, expensive, and a true status symbol.

In the 1800s, celery was difficult and costly to grow. Those with discretionary income not only purchased the prized stalks for dinner parties but also needed a suitably impressive container to display their conspicuous consumption.

Enter the celery vase.

They became so desirable that they were often given as wedding gifts, sometimes engraved with the newlyweds’ names.

However, like salt cellars, celery vases lost their appeal when the product they were designed to hold became less expensive and more accessible. But after decades tucked away in the backs of china cabinets, they’re enjoying a revival. While thrifting has made them accessible at an average cost of $25–$35, some examples command far higher prices.

Engraved celery vases from the early 19th century have sold for $2,000–$5,000. And a particularly special pair—created for William Henry Harrison’s 1840 presidential campaign and featuring both a log cabin and an American flag—sold for over $10,000 in 2021.

Celery vases - the trending antique for 2026!

My own celery vase is far more modest than those storied pieces, but it’s still a treasure, and wonderfully versatile. House Beautiful suggests using one as a candle votive, flower vase, candy container, or home‑bar accent.

And of course, one can always fill it with celery

That's a wrap! Starting the new year and looking back at the old.

A milestone year for Jane Austen and a busy one for BTS!

Last week, we were back in the studio for our 62nd podcast—and our first of 2026. We welcomed two very special guests, our sons Rob and Matt, and spent the episode sharing tea experiences and testing the young lads on etiquette. (To watch the full episode, visit our YouTube channel: Barb’s Tea Service – YouTube.)

As we look ahead to the new year, we're pausing for a moment to reflect on everything we accomplished in 2025. It was a wonderfully busy year for Barb’s Tea Service, and we’re grateful to have shared it with both old friends and new.

BTS 2025 Year-in-Review

We hit the big 60-plus-one mark in Podcasts (34 for the year)

BTS' first podcast of the year featured special guests, The Gulley Brothers

This year marked our one-year podcast anniversary, our 50th episode, and—just last month—our 60th. We also received the Podcast Spirit Award from ONTV Studios. Many thanks to our special guests: Rob, Matt, Jenna, and Cara. And an extra-special shout-out to fellow podcasters Rik and Carol for surprising us on our 60th episode!

We’ve been told that if we reach 100 episodes, ONTV will commemorate the milestone with a movie-style poster to hang in the studio halls. (That's only 38 more to go!)

13 Tea Events

Barb with BTS team members extraordinaire: Rob and Pam

We were just shy of a record-breaking year, with events taking us from Florida to both the east and west coasts of Michigan. Of our baker’s dozen:

• 6 Downton Abbey

• 2 Gilded Age

• 2 Chocolate-and-tea pairings (double yum!)

• 2 Jane Austen

• 1 Tea Customs Around the World

Our travels took us from Great Lake to Great Lake—Port Huron to St. Joseph—then back to our hometowns of Birmingham and Bloomfield. We also added miles driving to Wyandotte, Ann Arbor, Chesterfield, Commerce, Lyon Township, Sterling Heights, and Addison Township.

Kudos to Rob and Pam, who assisted and brought their A-game to these Tea-events.

14 Substack Articles

Matthew McFadden, Mr. Darcy in P & P movie, 2005: a popular post

 

We joined Substack in 2025 and plan to carve out more time this year for additional posts. We covered many favorite topics—Jane Austen, the Gilded Age—and even ventured into contemporary curiosities, such as wedding nuptials officiated by a mayonnaise mascot. (Our most popular Substack post: a review of the three most popular film adaptations of Price and Prejudice. For that article and more, find us on Substack @barbaragulley Barbara Gulley | Substack)

72 Blog Stories

ABB - always be blogging. Celery vases next riveting blog! 

This total ties our busiest year ever (2023). We hoped to squeeze in one more tea-time tale before the new year, but holidays and birthdays won that battle. So we’re throwing down the gauntlet for 2026: at least 73 stories. With a whiteboard full of upcoming topics—celery vases included—we show no signs of slowing down or filtering for only the “compelling.”

1 TeaTime Feature

Austen article in TeaTime  penned by your humble BTS blogger

We wrapped up the year with the November/December issue of TeaTime, which included our article on the Jane Austen exhibit at Manhattan’s Morgan Library—a fitting finale for Austen’s milestone birthday celebration.

4 Presidential Homes (and a Bonus!)

Presidential homes tour inspired me to throw my hat in the ring.

One of our 2025 resolutions was to visit at least two presidential homes or libraries. The beauty of a modest goal is the opportunity to overachieve. By March, we had doubled our target.

• February: Jimmy Carter’s childhood home (Plains, GA), James K. Polk’s home (Columbia, TN), and Abraham Lincoln’s boyhood site (Knob Creek, KY)

• March: Rutherford B. Hayes home (Fremont, OH)

• October bonus: Teddy Roosevelt Inaugural Site in Buffalo, complete with the newly installed talking Teddy hologram

Inspired by all these POTUS places, I also tossed my hat into the presidential campaign ring. Our slogan: More tea in every pot!

2 Frank Lloyd Wright Homes (in under a month)

Tea ceremony at FLW home in Bloomfield Hills

Setting up wedding reception FLW in WI

Not on our 2025 Bingo card, but a delightful surprise. The highlight was a Frank Lloyd Wright home in Wisconsin, where we celebrated our son and daughter-in-law’s wedding reception. Three weeks later, daughter, Rachel, and I were back home participating in a Japanese tea ceremony at Cranbrook's own FLW abode. Nothing wrong with a lot of Wright (or, dare I say, two Wrights don't make a wrong).

2 Jane Austen Out-of-Town Excursions

Austen exhibit NYC's Morgan Library

Jane Austen festival in Cincinnati

This summer, we attended the first Jane Austen Festival in Sharonville, Ohio (just north of Cincinnati). Picking up where the Louisville JASNA chapter left off, the weekend brought back “Dressing Mr. Darcy” and afternoon tea. A bonus: location is conveniently close to my sister-in-law and fellow Austen enthusiast, making travel and lodging most agreeable.

Two weeks later, we were in New York for the Jane Austen exhibit at the Morgan Library. And yes, I’m going to say it: It is a truth universally acknowledged that, to be of good fortune, a single Austen event must be in want of another.

Celery vases, a peek at the excitement in store for 2026!

Last year brought a treasure trove of memorable activities, events, travels, recordings, and writings. We hope to raise the bar even higher in the new year—so hold on to your celery vases and, as we love to say at Barb’s Tea Service, please stay tuned.