One for the Book(s) - BTS year in review

Our visit to Highclere in Jan/Feb issue of Tea Time

Our new book is out and available for purchase!

 *Feeling Thankful* This has been a record year of events for Barb's Tea Service as well as a banner time for being published. We also traveled to New York, England and Ohio to visit, among other amazing venues, the St. Regis Hotel, Highclere Castle and, on everyone's must-see list, the childhood home of President Taft.

First DA tea of 2015 at White Lake Library with librarian Denise Harris-Fiems

We kicked off the year at the White Lake Township Public Library for our first Downton Abbey-inspired tea of 2015. Despite the very chilly evening temps, the event room was filled and librarian Denise Harris-Fiems served up tea that warmed our hearts as well as our fingers and toes.

Downton Abbey-inspired afternoon tea at Baldwin Library

The first full weekend in February, we presented a Downton Abbey-inspired afternoon tea at the Baldwin Public Library in Birmingham to a "sold out" crowd, attendance maxed out to the number of seats available. Rachel-Rose served Republic of Tea herbals and black tea blends to a crowd of over 60. We were also featured in the next edition of the Birmingham Eccentric along with librarian Kathryn Bergeron. 

Downton Abbey-inspired afternoon tea covered in Birmingham Eccentric

Valentine's Day Tea Etiquette corporate event at the Townsend Hotel

Valentine's Day we presented a tea etiquette program for a private corporate event at the Townsend Hotel in Birmingham. Our favorite luxury tea room, the tea lobby was set to perfection and ready for us once again. The guests were a fantastic group and we were honored to share the holiday with them. Back home, we had some additional treats waiting from us from the "home team".

Something sweet waiting for us from the "home team".

In February, we took a trip down below at Meadow Brook Hall to see how the "other half" lived in the early 1900's as part of the historic home's program, "A Servant's Life". It's an interesting tour of the staff's quarters and a peak into their daily routines. As potential employees, we were tested on how to set a proper place setting. (Not as easy at one might think!)

Meadow Brook's "A Servant's Life" was very informative

 In April we were back presenting at the Townsend, but this time for an elegant Downton Abbey-inspired tea. The tea lobby was set in the fashion of the Crawley dining room and many of the guests complimented the setting by donning period dress.

Downton Abbey elegant tea at the Townsend

Mid-April we headed north to Light of Day in Traverse City and took in a class given by the tea farm's owner, Angela Macke. We brought back some matcha for our next tea event.

Light of Day class presented by owner Angela Macke

That tea event was for the "What's Cooking" series held at the West Bloomfield Library. I was invited by Loretta Harris, my good friend of many years (going as far back as junior high -you creative types can do the math) and a member of one of the library's event committees. It was a Tea 101, covering tea history and etiquette, as well as a tea tasting of four different types of tea. Over 70 guests attended and it was a wonderful evening with old and new friends.

Tea History  Etiquette at WB Library with longtime amigo, Loretta H.

Rachel starts the steeping for the tea tasting at the West Bloomfield Library

In May, we continued our annual Mother's Day tradition of the family gathering at Goldfish Tea in Royal Oak. We were sad to find out just this week, that this  lovely tea venue will be closing its doors permanently the end of January. (But folks in the Detroit area, take advantage of some great sales going on now). After eight years in business, it had a tremendous run and will be greatly missed.

Mother's Day tea at Goldfish a yearly tradition with the family

 End of July/beginning of August, we were on the road and spent four days in New York. This mini-vacation included a stay at the Waldorf-Astoria,  afternoon tea at the St. Regis Hotel and  a trip to Hyde Park to see not only the Roosevelt home and library, but a tour of the Vanderbilt mansion. The latter was the "frugal" sibling - obviously!

Afternoon tea at the St. Regis Hotel

A toast at our hotel, the  Waldorf Astoria

Entrance to the "conservative" Vanderbilt estate

The Roosevelt Home at Hyde Park

In September, we journeyed across the pond for a week in England. Highlights (although, they were all highlights!) were afternoon tea at Claridge's and The Wolseley, Highclere Castle/Bampton Village, and Buckingham Palace.

Afternoon tea at Claridge's

Tea time at Highclere Castle

More tea at The Wolseley

Buckingham Palace

The Friday after our trip to England, I presented a Tea History and Etiquette program at the Clarkston Independence Township Public Library. The librarians turned their event space into a lovely tea room and provided deliciously brewed tea and homemade scones.

Tea presentation at the Clarkston Independence Library. Attendees were a delight.

The end of September, we presented an Eleanor Roosevelt tea at an event co-sponsored by the Townsend Hotel and the Baldwin Library. What a delightful group of guests! One simply can't go wrong with Townsend tea fare served up with a bit of inspirational history.

Eleanor Roosevelt Tea at The Townsend Hotel

October saw us on the road once again - this time a weekend trip in our car to Cincinnati. We combined business with pleasure, meeting up with extended family and partaking in some historical sites, including the aforementioned Taft museum. We also made a stop at Essencha, a charming, tranquil tea house that provided a bit of needed rejuvenation for the car ride back home.

Rejuvenating at Essencha tea house in Cincinnati

Taft museum - who knew it was only a day trip away?

Mid October, we served up tea and an etiquette program for a local charity, hosted in a beautiful home in Bloomfield Hills. Lovely ladies and a special cause - providing college scholarships for young women.

We wrapped our tea event season as a participant of "Michigan Tea Week". We were thrilled to be partnered with Socra Tea, an absolutely awesome tea room in the heart of Detroit's cultural center. We presented "What is Tea" and Socra Tea's co-owner, Meg Provenzino, served up several amazingly delicious teas for guests to sample.

Getting ready for the event at Socra Tea

The end of the year, we were delighted to see our article on Highclere Castle and interview with Lady Carnarvon published in Tea Time Magazine's Jan/Feb issue. In December, we also completed our book, "Michigan Tea Rooms". (For those interested in purchasing a copy of the latter, check the link to Amazon or send us an email barb@barbsteashop.com for a personalized copy!)

What a year it has been and we are grateful to all those who supported and teamed up with us this year. We have met so many wonderful people and can't think of a a better community than those who come together over a cup of tea!

The new year is already off to a bang with  almost as many events in the first quarter as we had in all of 2015. Check our website's upcoming events and news page at barbsteaservice.com and come join us! We'd love to see you.

Happy New Year to all our Tea Friends! 

Michigan Tea Rooms: Our new book is now available!

We hope y'all had a wonderful Christmas - having a festive time with friends and family and getting everything on your wish list. If you didn't get our newly released "Michigan Tea Rooms" in your stocking, there's no need to worry - it is now available on Amazon! Check out the link:  Barb's Tea Service presents Michigan Tea Rooms.

Michigan Tea Rooms features twelve tea rooms ("Steeper by the Dozen") in the Mitten State, all that we have personally visited. The venues range from casual to luxurious and span the distance from the Keweenaw Peninsula to the heart of Detroit.

It includes upscale hotels, including the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, a Michigan tea farm (yes! tea is growing in this northern mid-west state) and a newly-minted tea room in the "D".  There's something for everyone and every taste.

We'll also be selling these books at upcoming events in 2016, so stay tuned. If you are looking for a signed or personalize copy, just send us a note.

We at Barb's Tea Service wish you a wonderful new year and all the comfort and joy that comes with a great cup of tea, whether in Michigan, US or across the pond!

Jan/Feb issue of Tea Time Magazine: Highclere Castle and interview with Lady Carnarvon written by Barbara Gulley of BTS

A Visit to the Real Downton Abbey features our interview with Lady Carnarvon

In honor of the kick-off to the final season of Downton Abbey in January, the latest issue of Tea Time Magazine features an article about  Highclere Castle and an interview with its countess in residence, Lady Carnarvon. We're excited to share that the article was written by the one who pens this blog and based on the Barb's-Tea-Service-duo's recent visit to Highclere in September.

Rachel walks the grounds of Highclere

Like many other Downton Abbey-ites, Rachel and I were thrilled to tour Highclere Castle a few months ago and walk the rooms shared by both the real and fictional families of this centuries-old abode, the Carnarvons and Crawleys, respectively.

Discover where Lady Carnarvon likes to have tea in this issue!

We were also delighted to interview Lady Carnarvon and get perspective on what it's like to have your home shared with the Downton Abbey cast and crew for a few months of the year.  In addition, we learned her favorite rooms at Highclere as well as where she likes to have tea on the estate.

Tea time on the grounds of Highclere

Like Lady Carnarvon, and channeling images of the Crawley ladies at an afternoon picnic, Rachel and I enjoyed a cup of tea on the grounds of Highclere after strolling through the very familiar rooms of the manse.

Barb's Tea Service, Michigan-based tea education business!

Just like a having friends over for tea, sharing this visit has made the experience even better! We are so very pleased to be part of this issue of Tea Time Magazine.

Highclere selfie with the Barb's-Tea-Service-Duo

We'll continue to share more in 2016. Check out our website at barbsteaservice.com. Go to the BTS upcoming events page. We have many Downton Abbey-inspired afternoon teas coming up!

Small Business Saturday spent at Antique Depot: My favorite shopping day of the season!

Rachel outside the Antique Depot in Lewiston

In between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, there's Small Business Saturday -  my favorite shopping day of the season. It serves as a great reminder to patronize the independent retailers in your town and the reward is the unexpected treasures you'll come across. Unlike the "doorbuster' merchandise that the Big Box stores advertise ahead of time, you won't always know what you'll see at the small, local shops - and that's half the fun. In honor of this designated shopping day, our afternoon was spent at the  Antique Depot,  our choice retailer in northern Michigan.

New Paragon tea cup among my treasures for the day

As we've noted in several of our blogs over the years, starting in 2010 (A short scenic trip. . . to the Antique Depot), we love coming to Lewiston, in northern Michigan,  to meet up with Deborah K, owner of the Antique Depot and view not only her latest merchandise, but her most current displays. Almost every visit is a new experience due to Deborah's keen eye for design. Tea cups, depression glass and crystal are artfully displayed among the antique furniture that anchors each room throughout the store. Other merchandise featured at the Antique Depot include vintage clothing, rustic knickknacks, and estate jewelry. There's a full inventory, but it's incredibly organized and sparkling clean.

Our treasure today was a beautiful pink rose Paragon tea cup that adds to my collection of that lovely English bone china. I also secured another gem, but that one I'll keep secret until after December 25th.

Hot cuppa in my "new" tea cup - a great way to unwind!

In the meantime, I'm keeping in the less hurried, more relaxing spirit of Small Business Saturday with a hot cup of tea in my new china cup. Small wonder why  SBS is my most favorite shopping day of the season!

Afternoon tea at St. Regis New York: Modern luxury with gilded age past

Rachel ready for afternoon tea at the St. Regis Hotel New York

A trip to New York in July was filled with ties to the Gilded Age, staying at the Waldorf Astoria, visiting the Vanderbilt mansion and afternoon tea at the St. Regis Hotel.

The Astor legacy still part of Manhattan

Inspired by these historic places, I am now reading up on the one per centers of the 19th century. "When the Astors Owned New York" by Justin Kaplan is an interesting, easy read about this family dynasty that were instrumental in creating the luxury hotel industry. John Jacob Astor IV built the St. Regis in 1904, seven years after the opening of the Astoria Hotel (later to be combined with his cousin's Waldorf Hotel).

Gilded moldings, muraled walls and crystal chandeliers keep the ties to the past

Afternoon tea at St. Regis has been on my wish list since 2007, when I took a one-on-one tea tour of Manhattan with Elizabeth Knight, former tea sommelier of this beautiful hotel. During the tour, we made a quick stop to view the tea lobby, but we didn't have time to partake in a full-blown afternoon tea.

Contemporary and vintage mix well with tasty treats and excellent service

It's been remodeled to a more contemporary decor since my last visit and looking just a little different than its photos in Bruce Richardson's, "The Great Tea Rooms of America",  it still has the familiar and elegant flourishes, with ties to its rich origins, such as the muraled walls, gilded moldings, and imposing crystal chandeliers.
Now the tables are covered in grey tablecloths with sleek, suede cushioned chairs in a matching hue. The table china is contemporary in design as well, white, glossy and unadorned except for the flowery-edged plates of the three-tier serving tray.

Savories include  tea sandwiches along with a mini quiche

But, of course, what makes the afternoon tea exceptional is the food and service and, in our experience, found both scored high. Savories came in a variety of offerings, including traditional tea sandwiches along with a mini quiche. 

Yummy scones were served with cream, lemon curd and jam.

Scones were delicious and served with cream, lemon curd and jam. Desserts were beautiful and tasty with an assortment of cookies, macarons, and chocolate treats.

Tealeaves was the tea that was used. We chose the St. Regis' house tea as well as the organic jasmine pearl. Both were brewed to perfection.

Tealeaves tea is served

Our waiters were most accommodating, bringing us the tea container for personal inspection when we asked about the tea, and sending us home with a St. Regis "doggie bag" of sweets and savory leftovers to be enjoyed later at our hotel.

Showcase exhibits photos from movies filmed at St.Regis

After tea, Rachel and I did a quick tour of the St. Regis, ending up (no surprise) in the gift shop. A showcase along one hallway exhibits photos from famous movies filmed at the hotel, including "The Godfather" and "The Devil Wears Prada".  We say, afternoon tea should receive top billing!

Enjoying afternoon tea at the St. Regis Hotel

Apres tea, going home with a sac de chien,

An afternoon tea at the St. Regis is a delightful blend of the past and present served up with delicious sweets and savories. Contemporary comfort with vintage flair, you'll feel among the top tier with tea at St, Regis.

Tea and Etiquette at Clarkston Independence District Library

Tables set with beautiful china cups and tea accoutrements

Just returning home from London on Labor Day weekend, the Friday of that same week,  I had the great pleasure of presenting "Tea and Etiquette" for a lovely seniors group at the Clarkston Independence District Library.  We had fifty guests in attendance and they were an absolutely fun and delightful  group.

Home baked scones and sweets were delicious.

Invited by Lawrence Marble, head of Adult Services, and aided by fellow librarians Jo Ann Andrews and Beth Grai, the afternoon tea was a beautiful event. And, Beth Grai not only served the tea, but baked the scones and desserts, which were delicious.

Festive place cards added an elegant touch to the table.

A real treat for me came after the program when I was extended an invitation to join the afternoon tea. Festive place cards at each place setting added an elegant touch to the tea tables. I found mine in a hurry!

I was seated with a lovely group of ladies.

I was seated at a table with Darlene Clarno, Kathie Ward and Joyce Mammen, a wonderful and interesting group of ladies.

Kudos to  Clarkston Independence District Library for transforming this venue into an elegant tea room and hosting such a great event!

Catching up: London, Highclere, New York and Cincinnati - (and some fun tea events in between!)

Hello!

Since August, we've traveled to New York, England (London, Oxford and Highclere!), Grand Rapids, Traverse City, Tampa, and, yes, to top it all off, Cincinnati, Ohio.  We visited five tea rooms, four presidential museums, three castles,  two bed and breakfasts (coincidentally, both named after famous generals) and interviewed one Countess.

Highclere Castle selfie, of course.

In the same time span, we also held four delightful tea events from Tea 101 to Eleanor Roosevelt and put the final touches on our new book (stay tuned!). We were thrilled to be presenters at Clarkston/Independence Township Library, the Townsend Hotel in Birmingham, a lovely home in Bloomfield Hills and Socra Tea in Detroit, the latter we journeyed to just  this past weekend to participate in - and celebrate - Michigan Tea Week.

Eleanor Roosevelt Afternoon Tea at the Townsend in Birmimgham

We're catching our breath and taking some time before 2016 to get up-to-date and, also, gear up for the holiday season (can it really be only 7 more Mondays until Christmas as the on-line news headlines cry out??!).

Getting ready for Tea 101 at Socra Tea in Detroit

Our plan here at our blog, is to get caught up and share some of these aforementioned visits and events with you!

Afternoon tea at Claridge's in London

From Claridge's in London to the Taft Museum in Cincinnati, it's been an amazing four months. If we could gain an extra hour every Sunday, like we did last weekend, we could even squeeze in more!

The Taft Museum in Cincinnati