Tea from China at Baldwin Library: Great event and featured in the Observer, too!

Baldwin Library  Everyone's Reading Shanghai Girls & t BTS presents Tea from China

As part of the  Everyone's Reading 2016 program, which features the book, "Shanghai Girls" by Lisa See, Baldwin Public Library is hosting a number of events celebrating this captivating book. On March 13, Barb's Tea Service presented "Tea from China" as part of this community program. 

A reporter from the Observer was also in attendance and wrote a great article about the event in this week's edition:  Try Chinese Tea at Everyone's Reading.  We'll be presenting the same program at the Canton Library next month. 

Rachel & Pam brew the teas for tasting, and Taylor assists with set-up.

Our presentation on the history of tea included a demonstration of the Chinese tea ceremony in addition to a samping of four Chinese teas. Our expert brewers, Rachel and Pam, prepared and served the tea and Taylor assisted in set-up.

Three of the four teas sampled came from Socra Tea in Detroit

Three of the four teas came from Socra Tea in Detroit:  milky jade oolong, dragon well and keemun. We enjoyed sampling these delicious teas as much as our guests!

Barb with Maria Williams, Head of Adult Services

We displayed Chinese teaware, including the curious clay baby, which has a novel way of indicating when the water is warm enough for tea.

We were special guests of Maria Williams, Head of Adult Services at Baldwin Library and honored to be part of the Everyone's Reading program.

Barb's Tea Service Team:  Rachel, Pam and Barb

Barb's Tea Service had a wonderful time with a great turnout at Baldwin Library.

We look forward to seeing everyone at the Canton Library April 17th for more Tea from China!

Count down to Downton Abbey Series Finale: End of an Era, but still more to celebrate with Barb's Tea Service

The doors to Downton Abbey will close tonight, but we'll leave the light on for you.

The grand doors of Downton Abbey will close for the last time tonight when the series finale of the Masterpiece period drama airs tonight. Downton Abbey enthusiasts -  ourselves included -  have anticipated this with mixed feelings. Anxious and hopeful for some happy endings, it nonetheless will be sad to see the Crawleys and their downstairs staff leave our Sunday evenings forever.

But, maybe not!

Tonight may bring some closure to some of the characters' lives (oh my gosh, will Edith ever find lasting happiness??), but aside from that, true Downton Abbey fans will keep the story going in their hearts, their travels, and their desire to celebrate this tour de force with other DA devotees.

Rachel is ready to snap wedding photos at St. Mary's/St. Michael's

For your season finale tea party, The Detroit Free Press' (March 5)  article 'Say Good-bye to Downton Abbey with a proper afternoon tea', includes tips and a few quotes from Barb's Tea Service.

Aside from tonight, there's still more in the way of celebrating Downton Abbey. Barb's Tea Service has a record fifteen events on the books from January to May, and ten of those are Downton Abbey-inspired.

We kicked the year off at the Southfield Library with our Downton Abbey afternoon tea in January. This was followed by three events at Meadow Brook Hall  and one at the Addison Library (see last blog story) in February.

Rachel holding a picture of our visit to the real DA at MBH

The teas at Meadow Brook Hall were especially fun as Rachel-Rose was able to participate in one and family and friends came out to join us, including my cousins, Dianne, Kathy and Karri and tea friends Phyllis Barkey and Lori.

But wait, there's more!

In March, we'll be in Gaylord at the Otsego County Library with our Downton Abbey-inspired presentation. In April, we're back at the Townsend Hotel and two days later,  Walled Lake Public Library.

Back at the Townsend in April!

Then, we pack up our suitcases in May and we'll be at the Schoolcraft Library on the west side of Michigan, followed by fun afternoon at Sweet D's Tea Room in Linden. (Check out barbsteaservice.com for all updates!)

Having tea at Highclere with our Highclere tea mugs, of course!

In the meantime, sit back, get the tea kettle on, reserve a box of tissue, and spend a fun-filled two hours this evening saying a fond farewell to our favorite aristocrats and their charming staff.

Cheers to all our fellow Downton Abbey devotees!

Downton Abbey-inspired afternoon tea at Addison Township Library

Jaema Berman, Library Director (middle) with Rachel and Barb of BTS

With record-high temps last Saturday, a warm welcome to our Downton Abbey-inspired afternoon tea at Addison Township Public Library took on an additional meaning. Library Director, Jaema Berman, invited Barb's Tea Service to present last weekend and we were delighted to see such a wonderful turnout, with many guests wearing attire of the Downton Abbey period.

DA tea at Addison Twp library, with outdoor temps as warm as the tea 

Addison Township Public Library is located on Rochester Road across the street from Lakeville Lake. A scenic setting in Leonard, Michigan, the window views are charming whether you are looking inside or out. The staff had the sills of the large windows filled with tea-themed vignettes, including an adorable frog and turtle tea party set upon a table made from books.

Our library connections, Anita and Carol, holding prized tea cups, with Pam of BTS

Our friends, Anita K. and Carol D. were our Addison Library connections and they both participated - and won - beautiful tea cups in the silent auction that was also part of the Downton Abbey tea event. BTS member, Pam, (our logistics tour de force) joined in for a cuppa after we concluded the program.

Guests arriving at Downton Abbey afternoon tea at the library

While the stuffed animals enjoyed their tea parties on the window sills, BTS set up their tea service, (featuring the Republic of Teas, Downton Abbey teas), in a cozy corner of the library.

Setting up our tea table with Downton Abbey teas

Rachel-Rose stands center stage to introduce teas being served.

After the presentation and tea, guests were given some extra time for picture taking with a selection of the library's decorative doors as a backdrop.

Carolyn, Barb and Deb in 1920's attire.

Guests Carolyn and Deb joined me for a photo shoot with our 1920's attire. If we changed the tone to sepia, who would guess it's 2016?

Carolyn in Deb, 1925 or 2016?

Another group of attendees donned tiaras. Note, they correctly did not add feathers or high comb - a fashion faux pas of the day.

Ladies donning tiaras only, no fashion faux pas here!

Most of the items in the silent auction were tea cups donated by a library patron. It was an absolutely exequisite collection, and, yes, most assuredly, BTS put in a bid. Good fortune again came to us as we won the bid for our Paragon tea cup.

A beautiful day enhanced by Spring-like weather, delightful guests, amazing library and librarians and all new and old friends of BTS!

Apres tea, lunch at nearby  Celtic Knot

Winding down Downton Days at Meadow Brook: Three Tuesday Teas in February

Downton Days at Meadow Brook Hall - perfect venue for a DA tea

Meadow Brook Hall is hosting  a series of "Downton Days" events this month and Barb's Tea Service presented at three Downton Abbey-inspired afternoon teas which concluded this week.

Presenting in the dining room, Barb, in  Edwardian tea dress, with Rachel-Rose  

I enjoyed every single tea, but my absolute favorite was the second presentation where my daughter Rachel was able to join me as "Rachel-Rose". In addition, my cousins were in attendance on that day, and it was great to have them there as part of the Downton Days celebration.

In the front, my cousins, Dianne, Kathy and Karri with new friends.

My cousin, Karri, snapped some great shots with her smart phone, some of which I have posted here.

Entrance to Meadow Brook Hall

In the grand hall next to the fireplace

Rachel-Rose showing the Lady's Maid dress

All of the guests reported the afternoon tea fare was delicious and we could see it was artfully presented.

Delicious tea fare artfully presented.

At each tea, many guests wore fancy hats and some came attired in full vintage dress. These lovely ladies expertly captured the 1920's with their beautiful gowns and accessories.

Vicky, Nicole and Jennifer captured the Roaring 20's.

The first tea took place on a snowy, chilly afternoon (see top picture) in early February, but for the following consecutive Tuesdays, the weather got a little nicer each time. On the last tea, it was mild and sunny outside (bottom picture). Of course, the temperature inside was always warm and cozy with a blazing fire in the fireplace and plenty of hot, delicious tea being served.

Warm & sunny afternoon, nicer weather and a new DA episode to look forward to!

We were thrilled to be part of Downton Days at Meadow Brook. Although the our Downton Abbey-inspired teas have concluded, we have a lot of great memories, new friends, renewed acquaintances and another episode of Downton Abbey to hold on to!

(More Meadow Brook tea stories to come in upcoming blog stories!)

Tea in the 'D' at Socra Tea

Today, when I stopped  into one of my favorite tea rooms, Socra Tea, I was greeted with a delightful surprise. "Michigan Tea Rooms', my new book, was displayed front and center in the bookcase, keeping company with Fortnum and Mason's tea guide and Manual Del Sommelier de Te. I always feel at home at Socra Tea, so it was such a treat to see "Michigan Tea Rooms" looking equally comfortable in its environs.

Breakfast in the D with the family

After a flurry of tea events these past few weeks -   Eleanor Roosevelt tea at the Townsend, Downton Days at Meadow Brook and Downton Abbey-inspired afternoon tea at the Addison Library (all of which will be featured in upcoming blog stories!) -  today was scheduled for fun times with the family in the "D. Of course, it had to include a trip to Socra Tea for hot cup of our favorite beverage.

We also stocked up on some great teas for our upcoming Chinese tea tasting in March.

After a few pots of tea, we purchased some tea for home and tea tastings. Rachel also bought a lovely watercolor of the state of Michigan. Socra Tea sells teapots and accessories as well as an amazing collection of artwork.

Whenever we're in Detroit, we stop for tea at this cozy venue on Garfield near Woodward. Meg P., co-owner of Socra Tea, says there's more new teas coming soon. There's always something brewing at Socra Tea and, whenever it's tea, it's delicious!

We're Up with Downton! More Downton Abbey-inspired teas all over Michigan!!

Looking forward to seeing you at our next Downton Abbey-inspired tea!

We're baaaaaack . . .  with Downton Abbey-themed teas for 2016 and we're coming to your neighborhood soon!

We started the new year at Southfield Public Library with our first DA-inspired tea of 2016. This month we have three Downton Days tea talks at Meadow Brook Hall. Although the Meadow Brook teas are all sold out, do not despair. There's plenty more Downton Abbey tea events featuring Barb's Tea Service and we're traveling all over Michigan from Addison Township to Gaylord in February and March, respecitvely. After our journey north, we'll be back home in Birmingham and Walled Lake in April. The following month, we'll travel to Schoolcraft (near Kalamazoo) and Linden. We hope you will come to one of these teas and join us for some DA fun!

Visit in 2015 to the "downstairs" life at Meadow Brook, this year we're part of  Downton Days tea 

Saturday, February 20th, we'll be at Addison Township Public Library.  The Downton Abbey-inspired tea starts at 1:00.  Rachel and Pam will be welcoming guests with delicious hot tea.

Pam and Rachel brew and serve Downton Abbey teas

Check out our schedule on Barb's Tea Service's  BTS upcoming events page for our events from February through May all over Michigan.

Hope to see you soon wherever you are in the Mitten State. We'll keep the DA lights on for you!

Tea History at Troy Historic Village: Sharing tea with old and new friends

Sharing a cup of tea with Stephanie Suszek, Adult Programs Director

This past Thursday, Barb's Tea Service presented "Tea History and Etiquette" inside the Old Troy Church at the Troy Historic Village to a wonderful group of attendees.  We were delighted to meet new friends as well as see so many familiar faces.

A variety of teas served with style

Guests enjoyed a wide selection of teas, displayed beautifully and served with style.

Tasty treats with a Valentine Day theme

In addition to tea, a variety of tasty treats were presented with a Valentine Day theme.

Stephanie Suszek introduces  the program

A special thanks to Stephanie Suszek, Adult Programs Director, for extending the invitation to speak last Fall. This is Barb's Tea Service's third time presenting at Troy Historic Village and it's always an honor and pleasure to be part of this special venue. A true treasure in our neighborhood.

Mary Ann and co. recognize the Althorpe tea caddy

The ladies in the front row, including Mary Ann H., immediately recognized my reproduction tea caddy from the Althorpe collection, home decor inspired by furnishings of the Spencer estate. Mary Ann and company also attended the afternoon tea at Scott Shuptrine two years ago when Lord Spencer paid a visit to Royal Oak. I interviewed Lord Spencer and also Mary Ann for the Examiner. (See also . . . Tea with Lord Spencer).  Great to reconnect with these lovely ladies as well as Kathy B. who was in attendance and had invited me to speak at one of her church's Tranquil Teas back in 2010.

Guests share a bit of tea currency from her own collection

At the end of the program, one guest brought a reproduction of tea currency to show. It was a very interesting piece from her own collection. Thanks for sharing!

We also raffled off two of our "Michigan Tea Rooms" books and  were thrilled to sell and autograph several more to the event attendees.

Thanks to all who came out last week for the Troy Historic Village's Thursday Teas at Two!


We have a very busy February, March and April coming up. Please check out our upcoming events page on our website, barbsteaservice.com  Hope to see you soon!